If you’ve been considering investing in a sauna for your home, you’ve probably noticed that there’s more than one type to choose from. There’s the traditional sauna, which has existed in some form or another for thousands of years, and the infrared sauna, which is a far more recent development.
On the surface, these two don’t appear to be all that different, which can make things a bit confusing when choosing the best option for you. However, there are some distinctive differences you’ll want to be aware of so that you can make an informed purchase. To help you do that, take a look at this quick and easy guide.
Traditional Saunas
The traditional sauna originated in Finland thousands of years ago. While the original design was obviously more primitive, the general concept has not changed all that much between then and now.
Traditional saunas are heated rooms where you can relax and experience an array of health benefits, including lower blood pressure, improved immune system, detoxification, reduced risk of heart disease, reduced stress, and so much more.
Traditional Sauna Benefits
Both types of saunas offer unique advantages. Below are some of the benefits of choosing a traditional sauna over an infrared sauna.
The Authentic Experience
While both types of saunas offer largely the same health benefits, there are other aspects to sauna use that you shouldn’t overlook. There’s a reason why the traditional sauna has been in use for millennia, and choosing one means you can get a better idea of exactly what those reasons are.
Better Detoxifying Qualities
The traditional sauna’s humidity can make it more effective at helping you sweat out all of the various toxins in your body. If that’s one of the health benefits you find most important, then perhaps a traditional sauna is the option for you.
Faster Sessions
You only need to spend 20 minutes in a traditional sauna to enjoy all of the amazing effects it has to offer. It can take about twice as long to reap any benefit in an infrared sauna.
Infrared Saunas
While the general goal of an infrared sauna is no different than a traditional one, there is a distinct difference in how that goal is met. Rather than heating the air first as a traditional sauna does, infrared saunas use infrared light to heat the body directly, which means that these saunas require lower temperatures to provide their benefits.
Infrared Sauna Benefits
You can’t go wrong with either, really, but that doesn’t mean one type of sauna isn’t going to meet more of your needs than the other. Take a look at some of the benefits of infrared saunas to see if it’s the right choice for you.
Faster Heat-Up Time
Sessions themselves may be longer in an infrared sauna, but you’ll be able to start your session quicker thanks to the faster heat-up time you’ll get to enjoy with one. Because of their lower temperature requirements, infrared saunas can be ready to go quicker.
Lower Temperatures
Faster heat-up times are just one perk of the infrared sauna’s lower temperature requirements. They also make for a more comfortable experience for those who are sensitive to the high temperatures of a traditional sauna.
No Humidity
While the humidity of a traditional sauna does help the detoxification process, infrared saunas can still be great for detoxing as well. They’re also considered more comfortable to some people, thanks to the lack of humidity.
Lower Running Costs
Lower temperatures mean less energy burned. Less energy burned means lower energy bills, which means that infrared saunas can save you money on your sessions.
Which Is Best for Me?
Using this guide, you should be able to get a decent idea of what separates traditional and infrared saunas. Therefore, you should have a decent idea of which type of sauna is best suited for you. Traditional saunas offer the authentic sauna experience and some more effective health benefits, while infrared saunas offer a bit more comfort and convenience. Which of those is more enticing to you?
Saunas From Idaho Spas
If you’re interested in learning more about saunas, reach out to Idaho Spas today, and we’ll be happy to answer all of your questions.
