Sauna Comparison

Traditional Sauna v Far Infrared Sauna

The health benefits of steam saunas have been recognized for centuries, beginning with sweat lodges, traditional Finnish saunas, and other methods of heating the body and producing perspiration that cleanses the cells and pores. Typically, a heat source such as a wood, electric or gas sauna stove is used to produce the heat in a sauna. But in recent years, a technology using far infrared has been used to replace the traditional steam sauna with infrared saunas, and some people feel that the result is superior whilst also being more comfortable.

Traditional Saunas

Commonly known as Finnish or rock saunas. Various types of heater can be used to heat stones or rocks which in turn heat the air inside the sauna cabin (convected heat). Common temperatures are 75^o~90^oC. Most modern units rely on electric heaters within the cabin to provide the the required heat to which water is then applied to regulate humidity. Upon exposure to these very high temperatures the body is heated through the skin from the outside in. The resulting rise in body temperature encourages sweating. Typically each exposure is limited to only a few minutes before needing to go outside to cool down. This heating/cooling cycle is typically repeated several times.

Infrared Saunas

Unlike traditional saunas, Infrared heater elements heat the body directly rather than the surrounding air (radiant heat). The infrared waves penetrate the body to provide a deep heat sweat that produces a greater detoxifying sweat and relief to damaged tissues. All of this takes place at a more comfortable 40^oC~50^oC with the user able to enjoy longer sessions of 30~60 minutes.

Comparison

	FAR INFRARED SAUNAS	TRADITIONAL & STEAM SAUNAS
Wood type	Non-allergenic Spruce	Usually pine/cedar
Heat source	Infrared ceramic heaters	Electric stove element
Heat transmission	Long wave ‘safe’ FIR wave	Hot air, harder to breathe
Temperature	Usually 40~50 °C	Can be from 60~120°C. Usually 70~85 °C.
Sweat analysis	80% water & 20% toxins	97% water & 3% toxins
Pre-heat time	10~15 min	45-90 min
Running cost¹	Similar to a hair dryer	Similar to an electric shower
Comfort and safety	Comfortable due to lower operating temperatures. Control within the cabin	Very hot, unsuitable for children, the elderly and injured
Installation	Usually a few hours anywhere you like – Using standard domestic wiring	Extensive, usually requires your own trades person and technical assistance needed - Can take days to install and special attention required for ventilation, drainage and power requirements
Controls	Simple robust controls accessible inside the cabin	Usually external controls, also uses water over coals to control humidity
Medical Use	Used by physicians	Not used by physicians
User suitability	Most people can use – Great benefits for the young, injured and elderly	Only for certain individuals
Water supply and Wiring required	No	Yes
Music equipment Available	Radio and CD system fitted as standard	Unsuitable due the environment
Experience	Sweating at low temperature, greater oxygen supply, healthy relaxed feeling	‘Burning’ Feeling oppressed by very high temperature, greater burden on the heart
Cost	Everything Included in the price – No hidden costs	Extra costs may become involved such as maintenance, professional fitting, wiring and spare parts

¹ Assuming 4 x 30 minute sessions per week (including warm up time) and 10p per KWH. Comparable weekly running costs are <20% with infrared heaters;

1~2 person	£0.45 (1.5KW)	£2.40 (3KW) / £3.60 (4.5KW)
3~5 person	£0.67 (2.2KW)	£3.60 (4.5KW) / £4.80 (6KW)

Heater energy consumption shown in brackets

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Sauna Comparison

Traditional Sauna v Far Infrared Sauna

Traditional Saunas

Infrared Saunas

Comparison

FAR INFRARED SAUNAS

TRADITIONAL & STEAM SAUNAS