Infrared Sauna vs Steam Sauna – What’s the Difference?

If you’re considering the benefits of a sauna, there are many types to choose from. These types range from traditional saunas to broad spectrum infrared saunas. However, it’s important to know that they all come with different features and benefits. Finding the right infrared sauna that meets your needs is important. Today, our focus is on comparing infrared saunas and traditional steam saunas.

Both traditional saunas and full spectrum infrared saunas are popular types of saunas you can use to improve your health. However, the approach they take to raise your body temperature are different. Understanding these differences is crucial as they not only influence the benefits you receive but also how comfortable you feel during use.

In this blog, we’ll reveal the differences between these types of saunas so you can decide which sauna is right for you.

What Is a Steam Sauna?

A steam sauna is a type of sauna that creates a high heat and humidity environment that originates from Finland. Traditionally, you would start it by pouring water over heated rocks. When the water touches the rocks, it reaches boiling point and turns to steam. Then, you’ll sit in the high temperature and humidity, inducing excessive perspiration and allowing you to receive the benefits of the sauna.

What Is an Infrared Sauna?

Infrared saunas allow you to raise your body’s temperature through different wavelengths of heat. More specifically, this type of sauna uses infrared light to heat the air of the sauna, as well as directly penetrate your body. This sauna is capable of emitting three types of infrared lights which each offer different benefit – including near, mid and far infrared heat. 

The Differences Between an Infrared Sauna and a Steam Sauna

Now that you understand how these saunas work, let’s explore the differences between them. 

Temperature

One noticeable difference you’ll experience when using these saunas is the temperature. Steam saunas are significantly hotter: 160°F – 200°F or 71.1°C – 93.3°C. Plus, the high humidity makes the sauna feel even warmer.

Conversely, infrared saunas run at a lower, more comfortable temperature: 100°F – 155°F or 37.8°C – 68.3°C. Though the temperature is lower, it’s more effective since the heat penetrates your body. Meanwhile, steam only heats the air around you and so requires it to be hotter to provide its benefits.

Humidity

Steam saunas have a 100% humidity level. This means that the air in the sauna holds the maximum amount of water it can. On the other hand, infrared saunas don’t rely on steam and can have no or a much lower humidity of 5-10%, making them a more comfortable environment and easier to maintain.

Health Benefits

Generally, these two types of saunas have similar benefits. When comparing infrared sauna benefits vs steam sauna benefits, infrared heat penetrates the body more deeply and steam saunas create more moisture.

To exemplify this difference, here are the ways infrared saunas benefit your health:

• Improved Skin Condition: Using a near infrared sauna may improve and heal your skin by increasing blood flow and promoting collagen production.
• Increased Relaxation: With a far infrared sauna, you can decrease your stress and relieve anxiety with comforting, radiant heaters.
• Detoxification: Since far infrared saunas lead to more sweating compared to steam saunas, you can rid your body of toxins more effectively.

Meanwhile, a steam sauna offers benefits in these ways:

• Improved Skin Condition: The humid air in a steam room hydrates your skin and can help balance your oil production.
• Increased Relaxation: Since the steam increases the air temperature, your body self-regulates to reject this heat outwards. This change in temperature causes your body to feel more tired which can help you relax. Plus, you can use aromatherapy in steam saunas to help you decompress.
• Detoxification: The high humidity and temperature helps your pores to open, which may help you release toxins more effectively. 

Cost

A major difference between these saunas is their upfront and maintenance cost. The initial cost of infrared saunas is around $2,000 – $10,000 while steam saunas cost $4,000 – $30,000. 

An infrared sauna also costs less to install since they’re simple to construct and most plug in to standard power outlets. Meanwhile, a steam sauna requires a plumber to complete the installation. If your steam sauna uses an electrical heater, it will also require an electrician to install it.

Once you’ve installed your sauna, you may have to spend more on steam sauna maintenance. A steam sauna requires more cleaning than an infrared one because there’s a higher chance of mold growing due to the high humidity.

Installation

These saunas also differ in the intensity of their installation. Infrared saunas don’t need airtight insulation and you may be able to install it by yourself, with minimal technical requirements. Meanwhile, a steam sauna requires a plumber and you’ll need to pay attention to:

• Insulation

• Drain

• Sloped Ceiling

• Ventilation

Comfort of Use

Another difference between an infrared sauna and traditional sauna is your comfort while using it. For example, humidity can help or hinder your breathing depending on your respiratory condition. Moreover, if you can’t stand very high temperatures, an infrared sauna may be easier for your body to handle.

In addition, infrared saunas are easier to use since they only take 10 – 15 minutes to start. However, steam rooms may require you to pour the right amount of water on the heated rocks for 30 – 40 minutes.infrared saunas benefit your health