Traditional vs. infrared saunas
While the trend to more upscale design is evident, it must also be noted there is a simultaneous movement toward simple, portable, lower-priced saunas. The IR sauna category typically comes in at a lower price point (though IR saunas can also be fully loaded with upgrades), but simple plug-in traditional saunas are also gaining popularity.
Under the general category of ‘heat bathing,’ there are multiple sauna types:
Traditional Finnish sauna
A wood-lined room, typically with two bench levels, heated by a wood-burning stove or electric heater containing a mass of stones. This type is most often thought of when using the word ‘sauna.’ The typical temperature range for these systems is 65 to 82 C (149 to 180 F), but can be set lower or higher depending on how much steam the bather prefers. A traditional Finnish sauna is the only bath in the world where the user controls both temperature and humidity.
Wet or dry sauna
This terminology also typically refers to the traditional Finnish sauna. Most safety-listed sauna heaters are designed to be used wet or dry. ‘Wet’ refers to using the sauna the Finnish way, whereby water is sprinkled on heated rocks to create steam. This enhances the experience by increasing the humidity in the sauna room by 20 to 40 per cent, depending on the bather’s preference. ‘Dry’ simply refers to using the sauna without adding water to the rocks. When used in this manner, relative humidity can drop below 10 per cent.
IR sauna
Unlike the traditional sauna, an IR unit has no rocks and steam is not part of the experience. These units utilize IR heating systems comprised of multiple heaters positioned throughout the sauna room. They typically use ceramic or stainless steel heating tubes or carbon panel heating systems. IR waves are part of the invisible electromagnetic spectrum, measured in microns. IR is often subdivided into ‘near IR’ (0.076 to 1.5 microns), ‘mid IR’ (1.5 to 5.6 microns) and ‘far IR’ (5.6 to 1,000 microns). The general consensus on the optimal wavelength for maximum health benefits is between seven and 14 microns—sometimes referred to as the ‘vital range.’ A digital control panel is used to adjust the temperature in an IR sauna, but there is no humidity control.
Combination saunas
These units combine traditional and IR technology in one sauna. These systems are relatively new to the industry, but are gaining popularity, especially for families who like both sauna types, but do not want two separate units. Per Canadian and U.S. safety standards, the two heating systems can not be used at the same time; however, users can easily select the heating method they want via digital control.
Steambath
Sometimes called a Turkish bath, steambaths are not actually saunas. They are heated by steam that is introduced by a steambath generator located outside the room. Steambath interiors are constructed of waterproof materials, such as ceramic tile, stone, glass or acrylic. The temperature range is typically 43 to 49 C (109 to 120 F), with humidity levels of 100 per cent. Bathers can adjust the temperature via digital controls, however, humidity can not be controlled.
Modular vs. custom design
All sauna types are available in modular form (prefabricated) or custom-built on-site (pre-cut or custom cut). Newer modular saunas have the same upgrade options as custom-built saunas and the appearance of each type can be equally luxurious.
Half of the traditional saunas sold are prefabricated, while the remaining half are custom-built models. IR sauna models have historically been 100 per cent prefabricated with a limited range of fixed models. However, recent IR product development includes custom capabilities where IR technology can be incorporated into custom-built units.
