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Infrared Sauna: The Technology and How It Differs from a Traditional Sauna

Infrared Sauna: The Technology and How It Differs from a Traditional Sauna

An infrared sauna heats your body directly rather than the air. We explain wavelength, panel types and how the low-temperature principle works.

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Project Manager · Mechatronics Engineer · Çilek Havuz

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An infrared sauna heats your body directly rather than the air. We explain wavelength, panel types and how the low-temperature principle works.

Short answer

The traditional Finnish sauna raises the cabin air to high temperature through a stove and stones.

You will also warm up with this hot air. Infrared sauna works on a different principle: instead of heating the air to high temperature, infrared heat panels directly heat your body. Therefore, the ambient temperature can be kept significantly lower than in a traditional sauna.

This fundamental difference also changes the experience. In an infrared sauna, you sweat in a lower temperature, drier and easier-to-breathe environment. In a traditional sauna, high temperatures and steam (löyly) created by pouring water on the stones are at the center of the experience.

Although they both aim to sweat and relax, their methods are different from each other. Which one is right for you depends on whether you prefer long-term comfort in low temperatures or the traditional experience of high temperatures and steam.

Short answer

Infrared is invisible heat radiation and is classified according to wavelength: near (near/NIR), mid (mid/MIR) and far (far/FIR) infrared.

These bands affect how radiation is perceived and how heat is transferred. The most commonly used band in home infrared saunas is the far infrared (FIR) zone.

The main feature of infrared heat is that instead of heating the air, it directly heats the surfaces and the body it comes into contact with through radiation; just like the sun warms your skin even in the cool weather in the shade. In this way, the panel creates a feeling of heating and sweating in the body without raising the surrounding air too much.

Wavelength and panel placement determine how heat is distributed throughout the body. Different bands offer different feel and dispersion. Therefore, panel type and location are important for a comfortable and balanced experience. It is necessary to be cautious and avoid exaggerated statements regarding claims about how deep infrared heat affects the body.

Short answer

Different heater and panel types are used in infrared saunas.

Carbon panels emit more gentle and diffused heat over a large surface. This provides even heating over a large area at a lower surface temperature. Ceramic heaters, on the other hand, give more intense and point-like heat from a smaller surface and heat up faster.

Some systems combine these two approaches or combine different infrared bands using full-spectrum heaters. The position of the panels in the cabin is also important: panels placed on the back, legs and side surfaces ensure more even distribution of heat throughout the body.

Correct panel type and placement; varies depending on cabin size, number of users and expected comfort. Panel selection should be evaluated on power, heat dissipation and experience quality. You can consult us for the panel setup suitable for your cabin.

Short answer

One of the most obvious advantages of an infrared sauna is that it operates at a lower ambient temperature compared to a traditional sauna.

Since heat is transferred directly to the body, sweating and a feeling of warmth occur without the need to raise the air too high. This provides a more approachable experience for users uncomfortable with high temperatures and stifling weather.

For many people, lower temperatures mean being able to stay comfortable longer and breathe easier. Additionally, infrared saunas generally heat up faster and have a shorter preheating time. This makes practical use easier.

In contrast, infrared offers a different sensation for those seeking the high temperature and steam experience of a traditional sauna. The choice between the two is entirely personal and depends on what you prioritize; low temperature comfort or the classic hot-steam ritual?

Short answer

Infrared sauna users generally prefer it for relaxation, muscle relaxation and getting away from the stress of the day.

Warmth and sweating provide a relaxing and soothing feeling for many people. This is the most commonly expressed comfort expectation.

Although there are opinions that infrared sauna may be beneficial for various issues, it is important to use cautious language in health-related claims. Infrared sauna is not a treatment method and does not guarantee a medical result. Experience and impact may vary from person to person. For such expectations, it is necessary to be realistic and avoid definitive statements.

If you are considering regular sauna use for health purposes, the right approach is to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have an existing condition. As a sauna engineering company, we can install the right system for you. In health-related decisions, it is essential to be guided by your physician.

Short answer

Although infrared sauna is generally a comfortable experience for many people, caution is necessary in some cases.

Those with cardiovascular disease, high or low blood pressure, circulatory problems; pregnant women. Those who have a chronic health problem or regular medication use should consult their doctor before using an infrared sauna. This is the most important step to make the experience safe.

It is important to drink enough water and listen to your body during use. If you experience dizziness, weakness or discomfort, exit immediately. A healthy approach is not to overdo the sessions, get used to the duration gradually and avoid using it with alcohol. Use by children should also be evaluated with caution and under adult supervision.

As a team that has been installing pools, saunas, Turkish baths and spa areas since 1993, we aim to offer you the right equipment and a safe installation. If you are planning an infrared sauna for your home or business, you can consult us for the appropriate panel and cabin solution. We recommend that you direct your health-related questions to a physician.

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// 01 · Products in this article

For the work described in this article, sauna systems.

Each card leads to the product page with its data sheet, model list and quotation.

Product groups

// 02 · Product groups

Compare the products on this topic on their category pages.

Each card leads to a product category; models, technical sheets and list prices are there.

  • Sauna Heaters and Equipment

    Product category

    Sauna Heaters and Equipment

    Finnish-type heaters, digital control panels, sauna stones and cabin fittings: complete systems for indoor and outdoor saunas.

    19 products
  • Sauna Cabin Models

    Product category

    Sauna Cabin Models

    Ready-made, glass-front and custom-size indoor sauna cabins, together with barrel and cabin-type outdoor saunas for the garden. A cabin is chosen by the number of users, the size of the space and the heater option. Sauna heaters are on the sauna heaters page.

    6 products

// 03 · Related service

The work in this article, we deliver from design to handover.

Sauna Construction · Finnish, bio and infrared saunas; timber cabins built to measure

Çilek Havuz service

Sauna Construction

Finnish, bio and infrared saunas; timber cabins built to measure.

Sauna construction means building a timber cabin to the room's size, sizing the heater to the cabin volume and installing insulation, ventilation and wiring turnkey. We build Finnish, bio and infrared saunas for villas, apartments, hotels and spas.

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How we work

  1. 01Initial meeting and site surveyWe inspect the site and listen to the brief.
  2. 02Design and quotationWe give the cost item by item, in writing.
  3. 03ExecutionThe same team builds to a written schedule.
  4. 04Handover and commissioningWe start the systems and explain their use.
  5. 05Maintenance and technical supportWe provide periodic maintenance and support.

// 04 · Guides

On Sauna, more articles to read.

First the articles directly related to this one, then the newest articles on the topic.

All sauna articles

// 05 · Company & Contact

To talk about your project, call or write to us.

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Çilek Havuz

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Frequently Asked Questions

About Infrared Sauna, frequently asked questions.

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Infrared saunas generally operate with lower instantaneous power consumption than traditional high-temperature saunas. They heat the body directly without raising the air to a high temperature, and their preheating times are short. However, actual consumption depends on panel power, duration and frequency of use. It would not be right to promise a definitive invoice. Choosing the appropriate panel for your cabinet size directly affects efficiency.

Çilek Havuz Corporate

Wood that does not leak resin and is resistant to heat and low humidity is preferred in infrared cabins. Types that are odorless and have low allergy risk are important for indoor comfort. The quality of the wood affects both the durability and the feel of the experience. We recommend that you evaluate the cabinet material according to your intended use and space, and consult us for a cabinet setup that is compatible with the panel layout.

Çilek Havuz Corporate

Session duration and frequency vary according to personal comfort and habits. It is a healthy approach to keep it short at first and increase it gradually according to your body's reaction. Although an infrared sauna may allow some people to stay comfortable for longer periods of time due to the lower ambient temperature, it is important not to overdo it and drink enough water. If you have an existing health problem, we recommend that you consult your physician for duration and frequency.

Çilek Havuz Corporate

Since infrared panels operate on electricity, there is a low level of electromagnetic field and some manufacturers highlight low-EMF panel designs. It is necessary to be realistic and cautious in this regard and avoid exaggerated health claims. If this issue is important to you, we recommend that you confirm the technical specifications of the panel you have chosen with the manufacturer.

Çilek Havuz Corporate

Cabin size is determined by how many people will be using it at once and your available space. Larger cabinets require more and correctly positioned panels for even heat distribution. A small cabinet heats up faster and takes up less space. When you share your number of users and space with us, we can determine the correct cabin size and panel setup that maintains comfort.

Çilek Havuz Corporate

There are combined (hybrid) cabinet solutions on the market that include both a traditional stove and an infrared panel. The two experiences can be enjoyed separately in these cabins. Such an installation is suitable for those who want low-temperature infrared comfort and the classic high-temperature-steam experience in the same space. We recommend that you evaluate your combined cabinet plan with us to ensure correct sizing of the two systems.

Çilek Havuz Corporate