The Difference Between Infrared and Regular Saunas

In recent years, home infrared saunas have grown in leaps and bounds due to peoples’ desire for new approaches to keeping their health and wellness routines more interesting. Though traditional saunas are indeed ancient in history, infrared is adding a new twist to the practice. 

Both infrared and conventional saunas have many healing properties, but they differ in their heating, their temperature ranges, and also in the overall experience that can be gained from them. The key differences between the infrared and regular sauna options are discussed below to help you understand which might better suit your needs.

Understanding Sauna Basics

Before getting into the differences between infrared and regular saunas, it’s important to understand the very basic concept of what a sauna is. A sauna in itself is an enclosed space intended to cause the body to sweat and relax due to heat exposure. For many centuries, they have been used across cultures for a variety of health benefits such as detoxification, improved circulation, and stress relief.

Traditional Saunas: The Classic Heat Experience

Traditional saunas, also known as Finnish saunas, have been a staple of Nordic culture for over 2000 years. These saunas typically use a wood-burning stove or electric heater to warm the air inside the sauna room. The heat source heats rocks, which then radiate heat throughout the space. Users can control the humidity by pouring water over the hot rocks, creating steam known as “löyly” in Finnish.

Infrared Saunas: The Modern Approach

Infrared saunas are a more recent innovation. These use infrared heaters to emit infrared light that is absorbed directly by the body. This type of sauna does not heat the air around you but heats your body directly. The infrared waves penetrate the skin, making you sweat at lower temperatures compared to traditional saunas.

Key Differences in Heating Methods

The most basic difference between an infrared and a regular sauna is how heat is provided. This difference impacts not only the experience of the user but also the possible health benefits and considerations for use.

Source of Heat and Distribution

During a traditional sauna, both the wood-burning and electric heat sources warm the air of the sauna room. This hot air, in turn, heats your body from the outside in. The heat becomes evenly distributed throughout the room, creating one uniform hot environment. Users can control the temperature and humidity by adjusting the heat source and adding water to the hot rocks.

Infrared saunas, on the other hand, are fitted with infrared heaters that emit infrared radiation. This infrared radiation is absorbed directly into your body, heating you from the inside out. The air in an infrared sauna is relatively cool compared to the temperature in a traditional sauna because the infrared waves pass through the air without heating it any further.

Temperature Range and Humidity

Traditional saunas generally work at much higher temperatures compared to infrared saunas. A regular sauna can reach temperatures between 150°F to 195°F (65°C to 90°C). The high heat, added to the possibility of increasing humidity by pouring water on the hot rocks, creates an intensive, wrapping heat.

Infrared saunas, on the other hand, work at lower temperatures, typically between 120°F to 140°F (49°C to 60°C). Despite the much lower air temperature, individuals using an infrared sauna report heavy sweating because of the direct heating action of infrared waves on the body. The humidity inside an infrared sauna is lower compared to a traditional sauna since no steam is generated.

User Experience and Comfort

This also brings about the difference in usage characteristics between an infrared and a regular sauna, which can appeal to personal preference and comfort levels.

Sensation and Comfort

In a traditional sauna, users experience an intense, enveloping heat that can be overwhelming to some. The high temperatures and optional steam create a heavy, humid atmosphere that is invigorating for some and uncomfortable for others. The heat in a traditional sauna is felt immediately upon entering the room.

Infrared saunas are much milder in terms of heat. The air temperature is lower, so it is more comfortable for people who find the heat in a traditional sauna unbearable. Many users say that they feel a deep, penetrating heat that warms them from within. Users may take some time to feel the effects of an infrared sauna because the body takes some time to absorb the infrared radiation.

Session Duration and Frequency

Traditional saunas are often so hot that sessions may be shorter, say about 15-20 minutes; users usually cool off between sessions. The high temperature is stressful for the body and limits how frequently one can make use of a traditional sauna.

Infrared sauna sessions can be longer, often 30-45 minutes, because of the lower temperatures and gentle heating method. Many users find they can use an infrared sauna more frequently without feeling overly taxed. This longer, more frequent use can be appealing for those looking to incorporate sauna sessions into their regular wellness routine.

Health Benefits and Considerations

Both infrared and regular saunas offer numerous health benefits, but there are some differences in their effects and potential advantages.

Detoxification and Sweating

Both infrared and traditional saunas cause sweating often claimed to be detoxifying. However, proponents of infrared saunas claim deeper penetration of infrared heat results in more profuse sweating and more effective detoxification. Although both types of saunas can help remove toxins via sweat, it should be reiterated that the primary organs responsible for detoxification within the body are the liver and kidneys.

Cardiovascular Benefits

The general use of saunas has been associated with cardiovascular benefits. A recent study reported that frequent sauna use was associated with a 27% lower risk of cardiovascular disease.  Both infrared and traditional saunas can contribute to improved cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate and promoting blood flow.

Pain Relief and Muscle Recovery

More credits also are given to infrared saunas when it comes to pain relief and muscle recovery. Thus, infrared heat deeply penetrates muscles and joints more effectively, which can be perceived as better relief for states in conditions such as arthritis and others concerning pains and muscle soreness. Traditional saunas can relax pain conditions and muscles, primarily via the effects of heat exerted by the body.

Skin Health

Both types of saunas potentially offer benefits to skin health via the increased blood flow to the skin and through sweating, serving to cleanse pores. Some users claim infrared saunas are gentler to the skin due to lower air temperatures, therefore useful for sensitive skin conditions.

Practical Considerations for Home Use

There are several practical issues to consider when weighing infrared vs. traditional for a home sauna.

Installation and Space Requirements

Traditional saunas generally require more space and may be more complicated to set up. They usually necessitate a separate room or outdoors and may need special wiring, depending on electric models or even chimney requirements for wood-burning types. High resistance to heat often raises the cost of materials.

Generally, infrared saunas are much more compact and can easily be installed in a home environment. Many models are designed as self-contained units that can be placed in a spare room or even a large closet. They usually require less power and do not need any special ventilation; thus, they are more versatile for installation in the home setting.

Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs

Conventional saunas require more energy to heat the whole cabin to high temperatures. They may take longer to warm up and keep those higher temperatures, thus perhaps increasing the operating costs.

Infrared saunas are generally more energy-efficient. Because they heat the user rather than the entire room, infrared saunas require less energy to operate. They also tend to heat up more quickly, which can be convenient for home use and may result in lower electricity bills.

Maintenance and Longevity

Regular saunas, especially those of wood-burning types, may require higher maintenance. The high heat and humidity can wear on materials over time, and there may be a need for periodic wood replacement or stove maintenance.

Infrared saunas generally require less maintenance: with fewer moving parts and no water or rocks to deal with, they tend to last longer with less maintenance. On the other hand, infrared heaters usually need to be replaced after several years of use.

How to Choose Between an Infrared and a Regular Sauna

The choice between an infrared and a regular sauna comes down to personal preference, health objectives, and practical considerations.

Personal Comfort and Preference

If you like it hot and don’t mind a high degree of humidity, then you may prefer a more traditional sauna. Many people love the ritual associated with a traditional sauna of pouring water on hot rocks, creating a steamy and enveloping heat.

For them, an infrared sauna will be a better option considering the high temperatures might be uncomfortable or overwhelming. The relaxing experience can be more enjoyable since these saunas have more gentle heat and longer session time.

Health Objectives

Both types of saunas offer health benefits, but if your primary goal is deep muscle relaxation or pain relief, an infrared sauna might have a slight edge. For those seeking the traditional sauna experience and its associated benefits, a regular sauna would be the way to go.

Home Integration

Consider your available space and installation capabilities. If you have limited space or want an easier installation process, an infrared sauna might be more practical. For those with more space and the ability to accommodate a more complex installation, a traditional sauna could be a rewarding addition to your home.

Budget Considerations

While costs can vary widely depending on size and features, infrared saunas are often less expensive to purchase and install than traditional saunas. They also tend to have lower operating costs due to their energy efficiency.

Final Thoughts

The choice between an infrared sauna and a regular sauna is not just about which is “better,” but rather which aligns more closely with your personal preferences, health goals, and practical considerations. Both offer significant health benefits and are valuable additions to one’s routine.



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