History of the Infrared Sauna

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Infrared saunas are a revolutionary step in sauna technology and one that can generate strong opinions among sauna enthusiasts.  Because infrared saunas use different technology, different materials, and create an experience that is slightly different from a traditional sauna, it is inevitable that bathers around the world vary in their feelings for this alternative sauna heating mechanism.

The infrared heater, which operates quite differently from a traditional sauna heater, has added a completely new dimension to the sauna experience and paved the way for many more people to become sauna enthusiasts.

Infrared saunas work using infrared heaters to convert light directly to heat.  This heat has the effect of warming nearby objects without raising the air temperature; in other words, a bather in an infrared sauna absorbs heat but the surrounding air does not.

Far-infrared radiant (FIR) heat is often confused with ultraviolet (UV) radiation because both types of energy are present in the sun's rays.  However, FIR does not damage the skin the way UV does while still providing many of the benefits of natural sunlight.

In infrared saunas, heat penetrates deep into body tissues in a way that a traditional sauna cannot.  This deep tissue warmth is great for sore muscles, stiffness, and joint pain, especially the kind of chronic pain that comes from arthritis.

The infrared sauna heater warms up and is ready for use much more quickly than a traditional sauna's heater (usually in 10 to 20 minutes, compared to at least and hour) and it used much less energy.  Also, because the air itself does not get hot in infrared saunas, they are suitable for people with respiratory issues who find it uncomfortable or even risky to go into a traditional sauna.

Generally speaking, infrared saunas are less expensive, easier to install, and require less maintenance than traditional saunas.  They come in many sizes and are often quite portable, making them a great choice for a home sauna when there is limited space available.

While the upfront cost of a far infrared sauna is quite reasonable, a great deal more savings is realized when it comes to installation.  An infrared sauna heater does not use water so there is no need for moisture barriers, special drainage systems, or complex electrical wiring.  Maintenance is much less involved as well, since there are no water-borne bacteria to take up residence inside and the sauna itself stays nice and dry.