Difference between electric and infrared suana

Differences Between Electric and Infrared Saunas

Infrared Saunas:

• Heating Mechanism: Use thermal radiation to heat the body directly.
• Temperature: Typically reach up to about 140°F. Therefore, users may need to stay in longer to experience similar benefits to higher heat saunas.
• Health Effects: Some studies, particularly from Japan, suggest benefits for cardiovascular health through protocols involving prolonged exposure and wrapping in towels post-sauna to maintain warmth.
• Detoxification: Promotes heavy metal excretion (cadmium, lead, aluminum) predominantly through sweat 1.
• Skin Benefits: While often debated, infrared saunas might not consistently get hot enough to trigger positive effects on heat shock proteins and growth hormone compared to traditional saunas. Also, targeted red light therapy has shown more efficacy in skin treatment than whole-body infrared sauna use 2.
• General Use: Often considered more affordable and less of a fire hazard compared to traditional electric saunas.

Electric Saunas:

• Heating Mechanism: Heats the ambient air, which in turn heats the body.
• Temperature: Can achieve higher temperatures, typically around 174°F or more, which has been the standard in many studies concerning sauna benefits.
• Health Effects: Higher heat levels trigger cardiovascular benefits more rapidly, causing increased heart rate and significant sweating.
• User Preference: Preferred by some due to the immediate intense heat and comprehensive stress response initiated 1.

Common Ground:

• Both types of saunas have been shown to promote cardiovascular health and detoxification through sweating.
• Heat stress benefits both modalities, though the intensity and immediate effects differ.

In summary, while both infrared and electric saunas offer health benefits, the primary differences lie in the heating mechanisms and achieved temperatures. Infrared saunas are more gradual and may require longer sessions, whereas electric saunas offer more immediate intense heat and broader physiological effects.