Types of Saunas

Traditional Steam Sauna

Regular dry saunas are what most people envision when they think of a sauna. They heat the air around you using electric heaters, gas heaters, or wood-burning stoves.

These saunas often feature heated stones or hot rocks onto which water can be poured to create steam, increasing the level of humidity. The environment inside is characterised by high temperatures and can offer either a dry heat or a steamy atmosphere, depending on your preference.

At The Sauna Company, we offer a range of traditional sauna rooms and sauna accessories from SAWO Finland, ensuring you experience the authentic sauna bathing that has been cherished for generations.

Infrared Saunas

In contrast, infrared saunas use infrared heaters to emit infrared light, which is absorbed directly by the human body. This type of sauna operates at lower temperatures but penetrates deeper into the skin, offering intense heat without the oppressive atmosphere of a traditional sauna. Far-infrared saunas are a popular subtype, known for their deep-reaching warmth.

Understanding the main differences between these saunas can help you choose the one that best suits your needs.

Sauna Health Benefits: Do They Differ?

Both types of saunas offer a range of health benefits, but there are some distinctions.

Infrared Sauna Benefits

Health benefits of infrared saunas are particularly noticeable for pain relief, helping with muscle recovery, joint pain, and alleviating chronic pain conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Infrared rays also promote sweating at lower temperatures, which may aid in weight loss and detoxification, though more systematic reviews are needed for confirmation.

Benefits Of Traditional Sauna

Traditional saunas strengthen the immune system, and the steam from steam saunas can alleviate respiratory issues, providing relief for those with respiratory conditions.

Additional benefits include:

Considerations for Use

When choosing between an infrared and a traditional sauna, consider your personal preference, health conditions, and how you plan to use the sauna.

If you enjoy the intense heat and higher humidity of a traditional sauna experience, then a traditional Finnish sauna might be the best sauna for you. However, if you prefer a milder warmth and the benefits of deep skin penetration, an infrared sauna session might be more suitable.

No matter your preference, The Sauna Company offers a range of options to suit your needs. No job is considered too big or too small, and we're here to help you realise your sauna dreams.

Always consult with a healthcare professional if you have conditions like heart disease, low blood pressure, or are sensitive to electromagnetic fields. This ensures that your sauna use aligns with your health needs.

Infrared saunas allow for longer sessions due to the comfortable air temperature, while traditional saunas often require shorter sessions because of the intense heat.

Traditional saunas heat up faster so if you're not a fan of waiting, traditional is the better option.

Types of Sauna Installations

Indoor vs Outdoor Saunas

Indoor saunas are convenient and can be installed in a home sauna setup, making them easily accessible for regular use. Outdoor saunas provide a rustic charm and can be a beautiful addition to your garden or backyard.

As the Victorian distributor of SAWO Finland, The Sauna Company can provide bespoke solutions for both indoor and outdoor sauna installations, tailored to your specific requirements.

Enhancing your sauna experience with the right accessories can make a significant difference. We offer a wide range of sauna accessories from SAWO Finland, including sauna heaters, thermometers, humidity gauges, and more.

Cost and Maintenance

Installation Costs

Traditional saunas are generally more expensive to install due to their complex heating systems and the need for proper ventilation. Infrared saunas are often more affordable and easier to set up, making them a popular choice for home installations.

📑 Read detailed install-info ←

When it comes to running costs, infrared saunas are slightly more energy-efficient due to their heating methods, resulting in lower electricity bills. Traditional saunas consume more energy to maintain the high temperatures required.

Both sauna types require regular upkeep. Traditional saunas may require more especially if using gas heaters or wood-burning stoves, which can leave residues. Infrared saunas are easier to maintain with fewer mechanical parts and no need to manage humidity levels.

Additions To Sauna Therapy

Combining Heat and Cold

Incorporating cold water therapy with your sauna routine can enhance the health benefits. Using a cold plunge or ice baths after a sauna session boosts circulation and can aid in muscle recovery and reducing inflammation.

If you're exploring other forms of heat therapy, consider hot tubs for relaxation with hydrotherapy benefits or steam rooms, which provide moist heat beneficial for skin and respiratory health.

The Sauna Company also specialises in steam room and steam shower equipment, broadening your options for wellness.

Safety and Side Effects

Potential Risks

While saunas are generally safe, there are potential risks like overheating, dehydration, or exposure to electromagnetic fields in infrared saunas. It's essential to be aware of these and take precautions.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink water before and after sessions to prevent dehydration.
• Limit Time: Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase as you become more comfortable.
• Listen to Your Body: If you feel dizzy or unwell, exit the sauna immediately.

Side Effects

Be mindful of low blood pressure and increased heart rate during sauna use. Those with heart conditions or other health concerns should consult a doctor before incorporating saunas into their routine.

Making an Informed Decision

📚 References

For more detailed information, consider reviewing the systematic reviews below on sauna benefits and delve deep into reputable sources to further explore how sauna therapy can enhance your overall health.

📑 Cardiovascular and metabolic effects of repeated sauna bathing

📑 Longitudinal associations of sauna bathing with inflammation and oxidative stress: the KIHD prospective cohort study

📑 The Cardiometabolic Health Benefits of Sauna Exposure in Individuals with High-Stress Occupations. A Mechanistic Review

📑 Does the Combination of Finnish Sauna Bathing and Other Lifestyle Factors Confer Additional Health Benefits? A Review of the Evidence

Looking for a trusted source to purchase your home sauna? Look no further than The Sauna Company, a leading provider of high-quality saunas in Victoria.

At The Sauna Company, we're passionate about promoting the health, wellness, and relaxation benefits of sauna and steam room bathing. With over 25 years of experience and the backing of a premium global brand, we're committed to helping you achieve your wellness goals. No job is too big or too small, and we're here to assist you every step of the way. Feel free to contact us for a no-obligation discussion about your wellness dream.

Exclusive Partnership with SAWO

The Sauna Company has an exclusive partnership with SAWO, a Finnish brand known for its premium saunas and accessories. This ensures you’re getting top quality when you purchase from them.