In the realm of health and wellness, saunas have carved out a significant niche for themselves, offering a sanctuary for those looking to unwind, relax, and enhance their overall well-being.
The question of “infrared vs traditional sauna” is more than just a matter of preference; it’s about finding the right fit for your lifestyle, health goals, and personal comfort.
Whether you’re a seasoned sauna user or just beginning to explore the benefits of heat therapy, this article will guide you through the nuances of both infrared and traditional saunas, helping you make an informed decision.
Understanding Traditional Saunas
At the heart of the traditional sauna experience is the process of heating the air within the room to a high temperature, which in turn warms your body.
This method, which previously used wood or gas heaters, has adapted to modern technology. Many models now feature premium electric heaters, which provide more control over the temperature inside and make them much more user-friendly.
The appeal of traditional saunas lies in their ability to produce intense heat and steam, raising the humidity in the room to facilitate a deep sweat, providing a unique sensory experience.
The high heat generated in these saunas is not only effective for inducing a state of deep relaxation but also plays a significant role in combating pain.
The elevated temperatures expand blood vessels, enhancing circulation throughout the body. This process is instrumental in aiding muscle relaxation, which can alleviate physical tension and reduce stress.

Exploring Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas represent a cutting-edge evolution in sauna technology, leveraging the power of infrared rays to directly warm the body.
This innovative approach differs significantly from traditional saunas, as it does not rely on heating the air to extreme temperatures to achieve its effect. This allows them to operate at lower temperatures for a more comfortable and sustainable experience.
This characteristic makes infrared saunas particularly appealing to those who might find the high heat of traditional saunas uncomfortable or overwhelming.
These saunas come in various types—near, mid, and far-infrared—each providing a different wavelength to promote various health benefits, from skin improvement to aiding muscle tension and pain.
Far-infrared saunas are one of the most popular styles, as these lengths of infrared light penetrate deep into the skin. However, “full-spectrum” saunas have recently been making a name for themselves, combining all three wavelengths for a complete experience.
Key Differences Between Infrared and Traditional Saunas
When comparing “infrared vs traditional sauna,” it’s essential to focus on their distinct features and benefits to understand which might best suit your wellness journey. Here are the key differences laid out in an easily digestible format:
Heating Method:
- Traditional Saunas: Heat the air to high temperatures, typically between 150°F and 195°F (65°C to 90°C), which then warms the body.
- Infrared Saunas: Use infrared panels to directly warm the body without significantly heating the surrounding air, operating at lower temperatures of 120°F to 150°F (49°C to 65°C).
Heat Experience:
- Traditional Saunas: Provide a high-heat environment conducive to intense sweating and deep relaxation.
- Infrared Saunas: Offer a milder, more targeted heat that can penetrate the body deeply, promoting relaxation without the extreme heat.
User Comfort:
- Traditional Saunas: Ideal for those who can tolerate and enjoy high temperatures and want to partake in the traditional sauna experience.
- Infrared Saunas: Better suited for individuals seeking health benefits at more comfortable, lower temperatures or those sensitive to high heat.
Operating Costs:
- Traditional Saunas: Typically require more energy to heat the air to high temperatures, potentially leading to higher operating costs.
- Infrared Saunas: Generally more energy-efficient since they directly heat the body instead of the entire air volume, which can result in lower operating costs.
Suitability for Health Conditions:
- Traditional Saunas: May be preferred by individuals without specific heat sensitivities or those seeking the benefits of high-heat exposure.
- Infrared Saunas: Often recommended for people with certain health conditions that benefit from gentle heat, such as chronic pain, arthritis, or fibromyalgia.
Understanding these key differences is crucial in making an informed decision that aligns with your personal comfort, health objectives, and wellness lifestyle.
Whether you lean towards the intense heat of a traditional sauna or the targeted, gentle warmth of an infrared sauna, both options offer unique benefits that can significantly enhance your health and relaxation experience.

Infrared vs Traditional Saunas: How to Choose The Right One
Selecting between an infrared and a traditional sauna is a personal decision that hinges on a variety of factors.
Understanding your primary reasons for investing in a sauna—whether it’s for relaxation, health improvement, or perhaps both—plays a significant role in guiding your choice.
To make a well-informed decision, here are some critical aspects to consider when selecting a sauna:
- Personal Comfort and Heat Tolerance: Assess how comfortable you are with high temperatures.
- Health and Wellness Goals: Determine if your focus is on muscle recovery, pain management, stress reduction, or skin improvement, as this can influence which sauna type is more beneficial for you.
- Budget: Evaluate your budget requirements, keeping in mind both the initial investment and the ongoing operating costs.
- Space Requirements: Consider the amount of available space in your home, as saunas come in various sizes.
- Energy Efficiency: Think about the importance of energy efficiency to you and the cost savings associated with a more efficient model.
- Trial Experience: If possible, experience both sauna types firsthand to gauge which one feels more comfortable and aligns with your expectations.
Exploring these factors can help you navigate the decision-making process more smoothly, ensuring that the sauna you choose not only fits your lifestyle but also enriches your health and wellness routine.
Remember, the right sauna is the one that you will use regularly and enjoy the most, providing you with countless benefits for years to come.
Saunas for Sale in Duluth, Bemidji and Brainerd at Midnight Sun Pools n’ Spas
When it comes to choosing between an infrared or traditional sauna, the best option varies from person to person.
To explore the best sauna option for your wellness journey, reach out to the experts at Midnight Sun Pools n’ Spas, or visit one of our three Minnesota showrooms in Bemidji, Brainerd, and Duluth.
Our team is dedicated to helping you find the perfect sauna solution, supporting your path to improved well-being and relaxation. Let us assist you in discovering the transformative benefits of sauna therapy for a healthier, more relaxed you.