Saunas - Traditional vs Infrared

Traditional Saunas vs Infrared Saunas

It is important to keep in mind that the experience is not the same. Many people who have experienced and enjoyed traditional saunas inquire about infrared saunas thinking it will be the same experience. Saying that the Infrared sauna will provide a very enjoyable experience, but is different from a traditional sauna. If you know and love traditional saunas, you should seek out information beyond the claims of someone who sells only infrared saunas.

Infrared Sauna - Speedy heat for energy or rest.

Infrared has long been renowned for deep heat treatment. The penetrating warmth of infrared is uniquely pleasant and relaxing whilst relieving aches and pains and deep cleansing the skin through gentle perspiration, just like bathing in tropical sunshine, especially rewarding when it is cold outside.

Popular today for a warm-up before exercise or to aid restful sleep in the evening, the effect is quick and efficient and the infrared cabins feature the latest technology and lots of mood-enhancing extras for a great heat experience!

The benefits of infrared cabins:

• Relieving strains and loosening tired muscles
• Improving circulation and stimulating metabolism
• Clears impurities, detoxifying the skin
• Lower heat levels are gentler on cardiovascular system
• Infrared warmth may strengthened immune system
• Deep relaxation for body and mind
• Warms muscles to prepare for physical activity or to aid restful sleep

Traditional Sauna – with steam

What can I say….these saunas have been used for hundreds of years! For those seeking the ultimate relaxation of a traditional Finnish Sauna with steam – with quality rock heaters and superb insulation for great heat retention – it is a must. A Traditional sauna is a high heat, low humidity environment, with temperatures generally ranging somewhere between 80-90°C (185-195°F) and water is splashed over the heater rocks to create a blast of steam which intensifies the feeling of heat. For those who enjoy this experience, there is nothing in the world quite like it.

The benefits of a traditional sauna: According to many health specialists…..

• Same as infrared benefits above.
• The benefits of the traditional Finnish sauna are proven though – both physically & emotionally.
• Taking a hot sauna will not only leave you feeling better, it will leave you looking better as well.
• Your body will function very efficiently and most importantly you will be more relaxed.

MORE FACTS

Maintenance – both pretty much the same!

Electrical requirement for each option – The Traditional sauna does require a dedicated breaker. While some smaller infrared saunas can plug into any socket, many medium size to larger require a dedicated 15 or 20 amp plug - which must also be installed by an electrician.

Installation -  Infrared saunas generally come pre-fabricated with panels that snap or screw together. While they are relatively simple to assemble, it is more realistic to assume a couple hours for assembly. Traditional saunas are most popularly purchased as a diy kit, which may take a few days to install. There are also pre-fabricated traditional saunas that are built in essentially the same way as infrareds with panels that are simply screwed together. And they too can be assembled in a couple of hours.

Running Costs - Electrical costs are a direct reflection of heater size and operating time. Most people use their sauna once or twice per week. So while it is true that the traditional sauna may cost more, in either case costs are measured in pennies, not pounds.

Heat Up Time - Infrared saunas heat to between 120°F to 150°F. Traditional saunas to 195°F. Infrareds heat up in about 10-20 minutes. A traditional sauna, sized properly, will heat a sauna in 20-35 minutes. However, heating up an infrared only provides for that "toasty" feeling, to perspire you must be exposed to the infrared rays and it generally takes 12-20 minutes of exposure to begin sweating, so really not a lot in it.

So the outcome - it is really a matter of "to each his own". It is true that traditional saunas are a harsher environment, but for many that is the essence of a sauna - extreme heat with blasts of humidity from splashing the rocks. For those sauna purists, there is nothing else. However, for those who seek the benefits of heat therapy, but do not enjoy traditional saunas, infrareds offer a practical and enjoyable alternative.