Are there any studies comparing infrared and traditional saunas?

Yes. Studies have examined both types, although much of the sauna evidence comes from traditional saunas and the two methods differ in how they heat the body.

• Traditional saunas: The studies commonly discussed used temperatures of 176–212°F. In one study, sauna use 2–3 times weekly was associated with 27% lower cardiovascular mortality, and 4–7 times weekly with 50% lower mortality, compared with once weekly. 1
• Infrared saunas: These typically reach about 140°F, so the session may need to be longer. A Japanese infrared “Weyon” therapy protocol included warming and wrapping participants, making the overall protocol about an hour. 2
• Cardiovascular findings: Japanese studies of Weyon therapy reported improvements in coronary heart disease and other heart-related conditions. 3
• Exercise plus sauna: Combining sauna with exercise was associated with greater improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness than exercise or sauna alone. 4