Saunas are a great experience. They are almost like a form of meditation, offering excellent relaxation. The warm environment is soothing for the mind and body. It is like a rest sanctuary after a long day at work.
Those who regularly use the sauna can experience less daily fatigue, better sleep, circulation, and more relaxation. Saunas are also good for the skin, making them a go-to choice for tightening the skin and reducing the appearance of blemishes or other impurities.
To make an informative decision, you should take a look at the different sauna types.
Finnish sauna relies on the power of dry heat. The temperature ranges from 80ºC to 100ºC (176 °F to 212 °F) and the ambient humidity is 5% to 20%. This is a structured unit that heats the air first and is equipped with benches and a relatively spacious interior.
To retain the heat and very high temperatures, the Finish Sauna is constructed using top-quality materials, such as oak. Other materials, like glass and stainless steel, might also be used.The goal is to create a visually open space while preventing heat loss.
- A completely authentic sauna experience
- Comfortable humidity level
- Spacious interior
- Outdoor use
- High running costs
- Needs more time to reach optimal heat
The cedar sauna uses ambient heat and humidity to increase the body temperature and promote sweat. The temperatures are very similar to a Finnish Sauna ranging from 85-93ºC (185-200°F). The difference lies in the view and the smell.
Cedar saunas often come with a window where you can enjoy the view. They smell like cedarwood, which can be highly beneficial for relaxation and meditation. That’s why a lot of people prefer the smell of cedarwood as a form of aromatherapy.
- Great for aromatherapy
- Excellent visual and interior design
- Comfortable humidity level
- Outdoor use
- High running costs
- Long time to warm up
Infrared saunas are very different compared to other sauna types. Dry saunas use gas heaters and electric heaters as temperature sources. An infrared sauna uses ceramic heaters to create heat. Thanks to advanced infrared heaters, the infrared sauna can warm the body directly.
This makes infrared therapy a practical option for inducing deep relaxation and sweat. Other than the heating method, infrared saunas have different ambient temperatures. Infrared saunas work at lower temperatures than traditional saunas. It typically ranges from 51 - 68 ºC(125 - 155°F).
But, that doesn’t mean that an infrared sauna is less effective than a traditional sauna. Because of the infrared light, heat can penetrate the body more profoundly than warm air. This makes infrared therapy a more intense experience.
On that note, not all infrared saunas are the same. There are various infrared sauna types available based on their heating elements. You can opt for mid-infrared, near-infrared (NIR), or far-infrared (FIR). Mid-infrared is one of the infrared sauna types that uses a longer wavelength.
The heat penetrates deeper and improves blood flow. NIR is the shortest wavelength, which penetrates the deepest. WhileFIR uses the closest wavelengths to stimulate the sweat glands, offer deep heat, and increase body temperature. A full-spectrum infrared heater uses a combination of all three heating elements.
- Fast to reach optimal heat
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Affordable running cost
- May not be for outdoor use
- Poor humidity control
Infrared pods are some of the most popular infrared sauna types. They combine NIR and FIR heating elements, making them a great option for detox and skin rejuvenation. Pods have better heat circulation than traditional saunas.
At SaunaBar, the infrared pods have built-in lighting to set the mood and create the ultimate experience. Since the head stays outside the pod, the heat is a lot more tolerable than in a classic sauna. Your body experiences all the benefits of the sauna, while the brain doesn’t receive heat.
This is a convenient option when looking to reduce the chance of headaches or dizziness. One of the major benefits of infrared pods is that they don’t make you feel claustrophobic. They do restrict body movement, but the head is free, which gives you a complete visual of the timer and temperature.
- Futuristic and modern design
- Better privacy and sanitation
- Improved heat circulation
- Head stays outside
- Medium-to-high running costs
- Not for outdoor use
Sauna blankets are popular infrared sauna types. A blanket heats the body using infrared rays. Instead of having to spend a hefty sum on building traditional saunas, you can use a blanket to wrap your body and wait for it to heat up.
Sauna blankets at Sauna Bar use FIR heating elements and are for single-person use. The head also remains outside the blanket. This is a more affordable solution than traditional saunas or infrared pods, which makes it a go-to choice for a tight budget.
- Low-cost design
- Compact and portable
- Fast to heat up
- Head stays outside
- Lacks durability
- Reduced sanitation
Before you buy any type of sauna, it’s important to think about the size and location. If you already have a tight space, you can go for more compact solutions, such as an infrared sauna pod ora blanket. But, if you have more space, you can build custom saunas or opt for products with a spacious design.
Another thing to consider is how many people will be using the sauna at a given time. Saunas that fit multiple family members often require a small room. But, if you plan on using the sauna as a personal escape, then you can go for compact and space-saving designs.
