A sauna backrest is a curved wooden board that leans against the wall or panel so you can sit back in comfort. In an infrared cabin it also keeps your back off the heating panel covers. A headrest does the same for your head when you lie on a bench.
This roundup scores six backrests and headrests sold on Amazon on what each listing states. Listings were collected 4 October 2026.
This article is informational and is not medical advice. Do not use a sauna if you are pregnant, have been drinking alcohol, or feel unwell. Speak to a doctor first if you have a heart condition or blood pressure problems. See our Medical Disclaimer.
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Quick picks
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1
DYNAMIC SAUNAS Canadian Hemlock S-Shaped Sauna Chill Score 9.6/10Check price on AmazonA pair of S-shaped Canadian hemlock backrests from an infrared sauna maker, made to lean against heating panels.
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2
Sauna Backrest Sauna Accessories Wooden Chill Score 9.6/10Check price on AmazonA low priced S-shaped pine backrest with non-slip pads and an open slat design, made to cover infrared panels.
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3
HSE Canadian Red Cedar Ergonomic S-Shape Sauna Chill Score 9.6/10Check price on AmazonAn S-shaped backrest made entirely of Canadian red cedar, 13.75 by 20.5 inches, for infrared panels and traditional benches.
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4
Northwood Sauna - Sauna Backrest Chill Score 9.6/10Check price on AmazonA handmade backrest of knotless Canadian red cedar with an S shape and non-slip pads, about 20.5 by 15.5 inches.
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5
Sauna Backrest Infrared Accessories Chill Score 9.6/10Check price on AmazonA bamboo backrest with a removable headrest pillow that adjusts to five heights, for barrel and infrared saunas.
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6
Bamboo Sauna Headrest Pillow Chill Score 9.5/10Check price on AmazonA flexible bamboo and wood sauna headrest pillow, 14 by 7.5 inches, sold with a felt sauna hat and a felt seat pad.
What we picked for home recovery
A pair of S-shaped Canadian hemlock backrests from an infrared sauna maker, made to lean against heating panels.
Pros & ConsViewHide
Pros
- Two backrests per pack
- Canadian hemlock, natural finish
- Made by a sauna maker for its own cabins
Cons
- Sized for Dynamic cabins, check others
- No dimensions stated
- No warranty stated
- Heavy for two, 8.58 lb
A low priced S-shaped pine backrest with non-slip pads and an open slat design, made to cover infrared panels.
Pros & ConsViewHide
Pros
- Lowest price per backrest here
- Non-slip pads
- Light at 0.77 kg
Cons
- Pine, not cedar or hemlock
- No dimensions stated
- No warranty stated
- Massage claim for the slats we discount
An S-shaped backrest made entirely of Canadian red cedar, 13.75 by 20.5 inches, for infrared panels and traditional benches.
Pros & ConsViewHide
Pros
- All Canadian red cedar, the classic sauna wood
- Dimensions stated, 13.75 x 20.5 in
- Light at 1.2 lb
Cons
- Single backrest at a cedar price
- No warranty stated
- Two pack costs nearly double
A handmade backrest of knotless Canadian red cedar with an S shape and non-slip pads, about 20.5 by 15.5 inches.
Pros & ConsViewHide
Pros
- Knotless red cedar, handmade
- Non-slip pads
- Dimensions stated
- Light at 1.59 lb
Cons
- Highest price for a single backrest
- No warranty stated
A bamboo backrest with a removable headrest pillow that adjusts to five heights, for barrel and infrared saunas.
Pros & ConsViewHide
Pros
- Headrest adjusts to five heights
- Removable pillow
- Supports head and back in one piece
Cons
- Bamboo, not a traditional sauna wood
- Heavy at 4.89 lb
- Ratings shared with a two pack
- Fatigue relief claims we discount
A flexible bamboo and wood sauna headrest pillow, 14 by 7.5 inches, sold with a felt sauna hat and a felt seat pad.
Pros & ConsViewHide
Pros
- Includes a felt hat and seat pad
- Flexible slats shape to the head
- 4.5 average
- Low price for a set
Cons
- Headrest only, no back support
- No warranty stated
- Bamboo, not a traditional sauna wood
More to compare
Sauna Backrest Brand: Danghyuk <divCheck price on Amazon
HSE Canadian Red Cedar Ergonomic S-Shape Sauna BackrestCheck price on Amazon
Wood and size
| Pick | Type | Material | Size stated | Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Hemlock 2pk | Backrest | Canadian hemlock | Not stated | 2 |
| TOLHYUN Pine | Backrest | Pine | Not stated | 1 |
| HSE Red Cedar | Backrest | Canadian red cedar | 13.75 x 20.5 in | 1 |
| Northwood Cedar | Backrest | Knotless red cedar | 20.5 x 15.5 in | 1 |
| GMSXCC Adjustable | Backrest and headrest | Bamboo | 17 x 19 in | 1 |
| NUIBY Bamboo Headrest | Headrest | Bamboo and wood | 14 x 7.5 in | 1 |
Measure the height of your bench to the wall and the width of the panel behind it before you buy, and compare with the stated size. Several listings give no dimensions at all. We read 20 listings: none states a warranty, and all describe the same S-shaped design in different woods.
What to check
- Wood. Cedar and hemlock are the woods sauna makers use. Pine and bamboo cost less.
- Fasteners. Screws or nails on the surface you lean on get hot. Look for designs with fasteners hidden or capped.
- Feet. Non-slip pads stop the backrest sliding on a wet bench.
- Finish. Unfinished wood is the norm in saunas; avoid varnish or paint that can soften in heat.
Score notes
The Chill Score weighs performance 35, build 25, value 25, safety certifications 10 where it applies and warranty 5. Here, performance covers shape, fit information, wood and features such as an adjustable headrest. Safety certifications do not apply, and no listing states a warranty, so all score zero on both.
| Product | Chill Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Hemlock 2pk | 9.6 | 28 | 21 | 21 | n/a | 0 |
| TOLHYUN Pine | 9.6 | 27 | 20 | 22 | n/a | 0 |
| HSE Red Cedar | 9.6 | 28 | 21 | 20 | n/a | 0 |
| Northwood Cedar | 9.6 | 27 | 22 | 19 | n/a | 0 |
| GMSXCC Adjustable | 9.6 | 28 | 20 | 20 | n/a | 0 |
| NUIBY Bamboo Headrest | 9.5 | 26 | 19 | 22 | n/a | 0 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Safety counts only for powered gear or where the listing states safety features; where it does not apply, the score is taken over the remaining 90 points.
Dynamic’s hemlock pair leads on value per backrest. TOLHYUN is the budget pick. HSE and Northwood are the cedar choices.
Who should not buy one
If your sauna benches already have a backrest built in, you do not need one. If you only lie down on a high bench, a headrest is enough.
For other accessories, see sauna towels, sauna lights and sauna hats. Comparing cabins? See saunas under $3,000.
Common questions
Why use a backrest in an infrared sauna?
It gives you a comfortable angle and keeps your back off the panel covers behind you.
Cedar or pine?
Cedar is the traditional choice and is light and aromatic. Pine is cheaper and works, but is not what sauna makers usually use.
How do I clean one?
Wipe it with a damp cloth after use and let it dry. Sitting on a towel keeps sweat off the wood.
Back to all sauna reviews.
