Can Pregnant Women Use Infrared Saunas?
Understand the implications of infrared sauna use during pregnancy and how to stay safe and relaxed. If you’re a sauna
Comparing Infrared Saunas and Steam Saunas: Understanding the Key Differences
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.
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.
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.
Now that you understand how these saunas work, let’s explore the differences between them.
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.
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:
Meanwhile, a steam sauna offers benefits in these ways:
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.
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:
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
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The sauna you should purchase depends on the benefits you’re seeking, cost, ease of use and installation, and the aesthetic you desire. For instance, if you find it difficult to breathe in a humid area, an infrared sauna will suit you. Conversely, if you desire a traditional aesthetic, a steam sauna may be preferable.
Here’s a table exploring the differences between these saunas for you to select the right one:
Difference | Steam Sauna | Infrared Sauna |
Temperature | 160°F – 200°F 71.1°C – 93.3°C | 100°F – 155°F 37.8°C – 68.3°C |
Humidity | 100.00% | 0% – 30% |
Cost | $4,000 – $30,000 | $2,000 – $10,000 |
Starting Time | 30 – 40 Minutes | 10 – 15 Minutes |
Mold Risk | Moderate | Low |
Maintenance Required | Moderate | Low |
Requires Plumbing | Yes | No |
Increase Collagen Production | No | Yes |
Sweat Production | Moderate | High |
Now that you understand the key differences between a traditional steam sauna and infrared sauna, you can make an informed decision on which type to choose based on your personal preferences and needs. Consider the cost, installation, and ease of use for both options. In these three metrics, infrared saunas are exponentially better.
Understand the implications of infrared sauna use during pregnancy and how to stay safe and relaxed. If you’re a sauna
Understand how to maximize your health benefits by setting the ideal sauna temperature. When using or owning a sauna, you
At Hyper Wellbeing, we offer a superior range of saunas that are affordable, durable & simple to install in any home.
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