iPhone in the Infrared Sauna: What You Should Know

Infrared saunas are extremely popular due to their pleasant, gentle warmth, even among people who don't tolerate intense heat well.

The power consumption is also much lower, at about a quarter of that of a traditional sauna, which makes them cheaper to use.

Together with their numerous health benefits, this makes using an infrared sauna very attractive for anyone who wants to improve their well-being.

What many people forget is that the application of infrared heat is about doing good for both the body and the mind.

While physical relaxation often occurs quickly when sweating in the heat cabin, it is primarily mental relaxation that many people struggle with.

This is not only due to everyday stress but also to the fact that electronic devices such as mobile phones are often used in infrared cabins.

However, to escape everyday thoughts, it would be better to avoid any external distractions.

Therefore, the use of electronic devices in the sauna is a controversial topic. Opinions on this differ. However, many voices advise against using smartphones, tablets, or other devices while sauning.

Can you take your iPhone into an infrared sauna?

In principle, there is nothing wrong with using your iPhone for a short time in an infrared sauna.

The ambient temperature in an infrared sauna, at 35°C to 45°C, is significantly lower than in a traditional sauna. These temperatures will not really harm the iPhone for a short time, but it may react due to its built-in protection mechanism.

In the long run, the device will probably be damaged at these temperatures, and therefore it is clearly not recommended to take the iPhone into the infrared cabin.

As an official manufacturer, Apple states that the operating temperature is between 0°C and 35°C. [1]

In traditional saunas, temperatures are significantly higher, usually between 60° and 100°C. Here, no electronics, and certainly no iPhone, should be taken into the sauna.

Another significant difference is that traditional saunas often have higher humidity. Humidity tends to have a negative impact on electronics.

But even if the heat in the infrared sauna is dry air, it is not advisable to take a mobile phone or similar devices into the infrared cabin due to the temperatures and the desire for personal relaxation.

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Why an iPhone does not belong in an infrared sauna

The following reasons quickly make it clear why a smartphone should not be taken into the heat cabin:

• Even if an infrared sauna is known for its dry heat, moisture from sweat escaping from your pores will get onto the device. This can impair the iPhone's functionality.
• Any use at excessively high temperatures can cause lasting damage to the device.
• If your iPhone has defects, the warranty may not apply due to its use in the infrared cabin. Any repairs due to heat and moisture must therefore be paid for out of your own pocket.
• Electromagnetic fields emanating from any mobile phones may disturb your relaxation in the infrared cabin.

How to use your iPhone in the infrared cabin if necessary

If it is unavoidable to take your iPhone into the infrared cabin, you should do so taking some considerations into account:

• First of all, the mobile phone should not be placed directly on the bench in the infrared sauna.

Direct heat can cause the device to overheat and be damaged. It is therefore advisable to place the iPhone on a towel or a special sauna cushion.

• Moisture, for example, from sweating, can also damage the iPhone.

Therefore, care should be taken to ensure that the device does not come into direct contact with sweat or other moisture. We recommend storing the iPhone in a waterproof case or at least in a water-repellent bag.

• If your mobile phone is in danger of overheating, immediately take it outside. You should also be aware that high heat can damage the iPhone, or especially the phone's battery.

So, with every use in the infrared cabin, you risk shortening the lifespan of your iPhone.

Relaxing with an iPhone in the infrared sauna

There are some infrared cabin models where the use of iPhones for relaxation has already been taken into account from the outset.

The Clearlight Sanctuary models have a device built into the side wall that has been specially designed for storing iPhones, tablets, and other mobile phones.

Thanks to modern glass optics and the built-in charging station via USB and Bluetooth connection, you can conveniently use your iPhone in the infrared cabin.

To avoid routing the audio output through the iPhone's speakers, the Clearlight models also have built-in stereo speakers.

We recommend connecting the iPhone to the sauna via Bluetooth or AUX cable initially. This way, you can start a guided meditation or breathing exercise and then store the iPhone directly in the device.

Digital Detox in the Infrared Cabin

In principle, it is possible to use a mobile phone for a short time in an infrared cabin. However, it is not advisable for several reasons.

Besides the fact that even the manufacturer of iPhones advises against using them at temperatures above 35°C, it is also simply not good for your personal relaxation to hold a mobile phone in your hands.

On the contrary, 30 to 45 minutes of pure relaxation without any external environmental influences feels very liberating. One could literally speak of a kind of detox if we step away from the digital world for a few moments.

However, anyone who wants to enjoy music or audiobooks as an additional relaxation aid in the infrared sauna can still do so without damaging their iPhone.

Thanks to the wireless connection and the good sound system of the Clearlight infrared cabins, even that is no longer a problem.

If you would like to know more about infrared cabins or their effect on the body, we at Clearlight would be happy to advise you.

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