The type of infrared emitters is one of the most fundamental distinguishing features of infrared saunas. This is because the different types of emitters have different effects on the human body.
The infrared waves from full-spectrum emitters penetrate up to 5 mm into the skin. This is enough to stimulate artificial sweating, which has a very positive effect on health and the immune system, as has been proven in many scientific studies.
What exactly are full-spectrum emitters?
Full-spectrum emitters in infrared cabins combine all three types of infrared rays:
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Near-Infrared
Near-infrared (NIR) or "infrared-A radiation" is the shortest, but also the most intense wavelength. It penetrates very deeply into the skin and promotes sweat production there. NIR is not only used in full-spectrum emitters but also in various fields of medicine and research.
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Mid-Infrared
The wavelength of mid-infrared (MIR) is slightly longer than that of near-infrared. As a result, mid-infrared penetrates better into the soft tissue of the body, promoting blood circulation and releasing oxygen.
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Far-Infrared
Far-infrared (FIR) has by far the longest wavelength and can be absorbed and processed best by our body. Therefore, far-infrared radiation is also the most important in the field of infrared therapy. Far-infrared radiation is used to accelerate the detoxification of the body. The waves essentially cause fat cells in the body to vibrate, which, in addition to detoxification, also supports weight reduction.1
Because the full-spectrum emitters of infrared cabins combine all three spectra in equal parts - from IR-A to IR-B to IR-C rays - they are often referred to as ABC emitters.
In contrast to classic ceramic or surface emitters, full-spectrum emitters generate significantly more intense heat.
A brief overview of other emitters for infrared cabins
Basically, in addition to the full-spectrum emitters mentioned, there are two other emitters that can be installed in infrared saunas:
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Tube emitters (or usually "ceramic emitters")
Tube emitters emit their IR radiation very selectively through a heating rod, which is why they are often classified as spot emitters or tube emitters. Infrared emitters usually work in the range of IR-B radiation and IR-C radiation. The waves penetrate deep into the skin - but not as deeply as near-infrared - and promote blood circulation. Due to the spot irradiation of infrared heat, there is wasted potential here. In an infrared cabin, the goal is to achieve even heating. Spot heating works mainly in the area where it is applied, but a large part of the body is not heated because the emitter cannot cover that area.
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Surface emitters
Surface emitters generally emit only far-infrared waves. Because the heat is not as intense, you can stay in the infrared cabin for a longer period. Surface emitters are particularly effective in achieving uniform and intense heating of the human body. Of course, the type of heater also depends on the emitter itself, and a blanket statement that surface emitters are better or worse than tube emitters cannot be made.
At Clearlight, we rely on our specially developed carbon and ceramic emitters, which have the positive properties of a surface emitter and are additionally enhanced with ceramic particles. In this way, we achieve very uniform yet intense heating for optimal sweating. For uniform and therapeutic heating, surface emitters are essential, and at Clearlight, they are the heart of our infrared cabins. Other infrared cabin manufacturers (e.g., Allwaspa, Artsauna or HomeDeluxe) use different types of emitters.
We then supplement our infrared cabins with full-spectrum tube emitters for the optimal sauna experience, especially through the combination of both emitter types and all infrared ranges.
Those who prefer a middle ground between ceramic and surface emitters are well advised to use full-spectrum emitters in their infrared cabin. Each type of emitter has its own advantages and disadvantages. This brings us directly to the next point.
The main advantages and disadvantages of full-spectrum emitters in infrared cabins
Full-spectrum emitters in infrared cabins have both advantages and disadvantages. Here we look at the most important aspects that should be considered when choosing this technology.
The advantages of full-spectrum emitters
Full-spectrum emitters are the all-rounders among heat emitters. They emit light in all wavelengths and heat the body more optimally than any other type of emitter.
Since deep-heat emitters work in the lower skin layers, they are excellent for improving general health. They not only help reduce body fat2 but also actively accelerate detoxification3.
Another significant advantage of full-spectrum emitters is that, unlike in a traditional sauna, they produce much faster and healthier sweat production.
It has been shown repeatedly that artificially induced sweating by infrared cabins sustainably strengthens the immune system.4 Thanks to the comparatively high proportion of near-infrared, the skin sweats significantly faster with these infrared emitters.
The disadvantages of full-spectrum emitters
Where there's smoke, there's fire. This applies to full-spectrum emitters for infrared cabins just as much as to any other product. Therefore, we want to address the possible disadvantages of full-spectrum emitters here.
The first disadvantage that comes to mind is, of course, the intensity of the emitters and the heat. Not everyone can tolerate the same level of infrared heat.
What is relaxing deep heat for one person may be a bit too intense for another. Therefore, the duration of the session in infrared cabins with full-spectrum emitters should not be exceeded too much.
Due to this technological disadvantage, at Clearlight, we have integrated variable use of full-spectrum emitters in the Sanctuary and Outdoor infrared cabins. To prevent overly intense heat, you can regulate the intensity between 0%, 50%, 75%, and 100% as desired. So here you have complete control over the ideal use of full-spectrum emitters.
In our Essential and Premier infrared cabins, the intensity of the emitter is lower, making it ideal for intense yet pleasant warming of the human body.
There are 1-2 older studies that point to the negative effects of IR-A. We are, of course, aware of these studies and know them well. The presented studies referred to possible damage to the retina when looking intensely into the IR-A. The studies investigated the additional burden welders experience when looking into the IR-A for several hours a day at a distance of 1-5cm. This is a very specific consideration of IR-A, which is not really applicable to infrared saunas.
The Seibersdorf Laboratory in Austria already determined in 2006 that the use of IR-A in infrared cabins has no negative effects. They wrote:
The Clearlight full-spectrum IR-A emitters are therefore 100% safe and effective. Thanks to specially developed technology, an ideal distance of more than 30 cm from the skin, and the ideal wavelength range, these emitters are the most modern, safest, and most effective currently available on the infrared market.
Can full-spectrum emitters be harmful?
Generally, there is nothing to fear with full-spectrum emitters in infrared cabins. It is the manufacturer's responsibility to ensure that the products cannot be harmful to health.
In this respect, full-spectrum emitters could only be truly harmful if one were to push it. For example, by going into the infrared cabin more often than would be good for one's body. Common sense ensures that one avoids prolonged direct skin contact with the emitters and the associated burns.
If relevant warnings regarding harmfulness are not already provided on the manufacturer's website, simply contact customer support.
Clearlight has been developing high-quality infrared cabins for 22 years, paying attention to the use of 100% safe, effective, and state-of-the-art technology. Thus, our emitters also emit less electrosmog than most other providers on the market.
In our Clearlight Sanctuary Full-Spectrum Infrared Cabins, we use two powerful full-spectrum emitters mounted on the front glass door.
Our far-infrared cabin comes standard with far-infrared heating technology. However, it is possible to retrofit the cabin with an additional full-spectrum emitter. This way, you can first test the far-infrared cabin and later consider the option of an additional emitter.
What to look for when buying full-spectrum emitters
In our comprehensive buying guide, we already discuss various points you should consider when buying infrared cabins.
As for the full-spectrum emitters in your infrared sauna, there is one key point you should pay close attention to: the warranty!
Can replacement parts for the full-spectrum emitters be supplied by the manufacturer?
Because if not, in our opinion, that's a clear no-go. Nothing is more tiresome than having to track down suitable spare parts years after purchase and then having to pay high prices for them.
That's also why we at Clearlight offer a lifetime warranty on our deep-heat emitters.
Conclusion
Full-spectrum emitters are the optimal solution if you enjoy intense heat in your IR cabin.
Unlike ceramic and surface emitters, ABC full-spectrum emitters cover the entire infrared spectrum. This is also the greatest advantage of deep-heat emitters, as their waves penetrate deep below the skin and thus have a positive effect on health and the immune system.
You don't have to fear for your health, as full-spectrum emitters are not harmful with normal use. Manufacturers are obligated to produce full-spectrum emitters in such a way that they do not have a negative impact on health.
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FAQ
What are full-spectrum emitters?
Full-spectrum emitters work with the entire spectrum of infrared. They emit near-infrared, mid-infrared, and far-infrared in equal parts. Full-spectrum emitters are therefore also called ABC emitters.
How harmful are full-spectrum emitters?
Basically, the emitters are not harmful. Full-spectrum emitters are only harmful if they are not used properly. For example, if there is direct skin contact at too high a temperature. However, this is ruled out with all Clearlight infrared cabins, as we have thought through and implemented the technology itself, its arrangement, and installation in the infrared cabins in detail.
Which emitters are best for infrared cabins?
That depends entirely on your needs. If you want the all-rounder among emitter types, a combination of surface emitters and full-spectrum emitters is the ideal solution for you.
Where can you buy full-spectrum emitters for infrared cabins?
At Clearlight Infrared Cabins, full-spectrum emitters are standard in some of our models, but can be ordered with any Clearlight infrared cabin if desired.
We also offer kits for infrared sauna retrofitting or custom manufacturing. A full-spectrum emitter can also be used in these kits.
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