Many loyal sauna enthusiasts are staunchly opposed to the term ‘sauna’ being applied to an infrared cabin. They feel the term has been misappropriated in a way that robs the true sauna experience of impact. Whether one agrees, disagrees, or really does not care, it is important to know what the customer is looking for.
An infrared sauna might be the correct product for someone who cannot or does not want to endure the extreme temperatures of a traditional sauna. On the other hand, if they are anticipating they will be able to enjoy a good steam soak, a retailer will want to get them him/her into a traditional sauna.
Keep in mind, as saunas continue to gain exposure and interest throughout North America, retailers will run into customers who are going to need help understanding distinctions. For instance, explaining to the customer what the difference is between a steam room and a sauna that is capable of producing steam. The steam generated by placing water on the heated sauna stones is not constant and will dissipate. To maintain a humid environment, water must be reapplied consistently. In contrast, a steam room generates steam continually to create an exceptionally humid environment. It makes sense then that steam rooms are often tiled instead of wood-lined.
Another important distinction to make with a customer is to ensure they understand a sauna is not a spa. Perhaps this seems like a given, but many retailers would be surprised to realize how often customers use these terms interchangeably.
Know the basics
After the sauna is set-up and in place, many retailers may find their customers ask, “Now what?” Some may not even know how to operate and/or enjoy the benefits these units offer.
There are some consistent staples to a traditional sauna bathing experience. For example, it is commonly enjoyed in rounds: sit in the sauna, cooldown outside, sit in the sauna, cooldown outside, sit in the sauna, etc. The length of time someone sits in the sauna and the method for cooling down might vary, however.
For customers who are unsure, retailers can prescribe the following sauna bathing practice:
- Set the heater so the sauna room achieves the desired temperature, usually between 65.5 C (150 F) and 76.6 C (170 F). For those customers who are a sauna novice, suggest they start at the lower end of this range before working their way up—over several sauna baths—to the higher temperatures.
- Remove all clothing (except maybe a swimsuit), eyeglasses, contact lenses, jewellery, etc. Suggest they take a quick shower with warm water and soap, or a quick dip in their hot tub or pool prior to getting in the sauna.
- Enter the sauna initially for about five to 15 minutes. Bathers should bring a towel into the sauna to sit or lay on. He/she should leave the sauna room once they start to perspire freely.
- At this point, tell bathers to take a cold plunge in their pool, shower, or even a snow bank. Afterwards, they should relax and cooldown for another 10 to 20 minutes.
- Re-enter the sauna. On this return visit, bathers may wish to sprinkle small amounts of water onto the stones, to create bursts of steam.
- After the person’s final visit into the sauna, tell them they should relax for at least 20 minutes before showering with soap and warm water. Bathers should finish their shower with cooler water to promote the closure of the pores in the skin. Be sure to tell them they should only get dressed after their bady has cooled down completely.
When advising a customer how to use their sauna properly it is important to tell them to stay hydrated. A bather should drink water before and after taking a sauna to replenish the fluids lost to perspiration.
