The choice between an infrared sauna vs traditional sauna depends on your personal preferences and health goals. Here are some key differences to consider:
Differences Between Infrared Sauna and Traditional Sauna
Heat Source:
Traditional Saunas: Uses heated rocks or a stove to generate heat, which then heats the air in the sauna cabin.
Infrared Sauna: Uses infrared lamps or emitters to directly heat your body without significantly heating the air around you.
Temperature:
Traditional Saunas: Operates at high temperatures, typically between 150˚F to 195˚F (65˚C to 90˚C).
Infrared Sauna: Operates at lower temperatures, usually between 120˚F to 150˚F (49˚C to 65˚C).
Heating Mechanism:
Traditional Saunas: Heats the air, which then heats your body through convection.
Infrared Sauna: Heats your body directly using infrared rays, similar to the warmth of the sun.
Health Benefits:
Benefits of Traditional Saunas: They help promote relaxation, improve circulation, and provide a social environment when used in groups.
Benefits of Infrared Saunas: May provide more targeted benefits, such as improved detoxification, pain relief, and skin health, better blood circulation, passive cardiovascular, and help remove toxins, due to the direct heat on the body.
Comfort and Experience:
Traditional Sauna: Can feel more intense due to the high temperatures and humidity, which some people find invigorating.
Infrared Saunas: Operate at lower temperatures and may feel more comfortable for those who are sensitive to high heat.
Installation and Space Requirements:
Traditional Saunas: Typically requires a larger space and may need a dedicated room or outdoor installation.
Infrared Saunas: Can be more compact and easier to install, often requiring less space.
Energy Efficiency:
Traditional Saunas: May consume more energy to heat the air and maintain high temperatures.
Infrared Sauna: Generally, it is more energy-efficient since it heats your body directly without needing to heat the air.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both types of saunas offer health benefits, but the choice between them depends on your preferences for heat intensity, space requirements, and specific health goals. Traditional saunas are better for those who enjoy high heat and humidity, while infrared saunas may be more suitable for those looking for targeted benefits with lower heat levels.