Traditional vs Infrared Saunas

Infrared Sauna cabins are becoming an increasingly popular choice of sauna bathing. Though appearing similar to Traditional Sauna cabins they operate in a completely different way and provide an alternative user experience.

There are two questions that we are regularly asked and they are; "which is better a traditional sauna or an infrared sauna", or "which would you choose".  Some customers choose infrared saunas because they plug into a 13amp socket so can be installed easily almost anywhere, others choose a traditional cabin because they operate at much higher temperatures. Below is a table of comparisons which demonstrates the differeces between the two types of sauna:  

* Infrared saunas do not require the air temperature to rise in order to use them, this is why infrared cabins operate at much lower temperatures
** Based on 12p per unit of electricity, please check your unit costs for accurate costing.

What is Infrared? 

Infrared radiation is the band of light we perceive as heat. We cannot see this band of light with the naked eye, but rather we can feel this light in the form of heat. Our sun produces most of its energy output in the infrared segment of the spectrum.
Infrared rays heat your body without having to heat the air in-between, through a process called conversion, to put it simply when we stand in the sun we can feel the warmth, however if we stand in the shade we instantly feel cooler even though the air temperature stays the same.
The infrared spectrum is divided into 3 segments by wavelengths, measured in microns; 0.7~1.4 µm -near; 1.4 ~ 3.0 µm -middle; >3.0 µm-far infrared.
Most Infrared sauna cabins make use of far and middle infrared heat waves as these only penetrate the dermis and epidermis (top layers) of the skin and cause a warming sensation. Short wave radiation contains more energy and penetrate the subcutis (hypodermis) causing a more intensive sweating effect however radiators which solely emit intensive short wave radiation should only be used by qualified health care providers as the waves penetrate deep enough to cause an increase in core temperature (hyperthermia).

Deep warming via short wave infrared increases the body temperature from inside also known as the training effect, this causes a more intensive sweating and a more efficient purification. The long wave and medium wave infrared rays only warm the upper layer of the skin.

	Oceanic Infrared Sauna Heater Distribution of Infrared:  IR-A IR-B IR-C Short Wave Medium Wave Long Wave 0.7~1.4 µm 1.4 ~ 3.0 µm >3.0 µm Deep warming  of hypodermis  (subcutis) Warming of  dermis and  epidermis Warming of  epidermis 15% 62.5% 22.5%

Infra Saunarium Combined Infrared Sauna and Steam

Our unique new range combines an infrared sauna with a steam bath for the increased pleasure and relaxation, the ability to add SaunAroma milks containing essential oils to the steam will add yet another dimension to the experience. Infrared Saunariums are available for selected models only. 
Infrared saunas are normally dry saunas, but many users enjoy the sensuality of steam and increased humidity of the more traditional sauna. Now thanks to the introduction of a small steam generator into the cabin our range of Infrared Saunariums provide this facility. The Oceanic mini steamer which has been designed for use with our hermetically sealed infra red emitters, it is wall mounted has 3 heat settings and is equipped with boil dry protection, indicator lights to show the water levels and power settings. A splash guard also provides a space to place drops of SaunAroma sauna milks so as to infuse the steam with their fragrance and elevate the experience to another level.