An infrared (IR) sauna uses specialized heating elements to emit infrared radiation, an invisible part of the sun’s spectrum. This radiant energy creates heat that is absorbed directly by the body. The primary goal of this technology is to raise the body’s internal temperature, which is why the operational temperatures of these units differ significantly from those of conventional saunas.
Standard Temperature Settings
Infrared saunas operate at significantly lower ambient air temperatures than traditional saunas. The common user-set range is typically between 110°F and 140°F (43°C to 60°C). This range is notably milder compared to the 150°F to 195°F (65°C to 90°C) temperatures often found in traditional hot air saunas. The lower air temperature makes the environment more tolerable, allowing users to spend longer periods inside the cabin. While 140°F is a common upper limit for standard operation, maximum settings sometimes reach up to 150°F (66°C).
How Infrared Heat Delivery Differs
The fundamental difference lies in the method of heat transfer. Traditional saunas rely on convection, where a heating element warms the air, which then warms the user. Conversely, infrared saunas employ radiant heating.
Radiant heat involves electromagnetic waves that travel directly to the object absorbing them, similar to the way sunlight warms the skin. These invisible infrared waves penetrate the skin and tissues, causing water molecules within the body to vibrate and generate heat from within. This direct action means the body’s core temperature is raised efficiently without the discomfort of extremely hot air.
The infrared spectrum is divided into near, mid, and far wavelengths, which different sauna models may utilize. Far-infrared (FIR) waves are the most common and are readily absorbed by the body’s water molecules, providing the deep heating effect. Since the air is not the primary medium for heat transfer, the lower ambient temperature is sufficient to achieve a significant physiological response, such as profuse sweating.
Practical Factors Affecting Cabin Temperature
Several practical factors influence the actual thermal environment inside the infrared sauna cabin, even when the thermostat is set. The ambient temperature of the room housing the sauna is a significant variable; a cold space requires the unit to work harder and longer to reach the set temperature.
The construction, including the quality of insulation and materials, directly impacts heat retention. Poorly insulated units or those with gaps allow heat to escape, which can lead to temperature fluctuations or failure to reach the maximum setting. The preheating period is also necessary, usually taking 10 to 15 minutes for the infrared emitters and cabin materials to fully warm up.
Ventilation also plays a role in heat retention. While some air exchange is necessary, excessive ventilation introduces cooler air, causing the internal temperature to drop. Furthermore, the accuracy of the temperature sensors can affect performance, potentially resulting in an inconsistent or suboptimal session temperature.