Discover the Difference & Find What’s Right for You
Saunas have been a powerful tool for relaxation, detoxification, and overall wellness for centuries. Today, with advancements in technology, there are now two primary types of sauna experiences: traditional saunas and infrared saunas. What’s best Infrared or Traditional Sauna?
When considering a sauna for your home or business, understanding the differences between these options is key to selecting the best fit for your needs. Let’s break down the essentials.
The Core Difference: How They Heat the Body
The primary distinction between traditional and infrared saunas lies in how they generate heat and how that heat interacts with the body.
Traditional Sauna: Heating the Air, Then You
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Heat Source: Uses either a wood-burning stove or an electric heater with sauna stones to heat the air inside the cabin.
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Temperature Range: Typically 80°C – 100°C.
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Heating Process: Heat is transferred indirectly—warming the air first, which then heats your body.
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Steam: Users often pour water over the stones to create steam, enhancing the experience.
Infrared Sauna: Direct Heat for Deeper Penetration
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Heat Source: Uses infrared light to directly heat the body, without excessively heating the surrounding air.
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Temperature Range: Lower temperatures, typically 50°C – 70°C, but the heat penetrates deeper into the skin.
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Infrared Waves: Far-infrared waves penetrate up to 5mm beneath the skin, efficiently heating tissues and muscles.
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No Steam: Infrared heat works from the inside out, without the need for steam or high ambient heat.
Key Benefits: Traditional vs. Infrared
Both sauna types offer substantial health benefits, but they do so in slightly different ways:
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Heat Intensity & Comfort
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Traditional Sauna: Feels hotter due to the high ambient temperature, ideal for those who enjoy an intense sweating experience.
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Infrared Sauna: Feels gentler but penetrates deeper into the skin, making it more comfortable for those sensitive to extreme heat.
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Detoxification & Sweat Activation
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Traditional Sauna: Stimulates sweat through external heat exposure, promoting cardiovascular activity and toxin elimination.
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Infrared Sauna: Produces a more profuse sweat at a lower temperature, leading to deeper detoxification at the cellular level.
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Cardiovascular & Longevity Benefits
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Traditional Sauna: Studies suggest frequent sauna use can reduce cardiovascular disease risk by up to 40%.
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Infrared Sauna: Mimics the benefits of moderate exercise, increasing heart rate and blood circulation.
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Recovery & Muscle Relaxation
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Traditional Sauna: The high heat and steam relax muscles and relieve tension, making it ideal for post-workout recovery.
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Infrared Sauna: Infrared waves penetrate deeper into muscle tissues, enhancing blood flow and reducing inflammation.
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Convenience & Installation
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Traditional Sauna: Requires higher power consumption, ventilation, and proper drainage for steam, making it better suited for larger homes or commercial spaces.
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Infrared Sauna: More energy-efficient, requires no ventilation, and is easier to install in smaller spaces like apartments.
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Maintenance: Infrared vs. Traditional
Traditional Sauna Maintenance
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Regular Upkeep: Traditional saunas require more frequent cleaning due to the high humidity and steam. The wooden surfaces should be wiped down regularly to prevent moisture buildup, which could lead to mold or mildew.
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Stone Care: If you use sauna stones, these should be cleaned periodically to maintain proper heat distribution.
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Ventilation: Ensuring proper ventilation is essential to prevent moisture from causing long-term damage to the cabin.
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Re-coating & Wood Treatment: Periodic treatment of the wood with appropriate sealants or oils is necessary to maintain its appearance and longevity.
Infrared Sauna Maintenance
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Lower Maintenance: Infrared saunas require less upkeep. Without the steam, there’s less chance of mold or mildew buildup.
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Cleaning: Simply wipe down the interior and wood surfaces after each use to keep the sauna in top condition.
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System Checks: For Found—Space infrared saunas, occasional checks on the infrared panels and app integration can ensure the system is functioning optimally.
Infrared Saunas: A Modern Wellness Approach
Infrared saunas are designed to meet the demands of modern wellness. They offer deep, penetrating heat without the intensity of a traditional sauna’s high temperature. This makes them ideal for individuals seeking a more comfortable, therapeutic experience. Infrared saunas excel in promoting detoxification, muscle recovery, and overall wellness—without the discomfort of extreme heat.
Article by By: Found—Space.
If you have questions or wish to buy a sauna contact me, as a Found—Space’s client I can help you benefit of a $500 discount
Book an Infrared Sauna Session at Living Inspired Woombye:
- 1 session 30minutes: $30
- 3 sessions 30 minutes: $80
- Optimum Care Offer for 1 person: Infrared Session + Reiki Treatment $110 (previous Reiki clients)