Infrared Cabin or Steam Sauna - Which is Better?

Are you looking for a sauna for your home? Then you have probably already noticed that there are many different ways to bring a little more comfort and luxury into your own home.

It's no secret that both an infrared cabin and a Finnish sauna have positive effects on our health.

In addition, there is also the option of a steam sauna, which, unlike a conventional sauna or infrared cabin, works with moist heat.

If you are now asking yourself: "Infrared cabin or steam sauna - which is better for me?" we have compiled a detailed comparison here.

We break down the most important features of both sauna types for you to make your decision a little easier.

What exactly is a steam sauna?

A steam sauna, also called a sauna steam bath, is made of non-porous material such as glass or tiles.

A steam generator is installed in the sauna to boil water, which is then released into the environment in the form of steam to create a high-humidity climate.

The steam sauna is heated to 70°-100°C, and the body is warmed by the high heat and humidity.

Depending on the steam cabin, the heat and humidity can vary. A Finnish steam sauna typically uses dry heat with slightly higher humidity of 10-20%.

A traditional sauna, as known from Turkey, on the other hand, has much higher humidity. Some steam baths can even reach 100% humidity. The higher the humidity, the hotter the room feels.

Steam baths can heat the skin temperature of the body up to 40°C. In response to the rising temperature, heavy and intense sweating occurs. The heart rate increases as the body tries to cool down.

Steam baths and saunas work by heating the environment, so you are heated from the outside in.

The health benefits of a steam sauna

The steam sauna as an option for heat therapy offers several health benefits.

Probably the greatest advantage of the steam sauna is the elimination of blockages in the sinuses and lungs.

This is because the moist nature loosens mucus from the lining of the lungs and sinuses.

In the steam bath, a climate with high humidity is created, which warms the mucous membranes in the lungs, which can help to dissolve congestion in the lungs and sinuses.

This advantage makes the steam sauna extremely healthy for people with sinusitis or stuffy noses due to colds. [1]

Sitting in a steam cabin has also been shown to have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, especially in older people.

A 2012 study found that moist heat, such as that produced in a steam sauna, can improve circulation. It does this by dilating the capillaries, which allows blood to flow more easily and transport oxygen better throughout the body.

In addition, using a steam sauna before exercise can help loosen joints and increase flexibility. Similar to a short warm-up before sports.

A 2013 study showed that applying moist heat to a joint has similar healing effects to applying dry heat. Only the application time was shorter, but the effect was just as good.

In addition to these health benefits, the steam sauna unfortunately also has disadvantages that are not good for your health and well-being.

‍

Bacteria in the steam sauna

The warm, humid climate in a steam sauna sometimes creates an ideal breeding ground for various bacteria.

Sharing it with others means even more bacteria get into the steam cabin, where they can multiply wonderfully. The steam sauna is therefore a potential place for the spread of germs.

Steam baths can produce and spread a whole range of harmful bacteria. [2]

This, in turn, can lead to skin infections from microorganisms, including fungus or rashes, and other bacterial infections. [3]

But that's not all! In addition to the risk of bacterial growth in the warm, humid climate of the steam bath, mold formation is also omnipresent.

Mold can be toxic if inhaled. Contrary to the assumption that a steam bath clears the nose of blockages, you may even find the cause of lung infections due to mold there.

Furthermore, you should know that the steam in the sauna leaves a film of water on the skin, which seals the pores. This means you cannot sweat as well as in a dry environment, such as that found in an infrared cabin.

In addition, unlike in an infrared cabin, no toxins or metabolic breakdown products are released in a steam sauna. If you believe you can detox better in a steam sauna, we unfortunately have to disappoint you.

It is the infrared radiation that promotes detoxification in the body and the more intense sweating that ensures toxins are removed from the organism. [4]

In the steam sauna, this effect is significantly lower.

And what about the infrared cabin?

An infrared cabin does not reach as high temperatures as a sauna or steam sauna.

The heat cabin is usually made of robust wood such as spruce or cedar and equipped with infrared emitters. These provide temperatures between 35° and 55°C.

In contrast to the classic sauna, which heats the room with steam or dry heat, advanced infrared emitters are used in the infrared sauna, which heat the body directly.

As your body absorbs the infrared heat, the thermal energy increases, leading to deep and relaxing sweating.

Infrared refers to the wavelength of the light energy used, which is harmless to humans. In fact, it brings numerous benefits, which is why the infrared cabin is considered so healthy for humans.

The invisible waves of infrared are responsible for us getting warm in the infrared sauna and feeling positive effects on our health.

The infrared spectrum is composed of 3 different wavelengths, each with different properties and frequency ranges:

• Near-infrared light
• Mid-infrared light
• Far-infrared light

At Clearlight, you will find both far-infrared cabins and infrared cabins equipped with full-spectrum emitters.

How you benefit from an infrared cabin

The infrared sauna offers a number of health benefits that can hardly or not at all be achieved in this form in a steam sauna.

• Improved circulation

Using the infrared cabin dilates blood vessels, which improves blood circulation throughout the body.

This allows oxygen and essential nutrients to be transported more easily.

In general, good circulation can have far-reaching benefits. From faster wound healing, to a healthy cardiovascular system, to lowering blood pressure. [5]

• Even skin

The improved blood circulation already mentioned also ensures that the skin is better supplied with nutrients. In addition, collagen production is stimulated, which can contribute to greater skin elasticity, an even skin tone, and wrinkle reduction. [6]

• Faster wound healing

Further benefits of infrared saunas include the remarkable effect that infrared has on the wound healing process.

Infrared light significantly boosts tissue growth and cell regeneration because mitochondria absorb infrared very well.

Improved blood circulation and the associated faster transport of nutrients also accelerate wound healing. [7]

• Relief from muscle soreness and chronic pain

Improved blood circulation from visiting an infrared cabin can help muscles recover faster after physical activity.

Muscle soreness and general muscle pain can thus subside more quickly. With regular use, athletes can even improve their performance. [8]

Another excellent aspect of infrared saunas is their ability to relieve chronic pain. Without the negative side effects of some painkillers.

Researchers found that infrared sauna may be a promising method for treating chronic pain.

Rheumatic patients, in particular, benefit from regular infrared therapy. They experience less pain, stiffness, and fatigue as a result. [9]

• Better relaxation

Warming your body also seems to be good for your soul. A session in an infrared cabin can help reduce depression, anxiety, and stress. [10]

In addition, regular use of an infrared sauna can also have a positive effect on your sleep quality. [11]

• Detoxification and weight loss

Sweating in the infrared cabin ensures that the body can detoxify better. Toxins or heavy metals can thus be transported out of the body more easily and quickly. [12]

In addition, spending time in an infrared sauna can also help with weight loss.

In a study of obese adults, researchers found that body weight and body fat percentage significantly decreased after 2 weeks of sauna use.

The researchers suspect that this is due to the increased heart rate and the fact that the body needs more energy to cool down. [13]

The biggest differences between infrared cabins and steam saunas

At first glance, an infrared sauna and a steam sauna seem very similar. But although both invigorate and relax the body, there are some important differences you should know before choosing one of the two types of sauna.

• The heating method

One of the biggest differences between an infrared cabin and a steam sauna is the type of heat generation.

In a classic sauna, whether with or without steam, a sauna stove is used to heat the air, and this hot air heats your body. It therefore warms up from the outside through the action of hot ambient air.

In contrast, in an infrared sauna, air temperature is less important than the quality of the infrared heat.

This is because infrared radiation is responsible for warming your body from the inside.

As your body absorbs the infrared radiation, the thermal energy increases, leading to deep and relaxing sweating.

• The temperature

In conventional steam saunas, air temperatures are heated to at least 70°C.

The temperature in an infrared sauna is a comparatively low 35°- 55°C.

Depending on your preference, you can choose between the dry infrared environment or the steamy atmosphere of a traditional sauna.

• The warm-up time

A traditional sauna with hot stones or a steam generator takes between 1 - 2 hours to reach the desired temperature and humid environment.

An infrared sauna is a little faster here. The Clearlight infrared heating elements only take about 10 to 15 minutes to be fully heated.

• The cost of use

We will not comment on the initial costs here, as these can vary greatly depending on quality and supplier.

Nevertheless, it is clear that the installation of a steam sauna alone is far more cost-intensive than that of an infrared cabin.

While no structural measures are necessary for setting up an infrared sauna, installing a sauna with or without steam is far more complex.

The special three-phase connection for 400-volt alternating current alone, but also the special lining of the room, cause extra costs when buying a steam sauna.

But also in terms of use and the associated costs, an infrared cabin and a steam sauna differ greatly.

In principle, the operating costs of your sauna depend on the local cost per kilowatt hour, the power of the heating elements, and the frequency of use.

However, it should be noted that infrared saunas generally incur lower operating costs than steam saunas. This is because lower temperatures are used and the warm-up time for infrared saunas is significantly shorter.

This means less power and therefore less electricity per session is required.

• Maintenance

By and large, infrared cabins are pretty low-maintenance. For regular use, it is sufficient to wipe all walls and the sauna bench with a cloth, remove dust from time to time, and leave the door open for a few hours after each sauna session.

The care and maintenance of an infrared cabin is relatively simple and requires little effort.

Not so the steam sauna. It is advisable to clean it regularly and thoroughly to keep it free of mold.

Similar to your bathroom, you should also always strive to keep your steam sauna clean and hygienic with environmentally friendly and, above all, non-toxic cleaning agents.

• Installation

The assembly and installation of an infrared cabin is extremely simple. Depending on the model, an infrared sauna can be set up both indoors and outdoors.

You only need a standard household socket with a voltage of 230V.

Whether your home sauna is a mini steam sauna or a model for several people, you will need experts for assembly and installation.

Conventional steam saunas usually need to be installed by a professional, as they require not only a special power connection, but also plumbing, drainage, ventilation, and other electrical installations.

Steam sauna or infrared cabin - A heated discussion

Sauna bathing is often associated with luxury and prosperity. How fortunate that this luxury can now be brought into your own home to enjoy even more comfort.

Now that you know the advantages of an infrared cabin and a steam sauna, it should be easier for you to make a decision.

The positive properties of a sauna or infrared cabin with steam are undeniable. But even if this sounds tempting, you should consider the negative effects of high humidity in a confined space.

While the elaborate installation and high operating costs of a steam sauna can still be overlooked, the potential bacterial cultures and mold growth are a major disadvantage.

Here, the infrared cabin offers an optimal alternative, where you can not only enjoy the effect of sweating, but also benefit from the special effect of infrared radiation.

For further information on infrared cabins, we at Clearlight will be happy to advise you.

‍