Our Methodology

Research Standards

Every factual claim on HeatLore is traceable to a source. We prioritize peer-reviewed research published in indexed journals, with preference for randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. When we reference observational or cohort studies, we note the limitations of that evidence level.

We do not cite pre-print studies as established findings. If a study is not yet peer-reviewed, we label it explicitly and treat its conclusions as preliminary. We update articles when new research contradicts or refines previous recommendations, and we note the revision date and reason.

Where clinical evidence is limited - which is common in thermal wellness - we draw on established physiological principles, traditional knowledge from documented thermal cultures, and our own tracked self-experimentation. We always distinguish between what the research shows and what our experience suggests.

Product Testing

When we review a product - a sauna, a cold plunge, a wearable, a supplement - we test it in real-world conditions over a minimum of 30 days. We do not rely on manufacturer spec sheets or press materials as the basis for our assessment.

For saunas and thermal equipment, we measure temperature accuracy, heat-up time, EMF output (for infrared units), build quality, and material composition. For wearables, we assess data accuracy against reference standards, usability in thermal environments, and long-term reliability.

Our cybersecurity background informs a unique dimension of our reviews: we assess the data privacy practices of connected devices and their companion apps. If a wearable sends your health data to third parties without clear disclosure, we report that.

Editorial Independence

HeatLore’s editorial content is never influenced by affiliate relationships, sponsorships, or partnerships. We select products to review based on reader interest and our assessment of the product’s relevance to the thermal wellness space. No company can pay for a review or influence its outcome.

If we have an affiliate relationship with a product we mention, that relationship is disclosed at the top of the article, not buried in a footer. Affiliate revenue supports the operation of this site, but it does not determine what we write.

Disclosure Practices

We believe transparency is non-negotiable. Every article on HeatLore includes clear labeling:

• Affiliate links are disclosed at the top of any article that contains them
• Sponsored content is labeled as such in the title and introduction (we have not published any to date)
• Product samples received for review are noted, along with whether the product was returned
• Conflicts of interest are disclosed if they exist

Our full disclosure policy is available on the Disclosures page.