Have you ever wondered what the difference is between an infrared sauna and a steam room?
The health benefits associated with saunas and steam rooms have been around for centuries. Both of them offer similar experiences in terms of relaxing in warm humid air, however, there are some key differences that make one preferable over the other depending on your goals.
An infrared sauna and a steam room both offer relaxation and the potential to relax sore muscles, but they affect the body differently. As such, it’s important to understand how an infrared sauna vs. steam room can impact your mental and physical health so that you can decide which one is best suited to meet your needs. In this article, we will discuss the differences between infrared saunas and steam rooms as well as their respective pros and cons.
What is an Infrared Sauna?
An infrared sauna is a type of dry heat sauna that utilizes infrared light to heat the body. Unlike traditional saunas, which use hot air or steam to heat the surroundings and your body, an infrared therapy sauna uses invisible light waves to penetrate deep into your skin and muscles. This type of sauna typically operates at a lower temperature than a regular steam room.
What is a Steam Room?
A steam room is a type of moist heat sauna that uses steam to raise the temperature in the surrounding area. Steam rooms are typically kept at high temperatures and the humidity levels can reach up to 100%. This type of sauna is usually used for its therapeutic benefits and has been known to improve respiratory health.
What’s the Difference Between an Infrared Sauna and a Steam Room?
The key difference between an infrared sauna and a steam room is that the former uses light to directly heat the body while the latter relies on hot, moist air.
Infrared saunas penetrate deep into the skin and muscles to provide an intense yet gentle, dry heat. This type of sauna is known for its ability to promote detoxification, reduce stress and pain, improve circulation, and even boost the immune system. While in the sauna, you’ll be surrounded by dry air that is warm but not hot.
A steam room, on the other hand, uses a humid atmosphere that is typically hotter than an infrared sauna. You can expect to sit in a room filled with hot air and steam created by boiling water. As the name suggests, steam rooms are known for their ability to help clear out your respiratory system and open up your airways. Additionally, it can help reduce inflammation and provide relief from congestion, as well as help you relax your muscles.
The Different Types of Heat
When it comes to the type of heat generated in a sauna or steam room, there are two main types: dry and wet heat. Dry heat is typically found in infrared saunas, while wet heat is more common in steam rooms. Dry heat is generally considered to be more intense, as it penetrates deeper into your muscles and skin than wet heat does. Meanwhile, wet heat is better for opening up your airways and providing relief from congestion.
Traditional saunas use wet heat, as well. This type of sauna uses rocks to heat up the air inside the sauna. When the rocks are heated, you pour water over them to create steam.
The Benefits of Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas offer a wide range of benefits to those who use them regularly. The penetrating heat which is produced by infrared light helps to reduce muscle pain and improve circulation while promoting detoxification of the body. Additionally, this type of sauna can help reduce stress and pain, boost the immune system, and improve skin health & tone. In addition to these physical benefits, spending time in an infrared sauna can also help improve mood and mental health.
The Benefits of Steam Rooms
Steam rooms offer many of the same benefits as infrared saunas, such as improved circulation, relief from congestion and inflammation, and muscle relaxation. However, steam rooms are particularly well-suited for those who suffer from respiratory issues or allergies. The humid atmosphere created by a steam room helps to open up the airways and make breathing easier. Additionally, steam rooms are a great place to relax and unwind after a stressful day or week.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Steam Room & Sauna Sessions
Getting the most out of your steam room and sauna sessions requires some planning and preparation. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your experience:
- Prior to entering either the steam room or sauna, it’s important to take a few minutes to relax, stretch, and breathe deeply. This will help you prepare mentally and physically for the experience.
- Drink plenty of water before, during, and after the session to stay hydrated.
- Listen to your body and don’t push yourself too hard. If you feel uncomfortable or have any pain or dizziness, take a break and exit the sauna or steam room immediately.
- Make sure to cool down after each session by taking a short shower or doing some light stretching.
So, which one is right for you?
When deciding between an infrared sauna or steam room, it’s important to consider the goals that you’re trying to achieve. If you are looking for a gentle way to relax and improve your circulation, then an infrared sauna may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking to open up your airways and reduce inflammation, then a steam room may be more suitable.
Have more questions?
Bassemiers carries saunas by Finnleo, Jacuzzi, Auroom, and Thermory outdoor barrel saunas. Learn more about the sauna models that we carry or visit our showroom.
For questions and other inquiries, please call us at (812)479-6338, chat with us down below, or visit us in our showroom at 4220 E Morgan Ave. in Evansville Indiana.
