Comparing Traditional vs Infrared Saunas

When evaluating traditional vs infrared saunas, it’s essential to understand how each type raises your core body temperature and the specific benefits they offer, which are central to the effectiveness of sauna-based heat therapy.

Heating Mechanisms: Traditional vs Infrared Saunas

Traditional saunas utilize a single method of heating by elevating air temperatures to 170+ degrees Fahrenheit, primarily through convection. This high heat stimulates sweat production and raises the body’s core temperature.

In contrast, infrared saunas employ a dual heating method. They not only warm the air to around 120+ degrees Fahrenheit but also directly heat the body through resonant absorption. This process involves far infrared light, which, upon contact with water molecules in the body, converts into heat, penetrating deep into the tissues.

Comparing Benefits: Infrared Saunas vs Traditional Saunas

The health advantages of each sauna type are significant, but several factors make infrared saunas a preferred choice for many:

Comfort and Accessibility: While traditional saunas reach temperatures of 170+ degrees Fahrenheit, making them potentially overwhelming, especially for those with underlying cardiovascular issues. Infrared saunas operate at a more comfortable 120+ degrees Fahrenheit. This lower temperature allows for a longer, more relaxing experience without the discomfort of excessively hot air meanwhile still sweating just as much and receiving the benefits from your session.
Enhanced Stress Reduction: Infrared saunas are better at stimulating the release of endorphins, the “feel good” hormones and promoting a parasympathetic nervous system response—the rest and digest state. Traditional saunas, with their intense heat, might induce a feeling of claustrophobia, adding to stress.
Maintenance and Cleaning: The antimicrobial properties of far infrared light help prevent mold and bacterial growth, and in some cases viruses. This makes infrared saunas easier to clean and maintain. Traditional saunas, especially those using steam, can harbor mold and require frequent, intensive cleaning requiring more work and use of chemicals and cleaning agents.

Energy Efficiency and Cost: Operating on a standard 120V circuit, infrared saunas are more energy-efficient compared to traditional saunas, which often require a 220V circuit. This efficiency translates into lower operating costs and savings over time, especially when using our heaters, which are the most efficient on the market.
Quick Heat-Up Time: Traditional saunas can take 30-45 minutes to reach optimal temperatures, whereas infrared saunas warm up in just 10-15 minutes to heat up at our recommended starting temperature, making them convenient for busy schedules. This is especially true for our heaters, which are ultra effective.
Flexibility and Versatility: Traditional saunas generally need to be outside which can be an inconvenience with incremental weather. Having an infrared sauna in your home will make you use and benefit from it more often! Infrared saunas come as modular pieces so can be easily moved to new locations and placed on any flooring, even carpet.

Learn More About Transcend Infrared Saunas

We hope this comparison has helped clarify the pros and cons of infrared vs traditional saunas. To discover more about our Transcend infrared saunas and how they can enhance your home wellness routine, please click here to visit our product page.

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