Far Infrared vs Full Spectrum Sauna: What to Choose?

Introduction to Far Infrared vs Full Spectrum Sauna

The debate between two types of infrared saunas—far infrared and full spectrum—has heated up as users find ways to enhance their wellness routines. Both promise a range of health benefits, but which one’s right for you? As more people seek natural ways to detoxify, relax, and improve their overall well-being, understanding the differences between these sauna types becomes crucial.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about far infrared vs full spectrum saunas, exploring their unique features and benefits. Whether you're a sauna enthusiast or a curious newcomer, we’ll help you get to the heart of these popular options so you can make the best choice for your wellness journey.

What Is an Infrared Sauna?

For better understanding, let’s discuss the basics of infrared saunas. Infrared saunas represent a modern twist on the age-old practice of using heat for health benefits. A major difference between traditional saunas and infrared saunas is that traditional ones heat the air around you, while infrared saunas use light to create heat, directly warming your body with lower temperature.

Types of Infrared Saunas

There are primarily two types of infrared saunas:

1. Far Infrared Saunas: These use far infrared wavelengths, which penetrate deep into the body's tissues. 
2. Full Spectrum Saunas: As the name suggests, full spectrum infrared saunas emit different types of infrared light, including near, mid, and far. Each wavelength is believed to offer different benefits:
• Near infrared: May support skin health and wound healing.
• Mid infrared: Could aid in improving circulation and reducing inflammation.
• Far infrared: Promotes deep sweating and detoxification.

Now that we've covered the basics of infrared saunas, let's dive into the heart of our discussion: the key differences between far infrared and full spectrum saunas. 

Key Differences Between Far Infrared vs Full Spectrum Sauna

Learning these distinctions is crucial for making an informed decision on which type of infrared sauna is best for you. In the following sections, we'll provide a comprehensive comparison, exploring everything from health benefits and energy efficiency to user experience and maintenance requirements.

Health Benefits of Far Infrared vs Full Spectrum Saunas

Scientific research has shown that infrared saunas offer significant health benefits. While there’s some overlap in the effects of far infrared and full spectrum saunas, each type has unique advantages based on the wavelengths they emit.

Far Infrared Sauna Health Benefits

Far-infrared saunas have been extensively studied, with research proving several key health benefits:

• Improved Blood Circulation: Far infrared saunas increase blood flow by gently raising your core body temperature, stimulating circulation similar to the effects of light aerobic exercise  [1].
• Detoxification: The deep-penetrating heat helps release toxins, such as heavy metals and environmental pollutants, stored in fat cells. As your body heats up, these toxins are expelled through sweat, leading to a cleaner, more detoxified system [2]​.
• Relaxation and Stress Reduction: The gentle, lower temperature heat creates a calming environment without the intense heat of traditional saunas [5].
• Cardiovascular Health: Far infrared saunas support heart health by helping to reduce blood pressure and enhance blood vessel function. Over time, regular use can help reduce hypertension and improve overall vascular function, providing long-term cardiovascular benefits.
• Muscle Recovery: The increased blood circulation triggered by far infrared heat aids in muscle recovery. By enhancing nutrient delivery and removing metabolic waste products, the sauna promotes faster healing for sore muscles and helps reduce inflammation.

Full Spectrum Sauna Health Benefits

Full spectrum saunas offer the benefits of far infrared wavelengths plus additional advantages from near and mid-infrared light:

• Skin health: Near-infrared wavelengths in full spectrum saunas penetrate the skin's surface to promote healthy skin cells. This can improve skin texture, reduce signs of aging, and enhance overall complexion by boosting collagen production [3].
• Faster Wound Healing: Near-infrared light has been shown to accelerate cellular regeneration. This can speed up the healing process for wounds, cuts, and scars, allowing the skin to repair itself more quickly and effectively.
• Joint Pain Relief: The near-infrared waves help reduce inflammation, particularly in joints and muscles. This reduces stiffness and discomfort, making full spectrum saunas a great option for those dealing with arthritis or chronic joint pain.
• Deeper Tissue Healing: Mid-infrared wavelengths penetrate deeper into the body than near-infrared, reaching muscles and connective tissues. This deep heat helps repair tissue damage and improve overall tissue flexibility, aiding in recovery from injuries or intense workouts.
• Comprehensive Therapy: Full spectrum saunas combine the benefits of near, mid, and far infrared waves, offering a well-rounded approach to health. 

It’s worth keeping in mind that while these studies show promising results, we still need more research to thoroughly understand the long-term effects and differences between far infrared and full spectrum saunas. As always, it’s a good idea to check with a healthcare professional before starting any new health regimen, including regular sauna use.

Energy Efficiency

It's important to consider energy efficiency since this may affect your environmental footprint and utility bills. While both types are more energy-efficient than traditional saunas, there are some differences between them.

Far infrared saunas generally use less energy since they only produce far infrared waves and operate at lower temperatures (120-140°F), making them more efficient. Full spectrum saunas, while using more energy due to their broader range of wavelengths, have improved efficiency with advanced technology like separate infrared heaters for different wavelengths.

While far infrared saunas might use slightly less energy due to their use of a single wavelength, full spectrum saunas offer a wider range of potential health benefits, which might make them a more efficient choice for your overall wellness routine.

Longevity and Durability

Both far infrared and full spectrum saunas can last 15-20 years with proper maintenance. Their longevity depends on the material quality, such as durable woods like cedar and hemlock, which resist decay and handle heat well [4]. Far infrared saunas are typically simpler in design and may require less maintenance. A full-spectrum sauna, due to its more complex and advanced technology, might need additional upkeep, but advanced features like separate heaters can help manage wear and extend its lifespan.

User Experience: What to Expect from Each Type of Sauna

Far infrared saunas use gentle, deep-penetrating heat that raises core body temperature gradually, promoting significant sweating. The experience is often described as relaxing and comfortable, especially at lower air temperatures (120-140°F), making it suitable for those sensitive to heat.

The different infrared waves in full spectrum saunas create a more intense session with varied benefits in a shorter time.  This results in more noticeable sweating and, as mentioned, a broader range of potential health benefits.

Installation, Customization, and Maintenance

Installation

Both far infrared and full spectrum saunas typically come as pre-built kits for easy home installation. However, the installation may still require professional assistance for tasks like setting up a dedicated electrical circuit and ensuring proper ventilation, which is standard for safety reasons. Full spectrum saunas might need slightly more complex wiring due to their multiple heater types.

Customization

Both infrared and full spectrum saunas can come with these features:

• Chromotherapy lighting for enhanced relaxation
• Audio systems for a more immersive experience
• Aromatherapy and Himalayan salt bar features for added health benefits
• Smart technology for remote control and monitoring

Some sauna manufacturers may offer these as an upgrade, with smart technology increasingly becoming a feature in modern infrared saunas rather than a customization option. To add, full spectrum saunas often come with more advanced built-in features, potentially offering a more comprehensive sauna experience right out of the box.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is important for durability of both sauna types. Here are some tips:

• Clean after each use with a mild detergent
• Deep clean monthly, including the heaters
• Check and tighten connections annually
• Replace infrared emitters when needed

Additionally, full-spectrum infrared saunas may require more frequent checks due to their advanced technology and multiple heater types.

Far Infrared Sauna vs Full Spectrum: Drawbacks and Considerations

Far Infrared Sauna Drawbacks

• Longer Sessions: May require extended sauna time to achieve desired effects.
• Limited Focus on Deeper Tissue: While beneficial for some, it might not address surface-level skin concerns as effectively.
• Dehydration: The deep penetrating heat can lead to significant fluid loss if not properly managed.

Full Spectrum Sauna Drawbacks

• Higher Initial Cost: More complex technology often results in a higher price point.
• Increased Energy Consumption: Multiple heater types may lead to higher utility bills.
• Potential for Overwhelming Heat: The combination of all infrared wavelengths might be too intense for some users.
• Maintenance Complexity: More components mean potentially more frequent maintenance or repairs.

General Considerations

• EMF Exposure: Both types emit some level of electromagnetic fields, though many modern models are designed to minimize this.
• Space Requirements: Both types need dedicated space, which might be a constraint for some homes.

Who Should Avoid Using Infrared Saunas?

Certain individuals should avoid infrared saunas despite their health benefits. For example, pregnant women may risk fetal development due to elevated body temperature, while those with heart conditions could face dangerous changes in heart rate and blood pressure. People with chronic health issues affecting blood pressure, circulation, or the immune system should consult a doctor beforehand.

Additionally, those prone to dehydration, heat sensitivity, or with specific skin conditions should exercise caution. As we’ve mentioned before, consult your healthcare provider before starting infrared sauna therapy.

Safety Precautions for Far Infrared vs Full Spectrum Sauna

Here are some guidelines to keep your infrared sauna use safe and effective:

• Stay hydrated before, during, and after sessions to replace fluids lost through sweating.
• Start with shorter sessions (15-20 minutes) and gradually increase as tolerated.
• Exit immediately if you start feeling dizzy, nauseous, or uncomfortable.
• Allow your body to cool down naturally post-session.
• Clean the sauna regularly to maintain hygiene.

Full Spectrum Sauna vs Far Infrared—What Will You Choose?

If your focus is on muscle recovery, chronic pain relief, or detoxification, far infrared saunas are an excellent choice due to their deeper penetration and ability to effectively target these issues. They also consume less energy and operate at lower temperatures, making them suitable for those sensitive to heat. Additionally, far infrared saunas tend to be more affordable and available in compact sizes. For those prioritizing skin rejuvenation and a broader range of benefits, a full spectrum sauna is a better choice, offering multiple wavelengths for comprehensive therapy. 

Far Infrared vs Full Spectrum Sauna: Conclusion

When it comes to choosing between far infrared and full spectrum saunas, both offer unique benefits tailored to different wellness needs. Far infrared saunas excel in deep tissue penetration, promoting detoxification, muscle recovery, and improved circulation. They operate at lower temperatures, consume less energy, and are often more budget-friendly.

On the other hand, full spectrum saunas provide a more comprehensive therapy experience by combining near, mid, and far infrared wavelengths. Your choice between the two should align with your specific health goals, budget, and personal preferences.

Whichever option you choose, you’ll be investing in a valuable tool for long-term health and well-being.  Make the most of your investment by choosing a durable, premium infrared sauna from Strength Warehouse USA, and kickstart your wellness journey with confidence.

References: 

1. Beever, R. (2009b, July 1). Far-infrared saunas for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors: Summary of published evidence. The College of Family Physicians of Canada. Click Here to View This Reference Article
2. High Tech Health International. (2024, February 25). Detoxify or Die by Sherry Rogers, M.D. - High Tech Health International. Click Here to View This Reference Article
3. Hussain, J. N., Cohen, M. M., Mantri, N., O’Malley, C. J., & Greaves, R. F. (2021). Infrared sauna as exercise-mimetic? Physiological responses to infrared sauna vs exercise in healthy women: A randomized controlled crossover trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 64, 102798. Click Here to View This Reference Article 
4. Saunace. (n.d.). Best wood infrared sauna. Saunace. Click Here to View This Reference Article  
5. Wiriawan, O., Kaharina, A., Akbar, I. K., Nugraha, A. B. K., Festiawan, R., & Pribadi, H. P. (2024). Effects of infrared sauna, traditional sauna, and warm water immersion on accelerated exercise recovery and prevention of cell damage: an experimental study. Dialnet. Click Here to View This Reference Article