Infrared Sauna vs Regular Sauna
Saunas have been used and enjoyed for centuries due to their health boosting abilities, alongside relaxation and detoxification properties. The traditional sauna now has a new competitor, though; the infrared sauna. What makes these two different from each other, and which one should you be considering for your health and wellness goals — well today we answer all of that. Getting to know the differences of an infrared sauna vs regular, or more precisely Infrared Saunas and Traditional saunas benefits you in making choices & derives maximum benefit from your sauna experience.What is an Infrared Sauna?
Infrared saunas are a unique form of sauna using infrared light to create heat. Traditional saunas are designed to heat the air around you, where infrared saunas use a different method of heating your body with the infrared lamps that produce electromagnetic radiation. And importantly, this means that the heat penetrates further into your skin — a critical difference in the infrared saunas vs traditional saunas debate — meaning you can sweat more at lower temperatures.What is a Regular Sauna?
A traditional or Finnish sauna, considered a dry type of sauna because it heats the air to high temperatures. This is usually done by a stove, which could be electric or wood-fired, that heats rocks in the sauna. So when water is poured over these rocks, it produces steam that makes the temperature and humidity levels in the room higher which gives sauna effect. The way heat is distributed in the cabin makes a significant difference when comparing infrared saunas vs traditional saunas.Heat Source and Technology Differences
In comparison to traditional saunas, infrared saunas operate in a very different way. Infrared heaters generate infrared light, that when all the way absorbed by our skin tells us how benefit of its heat without heating up ambient air around—quite a unique feature. Traditional saunas, on the other hand, heat with a direct source of high temperature that heats up air which will warm your body.Temperature Levels and Comfort
Infrared saunas run a little cooler, usually between 120°F to 150°F (49°C-65°C). This is a lot cooler than standard saunas, which normally run between 150°F to 190°F (65°C — 88°C). This lower temperature is also commonly more tolerable for lengthier sessions since infrared saunas are less hot than regular saunas, so you can sit in them longer.Heating Time and Efficiency
Infrared saunas preheat in 12 minutes to an hour, depending on the model, whereas a traditional sauna generally takes about 30-45 minutes to reach optimum temperature. Their higher temperature can be achieved in 10 to 15 minutes, and traditional saunas may take up to 45 minutes to heat. This longer heating time is also a factor in their energy consumption, which means infrared saunas are more economical to run — this should be one of the deciding factors like whether you want an infrared sauna vs traditional.Health Benefits of Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas offer a powerful, deep detoxification experience. As the heat sinks deep into your body, it causes you to sweat, which helps rid toxins from your skin. Infrared saunas can also help sore muscles to relax better and relief pain because the infrared lights could penetrate deep into the tissues. In addition, the police say that infrared light is healthy and helps produce collagen in skin therefore reduces aging. These health benefits are important to consider when comparing infrared saunas vs traditional saunas.Health Benefits of Regular Saunas
The benefits of traditional saunas are frequently credited for helping with their cardiovascular health. Greater heart rate and more blood circulation help with cardiovascular health because the heat is so hard. Regular saunas can improve your respiratory health by clearing out nasal passages which in turn, allows for better breathing. Additionally, the high temperatures are good for relaxation and overall well-being. These benefits establish some of the major differences in the ongoing infrared saunas vs traditional saunas comparison.Cost and Maintenance
Being smaller and involving less construction materials to install makes infrared saunas generally more cost-effective. They are also likely to be simpler to keep for, as you will not have needed complicated heating systems or ducting. But it could mean more maintenance, as the heating elements (whether electric or gas) need to be conserved and in a traditional sauna these are all electric (both fan motor and heater). When comparing infrared saunas vs traditional saunas, this difference in maintenance is very important to consider so that you can get the best relaxation device for your home.Safety Considerations
While both types of saunas offer safety benefits in the hands of a responsible user, there are certain considerations you need to keep in mind. At the lower temperatures of infrared saunas, you are less at risk for overheating and if that sounds like your slice of cake then an infrared sauna is a better choice to add more minutes of usage. Nonetheless, participation in saunas can rapidly cause overheating if used improperly, particularly for those people who are incredibly sensitive to high security heat or maybe have coronary heart situations. All of these safety aspects do play into the never-ending battle between infrared saunas vs traditional.Space and Installation
Accessibility and Availability
Infrared saunas are also more and more widespread, you may find them in spas or wellness centers but there is even a growing market for this type of sauna to be installed at home. That makes them suitable for a hospitality sector that may have to serve customers who don't stand up well in high temperatures. Common saunas, also available in multiple locations may not be suitable for all users due to the high temperatures they emit.
Environmental Impact
In terms of energy use, infrared saunas are typically less wasteful. They warm up more quickly and use less energy to hold their temperature throughout the day which has a much lower impact on you monthly bill. Traditional saunas are less energy efficient, as more time and hotter temperatures mean a bigger all-important environmental impact.User Experience and Preferences
The experience for each of the two saunas can be completely different. Many infrared sauna users swear by of the milder warmth and increased, intense perspiration encounter without being suffocated. Some regular sauna-goers, on the other hand, might enjoy very hot temperatures and find transitioning between extensive thermal differences refreshing. The sauna type that is most enjoyable strictly comes down to personal preference.Conclusion
Each an infrared and standard sweat room offers singular advantages to handle several health desires, captious preference. Infrared saunas are great for anyone who wants a more comfortable, less hot way to help their muscles down deep. Traditional saunas offer strong heat and steamy conditions which is good for one's heart health as well overall peace. You must aim for balance when picking the type of sauna you prefer, and achieve it according to your health goals, ease preferable level as well as available space during commitment.
FAQs
- Can you use both an infrared and a regular sauna for health benefits?
- Which type of sauna is better for weight loss?
- Are there any risks associated with using saunas?
- How often should one use a sauna for optimal health benefits?
- Can saunas help with chronic conditions like arthritis ?