If you are thinking of buying an infrared sauna, you should check out this article. Here, you will find some guidance on choosing the right one, besides reviews of three of the most popular products.
Infrared saunas are a recent innovation, which has revolutionized the traditional sauna experience. Finnish saunas, that were basically steam baths, are still popular but these new ones are much more effective. They assist weight loss and improve blood circulation.
How do Infrared Saunas Work?
These saunas heat the body in the same way, as sunbathing. 80% of the energy received from the Sun, in the form of electromagnetic waves, falls in the infrared spectrum. Infrared waves are electromagnetic waves, which transfer energy in the form of heat. Unlike visible light, infrared waves are invisible to the human eye.
All objects emit infrared radiation and transfer heat. The Sun also emits a large amount of energy, in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The band of wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum, from 0.76 micrometers to 1000 micrometers constitutes the radiation spectrum, with subdivisions of near, middle, and far infrared. Even our bodies emit infrared radiation in wavelengths from 3 micrometers to 50 micrometers and emit peak radiation at 9.4 micrometers.
So, this is how infrared saunas work. They are wooden enclosures, fitted with lamps, which emit infrared radiation, tuned to the same wavelengths as our body’s heat absorption frequencies. The body takes in heat through direct absorption of radiant infrared radiation. This is unlike traditional saunas, where heat is absorbed through convection, and transferred through steam.
The effects are similar to traditional Finnish saunas. The body heats up and perspires, while using up a lot of calories, to stay cool. This leads to a fractional burning of calories. It also indirectly improves the blood circulation of the body.
Sweating is caused at a much lower temperature than a steam sauna. The directly absorbed heat penetrates deeper in your body, than traditional saunas. It’s claimed that regular use lowers cholesterol, blood pressure, and helps in weight loss. Another unsubstantiated claim made by manufacturers is the added benefit of detoxification. Perspiration caused by infrared saunas, supposedly helps the body in getting rid of many dangerous toxins.
There are two main types. They differ in the heating element. One is a carbon-based radiation element, while the other is ceramic-based. The carbon-based heating elements create a more uniformly heated sauna enclosure. However, the ceramic ones are more durable and long-lasting.
Reviews
Here are reviews of the three best products available in the market.
Two Person Outdoor Hemlock Ceramic Far Infrared Sauna
Priced at USD 1,679, this ‘Under the Sun’ product is a two-seater far infrared sauna. Built in solid hemlock wood, it can be used in all types of weather conditions. It comes with digital controls and built-in six pure ceramic heating elements. This product comes with a lifetime warranty. It delivers 2100 watts of heat, at 110 V.
Three Person Deluxe Red Cedar Carbon FIB Infrared Sauna
Priced at USD 3,345.00, this ‘Precision Therapy’ product is a three-seater sauna, with double wall construction and built with high quality lumber. It comes with a lifetime warranty on every part. An ISO 9001 certified product, it can heat up to 130° Fahrenheit to 140° Fahrenheit. All windows and doors are made up of tempered glass. It has an LED interior lighting, with AM/FM radio, and CD player facility. It also has an air purification facility.
Two Person Red Cedar Ceramic Infrared Sauna
Priced at USD 1,498.87, another one of ‘Precision therapy’ products, is a two-seater sauna, with lifetime warranty on every component. It uses five ceramic heaters and operates at an infrared wavelength of 5.6 micrometers to 15 micrometers. It has entertainment systems like radio and CD players, along with an air purification system. This one is best-suited for couples and the price makes it a good choice.
Infrared saunas are beneficial and a less harmful option than sunbathing, as you can control the amount of heat and the kind of radiation you are subjecting yourself to. These reviews are only representative of a number of excellent products available in the market.