A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to saunas, various types offer unique health benefits, but infrared saunas are often considered the healthiest option. Here’s an in-depth look at why infrared saunas might be the best choice for your wellness routine.

Types of Saunas

First let’s discuss the types of saunas that you can use.

Traditional Saunas

Traditional Finnish saunas are known for their high temperatures (typically between 170°F and 200°F) and dry heat. Additionally, some traditional saunas add an element of humidity by pouring water onto hot rocks.

Steam Saunas

Steam saunas provide high humidity, and high temperatures that are comparable to traditional dry heat saunas. 

Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas use infrared light to heat the body directly, in addition to heating the air.  They operate at lower air temperatures (typically between 120°F and 150°F).

Different Types of Saunas

All types of saunas provide heat therapy, but there are important distinctions to be made between the types of saunas. We do not sweat as much in steam saunas because the steam condenses on our skin. Infrared saunas provide the benefit of sweating more, and achieving it at temperatures that can be more comfortable than a traditional and steam sauna, making it more accessible for many users. They are easy to add to any home and they do not require external ventilation, or plumbing.

Infrared Saunas: The Healthiest Choice 

Here are several reasons that Infrared saunas are the healthiest choice for incorporating into your home: 

1. Lower Temperatures for Comfort and Safety

Because infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures, this makes them more comfortable and accessible for a wider range of people, including those who are sensitive to heat or have certain health conditions. The lower temperature reduces the risk of overheating and dehydration. This makes the experience safer and more enjoyable, while experiencing the same health benefits and more!

2. Easier to Maintain

Far infrared light has antimicrobial properties that help prevent the growth of mold, bacteria, and viruses, making infrared saunas not only easier to clean and maintain but also a healthier choice. Steam saunas, in particular, can be a place for mold and bacteria to grow.

 3. Enhanced Nitric Oxide Production: Infrared sauna use can stimulate the production of nitric oxide (NO) through the activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). This enhances blood vessel dilation, improving circulation and overall vascular health. (1)

Choosing the Right Infrared Sauna

When selecting an infrared sauna, consider the following factors:

  • Quality of Infrared Emitters: Look for saunas with high-quality emitters that will provide an effective and clean sauna experience. Read about our patented Ideal Spectrum™ heater architecture here. The Ideal Spectrum™ heaters are proven to be 34% more effective, which means that your body temperature will rise more quickly. Raising the body temperature quickly, and often, are key factors for achieving Sauna Fitness™, which is an indicator of your body’s response to sauna therapy and how effectively you are gaining the benefits. More infrared = more benefits!  
  • Far Infrared Only: All of the benefits of infrared sauna therapy are associated with far infrared! There is no additional benefit from including near infrared in a sauna, and it can be harmful. Read about the risks of near infrared and full-spectrum infrared (near, mid, and far).
  • Quality of Materials: Ensure the sauna uses 100% single wood construction and is made from low VOC wood and non-toxic materials. Many infrared sauna  models use plywood and particleboard which emit harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde. See here for more info on sauna wood. Synthetic materials used for tent and blanket saunas can be problematic for out-gassing chemicals, as can the fiberglass coatings commonly found on panel-style infrared heaters, also called carbon heaters. 
  • 3rd Party verified low EMF: Make sure both electric field and magnetic field numbers are provided. It’s essential to choose a sauna that has proven low total EMF for a safer experience.
  • Optimal Design: Upright wooden saunas provide the best design because the materials are durable (i.e. long lasting), allow for air exchange, and you are not laying/sitting in your own detox sweat. The portable and enclosed saunas (mats, domes, tents) are compact and easy to store, and may seem appealing because of the lower cost to purchase, but can be very problematic when it comes to gaining the benefits for FIR therapy. They are less durable, utilize synthetic materials, and have significantly high EMF levels. Users may have to lie in their own sweat unable to wipe it off, leading to limited detoxification. 

Conclusion

Far infrared saunas stand out as the healthiest option due to their quality of materials and design and their ability to provide the widest range of health benefits. By investing in a high-quality far infrared sauna, you can enjoy these numerous health benefits safely and effectively.

Citation:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23756809

Our product specialists are available and can help you in your wellness journey.

Transcend TRS-2 infrared Smart Sauna