It’s all about preference. Whether you like infrared saunas or traditional saunas, that’s up to you and what you’re comfortable with! There are few main differences between infrared saunas and traditional ones, but I will not be comparing them. I’m not going to try to change your mind on which one you should choose to use or buy, but rather just point out some significant facts.

HEALTH BENEFITS 

Both infrared saunas and traditional saunas are extremely good for your skin, heart, muscles, and mind. That is a fact backed up by multiple scientific studies. Most people try to argue that one is better than the other for your body, but I will not be doing that because there is simply no significant scientific evidence that one is better. I will be pointing out the differences in experience today, to make you more aware of your options and to have an ideal at-home sauna experience. 

Infrared saunas use infrared heat that only slightly increases the temperature, and claims to heat your skin on a deeper level than a traditional sauna would. There are many articles that claim infrared saunas could be better for your health (specifically longevity) and your immediate euphoria after-use than a traditional sauna would. These are only claims and have not been proven (yet!). Dr. Rhonda Patrick, an expert in longevity and a huge sauna advocate that we've trusted for years, suggests that infrared saunas could be better for your long term health, only because you actually experience the heat for longer increments. She does not back this up with evidence, it’s only her theory.

HEAT

Traditional saunas are HOT. Like, crazy hot. Our outdoor sauna gets up to about 185°F (85°C) in the summer, so it’s hard to stay in there for more than 10 minutes. If being extremely hot makes you uncomfortable, then infrared saunas are probably best for you! If you like to feel the extreme heat and are typically short on time, then traditional saunas might be better for you. Here is Everything You Need to Know about Traditional Saunas, and here's How to Prepare for Your Traditional Sauna's Arrival

TIME

If you never have enough time to sit in a sauna for an hour, then you should go with a traditional sauna. You will surely feel the effects of the heat stress from a traditional sauna, and feel all of the benefits in 15 minutes or so. If you enjoy the time to relax in the slight heat, you can read a book, listen to music, or meditate for a long period of time in an infrared sauna.

SWEAT

Studies show that you actually sweat more in an infrared sauna than in traditional saunas. If your main focus is to sweat, then an infrared sauna is for you. There are no studies that show that sweating more is better for you, but it is rather a personal preference and belief. If you believe that the more you sweat, the more you “detoxify”, then you will enjoy the benefits of infrared saunas more. However, experts of hyperhidrosis (extreme sweating) do not support that, because there is no longitudinal proof. 

We offer both infrared and traditional saunas at Log Furniture and more. I hope this article gives you enough information to make an informed decision on which type of sauna will be best for you.