A Complete Guide to Choosing the Best Infrared Sauna

Looking for a benefit-packed way to relax, relieve pain, improve heart health, and sleep better without stepping into an unbearably hot sauna?

Infrared saunas offer a modern, comfortable alternative that delivers these perks at lower temperatures.

But with so many options, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, this guide will help you find the perfect infrared sauna for your needs!

• Infrared saunas warm your body, not the air around you: Infrared saunas use light to heat your body directly, unlike traditional saunas that heat the air first. This makes the heat feel gentler and more comfortable while still being deeply effective.

• They help your body relax, detox, and boost blood flow: Infrared saunas use special light waves, near, mid, or far infrared, that go deep into your skin. This supports relaxation, helps remove toxins, and improves circulation.

• Most people can use them safely, but some should be careful: While infrared saunas are safe for most people, those who are pregnant, have heart issues, or are sensitive to heat should talk to a doctor before using one.

• Using it 3 4 times a week is usually enough: To feel the full benefits, aim for three to four sessions a week. You can adjust based on how you feel and what results you’re looking for.

Selecting a high-quality infrared sauna ensures safety, efficiency, and maximum health benefits.

Factors like low EMF levels, durable materials, and the right heating technology play a crucial role in long-term performance and user experience.

• Sweating is how your body gets rid of toxins: Infrared saunas make you sweat a lot, and that sweat helps remove harmful substances like heavy metals and chemicals from your body. It’s one of the simplest ways your body cleans itself.

• The heat goes deep to help clean your body: Unlike regular saunas, infrared heat penetrates deeper into your skin. This deep heat boosts blood flow and helps your body push out toxins from the inside.

• More sweat means a better detox: "Infrared saunas heat the body from the inside out, making you sweat more intensely and detox more effectively," says Sasha Sabapathy , Founder at Glow Bar. The stronger the sweat, the more toxins leave your body.

• You feel lighter and refreshed after a session: That deep, heavy sweat leaves your body feeling clean and energized. It’s like hitting a reset button for how you feel, both physically and mentally.

• Doing it often helps your body stay clean: Using an infrared sauna regularly helps your body keep flushing out toxins naturally. It supports your health by making detox part of your routine.

• Infrared heat makes your blood flow better: The warmth from an infrared sauna helps your blood vessels expand, which naturally improves circulation all over your body.

• Better blood flow helps your body heal faster: When your circulation improves, more oxygen and nutrients reach your muscles and tissues, this speeds up recovery and supports a healthy heart.

• Using a sauna often can protect your heart: Studies show that people who use saunas regularly have a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.

• The more often you go, the better your results: Those who use a sauna 4 to 7 times a week get the most heart-health benefits, showing that consistency really pays off.

• Saunas are a simple way to support blood flow and heart health: If you want to boost your circulation and care for your heart, adding an infrared sauna to your routine can make a real difference.

• Infrared heat goes deep to ease your pain: Infrared therapy penetrates deep into your muscles and joints, which helps relax tight areas, reduce stiffness, and ease everyday aches. It’s especially helpful if you deal with arthritis or long-term pain.

• Studies show it helps with joint and muscle pain: Research shows that infrared therapy can reduce pain and swelling in people with conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. People reported feeling less discomfort after using it regularly.

• It can speed up recovery and help you feel better longer: If your body feels sore or tense often, using an infrared sauna may help you recover faster and feel more comfortable in the long run. It’s a simple way to support your body’s healing.

• Infrared saunas help muscles recover faster after a workout: Infrared saunas increase blood flow, which brings more oxygen and nutrients to tired muscles. This helps reduce soreness and speeds up healing after exercise.

• They reduce soreness and help prevent injuries: By supporting better circulation, infrared heat helps muscles stay loose and flexible. This makes you less likely to get injured and helps your body bounce back more easily.

• You recover faster without stressing your body: Infrared saunas help your body heal without putting it under more pressure. As Dr. Jeffrey Spencer says, it works with your body’s natural healing process, not against it.

• Athletes recover quicker when using infrared saunas: Studies show that athletes using infrared saunas after tough training had less soreness and bounced back faster than those who didn’t.

• The heat helps relax your muscles and reduce swelling: The deep heat from the sauna soothes tight muscles, lowers inflammation, and brings back strength, so you feel ready to train again sooner.

• Regular sauna sessions help you train more often: If you lift weights, run, or play sports, using an infrared sauna regularly helps reduce downtime between sessions, so you can stay on track with your fitness goals.

• It also helps with healing sprains and strains: Infrared therapy isn’t just for sore muscles, it can also speed up recovery from sprains, strains, and other small injuries, which is great for active people.

• Red light therapy shows similar recovery benefits: Dr. Manik Madaan used red light therapy (which works like infrared heat) for 30 days and saw faster recovery, less soreness, and even fat loss, just from 20 minutes a day.

• Faster recovery, more energy, and better results: After a few days, Dr. Madaan had more energy, needed fewer naps, and recovered quicker from workouts. Even his doctor noticed the change and decided to try it herself.

• Your nervous system calms down naturally: Spending time in an infrared sauna calms the nervous system, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation.

• The heat helps you feel happier: The warmth encourages the body to release endorphins, leading to a feeling of overall well-being.

• Your brain gets into a relaxed state: A study found that sauna sessions don’t just help you unwind, they also improve brain function.
  Researchers discovered that after a sauna session, brainwave activity shifts to a more relaxed and efficient state, making it easier to clear your mind.

• You can think more clearly and feel less overwhelmed: Participants reacted faster in cognitive tasks, showing that saunas can help sharpen focus while reducing stress.

• You come out feeling mentally and physically refreshed: Participants also reported feeling deeply refreshed, both physically and mentally.

• It’s now easier to relax at home with saunas: With portable infrared saunas becoming more popular for home use, sales have increased by 25% in recent years.

• Regular sauna use helps you relax and sleep better: A survey found that 78% of users felt more relaxed, and 65% experienced better sleep after regular sessions.

• Using saunas often may protect your mental health long-term: Regular sauna use may support long-term mental well-being.
  A study found that men who used a sauna 4–7 times per week had a much lower risk of developing psychotic disorders compared to those who only used it once a week.
  This suggests that consistent sauna sessions don’t just help you feel relaxed in the moment, they may also protect your brain health over time.

• Sweating helps your skin look clearer and fresher: By promoting sweating, infrared saunas help clear out impurities from the skin, leaving it clearer and more radiant.

• Good blood flow helps your skin stay firm and young: The increased circulation also boosts collagen production, improving skin elasticity and reducing signs of aging.

• Warmth improves blood flow, which gives your skin a healthy glow: “When our body temperature rises, our blood vessels dilate,” says Dr. Whitney Bowe , dermatologist.
  This increased blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the skin, enhancing its health and giving it a youthful glow.

• Regular sauna use can reduce dull skin and puffiness: Regular sauna sessions can help combat dullness, reduce inflammation, and support overall skin health, making them a great addition to any skincare routine.

The soothing heat of an infrared sauna helps relax muscles and reduce tension, making it easier to fall asleep.

Regular use can improve sleep quality by lowering stress levels and balancing the body's natural sleep cycle.

Regular sauna use supports immune function by stimulating white blood cell production.

 The mild heat stress strengthens the body’s defenses, helping to fight off infections and illnesses more effectively.

• Infrared saunas can ease joint pain from arthritis: Research shows that infrared sauna therapy helps reduce pain, stiffness, and fatigue in people with arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

• You can feel better without making symptoms worse: After four weeks of regular use, participants reported real relief, without any negative effects on their condition.

• The heat goes deep to relax joints and muscles: Infrared heat reaches deep into the body, helping to loosen stiff joints, relax tight muscles, and support overall comfort.

• Better blood flow helps reduce swelling in joints: The improved circulation from infrared heat helps lower inflammation, which is key to reducing joint pain and stiffness.

Infrared saunas use energy-efficient heaters that warm the body directly instead of heating the surrounding air.

Carbon and ceramic heaters are the most common, offering different levels of heat distribution and efficiency.

• Low EMF levels make sauna use much safer: Using a sauna with low EMF levels helps protect your health while still giving you the relaxing benefits of infrared heat. It’s one of the most important safety features to look for.

• EMF from power lines shows how strong exposure can get: High-voltage power lines can create EMF levels as high as 30 to 90 milligauss. This gives a real-world example of how strong EMF can be, and why it’s worth keeping levels low in your sauna.

• Even though infrared saunas are safer, not all are low-EMF: Infrared saunas usually have lower EMF, but that doesn’t mean every model is safe. You still need to check for certified low-EMF ratings to avoid hidden risks.

• A good sauna should help you feel better, not worry more: When you choose a sauna with verified low EMF, you’re not just relaxing, you’re protecting your body from unnecessary exposure, which makes your wellness routine much safer.

Before buying an infrared sauna, consider the space and setup needs to ensure a smooth installation.

Check room size, ventilation, flooring, ceiling height, and electrical supply to ensure proper functionality.

The type of wood used in an infrared sauna affects its durability, heat retention, and aesthetics.

Cedar is popular for its resistance to moisture and pleasant aroma, while mahogany, walnut, and basswood offer strength and elegance.

Infrared saunas are among the most energy-efficient because they heat the body directly, using less power and warming up quickly.

Features like insulation and timers help optimize power usage while maintaining comfort.

Consider features that enhance comfort and usability, such as adjustable temperature, session duration, and lighting.

Advanced features like automation, smart controls, and personalized settings can improve your sauna experience.

When purchasing an infrared sauna, researching reputable brands is crucial. Look for customer reviews, warranty coverage, and third-party certifications to ensure you’re investing in a high-quality and durable product.

Infrared saunas come in a range of prices, so it's important to balance affordability with quality. Consider long-term energy efficiency, durability, and features when choosing a sauna that fits your budget.

Choosing the right spot for your sauna is crucial for its safety and efficiency. Consider proximity to other structures, ventilation, flooring materials, and moisture protection for long-term durability.

Following the manufacturer's installation guidelines ensures your sauna operates safely and efficiently.

These instructions cover assembly, electrical setup, and necessary safety precautions.

• Good materials make your sauna last longer: Quality materials are the foundation of a long-lasting sauna. They enhance heat retention, boost efficiency, and improve durability overall.

• Pick wood that can handle heat and moisture: When shopping for sauna materials, focus on wood types that can handle high temperatures and humidity, such as cedar or spruce.

• Insulation helps you save energy and keep heat in: Insulation is just as important as wood, it stops heat from escaping and helps your sauna stay warm using less energy.

• A solid door keeps the heat where it belongs: The door material matters too, as it helps to maintain the right temperature and prevents heat from leaking out.

• Well-built saunas work better and last longer: High-quality construction doesn’t just improve the look, it adds years to your sauna’s life and gives you a better experience.

Properly installed wiring is essential for the safety and functionality of your sauna.

 Regular inspections help identify any loose or damaged connections, preventing overheating or fire hazards.

Regular inspections help identify problems early and keep your sauna safe to use. Clean walls, benches, and heaters often to prevent dirt and bacteria buildup, ensuring a more pleasant experience.

• Wiping the sauna regularly keeps it fresh and hygienic: Keeping your sauna clean is key to maintaining its performance and hygiene. Regularly wipe down the walls, benches, and heater with a soft cloth.

• Using strong cleaners can harm your sauna: Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the materials. Use gentle cleaning products to protect wood and metal surfaces.

• Unplug the heater before cleaning to stay safe: For the heater, unplug it first and use a vacuum to remove any dust or debris. This keeps it running efficiently without risk of damage.

• Cleaning after heavy use stops dirt and sweat from building up: Cleaning every few weeks or after heavy use will prevent the buildup of oils, sweat, and dirt, ensuring a more pleasant sauna experience.

• A clean sauna lasts longer and works better: Keeping the components clean also reduces wear and tear, helping them last longer.

If your sauna isn’t heating up properly, check the power supply and heater function.

For leaks or structural issues, inspect the roof and walls and seal any cracks immediately. Prompt maintenance prevents bigger problems down the line.

Water damage is one of the biggest threats to a sauna’s longevity. Choose moisture-resistant materials, clean regularly to prevent mold growth, and ensure proper ventilation to maintain durability.

A maintenance log helps track inspections, cleanings, and repairs. Keeping detailed notes makes troubleshooting easier and extends the sauna’s lifespan.