Sweating is good for the body, and relaxation is good for the soul. Two popular ways to promote our health are sweating in a sauna or an infrared cabin. The word “sauna” is Finnish and means “sweat room.” The term “infrared sauna,” which many people use to refer to an infrared cabin, is often misunderstood. That’s because saunas and infrared radiation work in fundamentally different ways.
Are you a sauna person, or do you prefer an infrared cabin? Find out more here about the differences and how sauna heat and infrared heat each work.
Key differences between a sauna and an infrared cabin
1. How it works
A sauna is a room where a sauna heater warms the air, resulting in moderate to very high temperatures.
An infrared cabin uses infrared radiation, which directly warms the skin and deeper tissue.
2. Temperature
The temperature in a sauna can range from 65-100 °C, depending on the type of sauna and heater.
Only low to moderate temperatures are reached in an infrared cabin, around 30-60 °C.
3. Humidity
Depending on the type of sauna, it produces dry to humid heat. In a bio sauna or a Finnish sauna with water poured over the stones, the humidity increases.
Humidity does not change in an infrared cabin.
4. Duration of use
Depending on the type of sauna, a session should generally last between 8 and 12 minutes and should not exceed 15 minutes.
An infrared session should last at least 20 minutes, but no longer than 40 minutes.
5. Heating time
To sauna at the set temperature, the sauna must be switched on in advance for about 30-60 minutes, depending on its type.
An infrared cabin heats up much faster. Its infrared heaters produce immediately noticeable deep heat in about 5-15 minutes.
6. Room size
Saunas are usually designed for several people and are therefore larger than infrared cabins. In homes, infrared cabins typically accommodate 1-2 people, while commercial models can offer considerably more space.
7. Cost
A sauna consumes more energy than an infrared cabin because it operates at a higher temperature. An infrared cabin uses infrared heaters to generate heat and is therefore more energy-efficient.
Benefits of the sauna
The effects of a sauna session differ considerably from those of infrared radiation. In the sauna, you can relax on the bench with a sauna towel and escape the stresses of everyday life in the cozy warmth. Regular sauna visits also offer several health benefits:
1. Strengthening the cardiovascular system
During a sauna session, the heat raises your pulse and heart rate, pumping more blood through your veins. This causes the blood vessels to expand; they contract again as you cool down. This vascular workout strengthens our cardiovascular system.
2. A boost for your skin
Your complexion becomes smoother and improves. Steam and heat stimulate blood flow to the skin and open the pores. This cleanses them and allows excess sebum to escape. Improved blood flow to the skin helps the body regulate its temperature better, so you feel less cold.
3. Deep muscle relaxation
The contrast between warmth and cold relaxes tense muscles and promotes recovery after exercise.
4. Strengthening the immune system
Regular sauna sessions strengthen the immune system. Improved circulation increases the number of antibodies in the blood and nasal mucous membranes, making it harder for pathogens to invade our bodies. This helps prevent colds.
5. Stress relief
Everyday stress can be exhausting and cause health problems. Taking small, regular breaks for body and mind can work wonders, because the pleasant warmth of the sauna envelops us and helps us relax.
So the sauna is a real boost for our health. It is particularly suitable for improving circulation and after physical activity. It is ideal for anyone who can tolerate high temperatures and is looking for a classic wellness experience. Whether in a bio sauna at lower temperatures or a Finnish sauna with high temperatures and fragrant sauna infusions, if you enjoy sweating, this is the place for you! 
Benefits of infrared radiation
Infrared heat in an infrared cabin - almost as wonderful as the warmth of the sun! The practical thing is that you can enjoy this warmth even when the sun isn't shining outside. Heat treatments have been used for health benefits for a very long time and can be highly effective when used appropriately.
“Infrared” refers to heat rays that are invisible. They lie below visible light and above UV rays. The Latin word “infra” means “below.” This name indicates that infrared rays border the lower end of the red color spectrum of sunlight.
An infrared cabin can be integrated into a bathroom or wellness area while taking up little space. The heaters warm up quickly, allowing immediate use without a long preheating time. This lets you benefit from all the health-promoting effects and advantages of infrared rays:
1. Targeted deep heat - strengthening the immune system
Deep heat stimulates cell activity, which can stimulate blood flow and metabolism and improve oxygen supply. This can strengthen the cardiovascular system and immune defenses. Infrared rays penetrate the skin to a depth of 0.1–5 mm and generate heat. This warms the body from within, while the cabin interior remains barely heated.
2. Muscle recovery
Athletes also use infrared heat to warm up. After exercise, infrared rays promote muscle recovery and relaxation. This can help prevent and counteract sports injuries.
3. Infrared radiation for chronic conditions
Infrared radiation can also help with chronic conditions such as psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. Infrared heat can contribute to an overall improvement in skin appearance.
4. Stress relief
The gentle heat can also help relieve stress without putting too much strain on the circulatory system.
With all the positive health effects of infrared rays, an infrared cabin is recommended for muscle pain, joint problems, or skin conditions. Infrared heat is also ideal before and after exercise, and for people who are sensitive to heat.
For everyone who can't decide
Would you like both - to enjoy the sauna and the benefits of infrared heat?
Modern sauna technology offers many ways to combine these two types of heat therapy. Custom compact solutions with integrated infrared heaters make this wellness experience possible. The infrared heaters can be integrated into the sauna as ceiling heaters for a relaxing reclining position or as an infrared seat, and controlled via the special sauna control system.