In the world of heat therapy and wellness, few experiences rival the rejuvenating effects of a good sauna session. At Great Bay Spa & Sauna, we’re often asked about the differences between infrared and traditional saunas, and which might be better suited for specific health goals. Both offer tremendous benefits, but they work in fundamentally different ways to achieve those results.

Let’s explore the unique characteristics of each type to help you make an informed decision about which sauna experience aligns best with your wellness journey.

What Are the Key Benefits and Differences Between Infrared vs. Traditional Saunas?

Traditional Saunas: The Classic Finnish Experience

Traditional saunas, sometimes called Finnish saunas, operate on a simple principle that has stood the test of time for thousands of years. These saunas heat the air around you using a stove or heater that warms sauna rocks to high temperatures, typically between 170-200°F (77-93°C).

Models like our Helo PS44, HM46, and NSO-56 represent the pinnacle of traditional sauna design, offering authentic experiences with features like:

  • Stainless steel heaters that allow for both dry and wet sauna experiences
  • The ability to add water to the heated rocks to create steam (löyly)
  • Higher overall temperatures that create an intense heat environment

The resulting environment warms you from the outside in, causing your body to sweat profusely as a cooling mechanism.

Infrared Saunas: Modern Heat Therapy

Infrared saunas, represented by our Sun & Soul SUN-1i, SUN-2i, and Finnleo S-Series models, work completely differently. Rather than heating the air around you, infrared saunas use specialized heaters that emit infrared light waves. These waves penetrate your body directly, heating you from the inside out.

Key characteristics include:

  • Lower operating temperatures (typically 120-140°F or 49-60°C)
  • No steam component
  • Direct tissue heating without significantly warming the surrounding air
  • Different infrared wavelengths (near, mid, and far) that penetrate to different depths

The Finnleo S-820 and S-880 models feature Pure Infra Low EMR/Low EF technology with EvenHeat distribution, ensuring a consistent and safe infrared experience.

Comparing the Experience: What to Expect

The Traditional Sauna Experience

When you step into a traditional sauna like our Helo PS44 or HM66C, you’ll immediately feel the intensity of the heat. The experience is characterized by:

  • A more intense, enveloping heat sensation
  • The option for humidity control (dry heat or adding steam)
  • A social, communal atmosphere (traditional in Finnish culture)
  • Temperatures that gradually increase as you remain in the sauna
  • More pronounced sweating, often beginning within minutes

Many traditional sauna enthusiasts appreciate the ritualistic aspects—the ladling of water over hot rocks, the resulting steam burst, and the intense heat that follows.

The Infrared Sauna Experience

Entering an infrared sauna like our Sun & Soul SUN-3i or Finnleo S-Series offers a gentler initial sensation:

  • More comfortable, less intense heat
  • No steam or humidity component
  • Heat that feels like it’s coming from within your body rather than from the air
  • A more gradual sweating process that often takes longer to begin
  • The ability to stay in longer due to lower ambient temperatures

Many users report they can read, meditate, or even use their phones comfortably in an infrared sauna—activities that would be challenging in the intense heat of a traditional sauna.

Health Benefits: Similarities and Differences

Both sauna types offer impressive health benefits, many of which overlap. However, there are some distinct advantages to each approach.

Shared Benefits of Both Sauna Types

Research supports numerous health benefits from regular sauna use, regardless of type:

  • Stress reduction: Both promote relaxation and reduce stress hormones
  • Improved circulation: Heat exposure dilates blood vessels, improving blood flow
  • Muscle recovery: Both can help relieve muscle soreness after exercise
  • Sleep enhancement: Evening sauna sessions have been linked to better sleep quality
  • Skin cleansing: Profuse sweating helps clear pores and improve complexion
  • Mental well-being: Both create space for mindfulness and relaxation

Where Traditional Saunas May Excel

  • Respiratory benefits: The cycle of heat and steam can help clear airways and provide relief for some respiratory conditions
  • More intense detoxification: The higher temperatures produce more profuse sweating
  • Authentic cultural experience: For those seeking the traditional Finnish sauna ritual
  • Social aspect: Typically larger, allowing for shared experiences with family or friends

Where Infrared Saunas May Have an Edge

  • Joint pain relief: The direct tissue penetration of infrared waves may provide deeper relief for arthritis and joint conditions
  • Cardiovascular conditioning: The lower temperatures allow longer sessions, creating a mild cardiovascular workout
  • Accessibility: People who find traditional saunas overwhelming often tolerate infrared saunas well
  • Energy efficiency: They typically use less electricity and heat up faster than traditional models
  • Targeted therapy: Different infrared wavelengths target different tissue depths

Practical Considerations: Installation and Maintenance

Beyond the experience and health benefits, there are practical aspects to consider when choosing between sauna types.

Traditional Sauna Considerations

  • Installation requirements:
    • Typically requires 240V electrical service for models like the HM46
    • Needs proper ventilation
    • Often requires more substantial construction or dedicated space
    • Better suited for outdoor installation in some cases (like our NSO models)
  • Maintenance needs:
    • Regular cleaning of benches due to more profuse sweating
    • Periodic replacement of sauna rocks
    • Wood maintenance for longevity
  • Usage costs:
    • Higher energy consumption to maintain high temperatures
    • Longer warm-up times (typically 30-45 minutes)

Infrared Sauna Considerations

  • Installation advantages:
    • Many models plug into standard 120V outlets (like our Sun & Soul series)
    • Minimal ventilation requirements
    • Quick assembly with prefabricated panels (most assemble in under an hour)
    • Can be placed in various locations throughout the home
  • Maintenance benefits:
    • Less humidity means less concern about mold or mildew
    • Easier cleaning routines
    • Lower wear and tear on wood components
  • Operational efficiency:
    • Lower energy consumption
    • Quicker heating (often ready in 15-20 minutes)
    • Lower ongoing operational costs

Matching Your Wellness Goals to Sauna Type

While both sauna types offer tremendous benefits, your specific wellness goals might make one more suitable than the other.

Consider a Traditional Sauna If:

  • You value authenticity: You want the genuine Finnish sauna experience
  • You enjoy steam: The option to create steam (löyly) is important to you
  • You prefer intense heat: Higher temperatures and more intense sweating appeal to you
  • Respiratory benefits are a priority: You’re looking for the steam benefits for sinuses and airways
  • You plan to sauna with others: The communal aspect of sauna bathing is important to your experience

Models to consider: Helo PS44 or PS46 for entry-level options, HM46 or HM66C for larger family use, or outdoor NSO models for the ultimate traditional experience.

Consider an Infrared Sauna If:

  • You have heat sensitivity: Traditional saunas feel overwhelming or too intense
  • You seek joint pain relief: Deep tissue penetration for arthritis or chronic pain is a priority
  • You prefer longer sessions: You want to be able to stay in the sauna for extended periods
  • Space is limited: You need a compact option that requires minimal installation
  • You’re interested in modern features: Color light therapy, Bluetooth audio, and other technology enhancements appeal to you

Models to consider: Sun & Soul SUN-1i for personal use, SUN-2i for couples, or Finnleo S-820 and S-880 for premium infrared experiences with advanced features.

The Best of Both Worlds: Combination Saunas

If you’re torn between the two options, you might be interested in combination or “InfraSauna” models that provide both experiences in one unit. These hybrid saunas feature both traditional heaters and infrared elements, allowing you to choose your experience based on your needs and preferences on any given day.

While they represent a higher initial investment, combination saunas offer unparalleled versatility for households with multiple users or varying wellness goals.

Making Your Decision: What to Consider

When making your final decision, we recommend considering:

  1. Your heat tolerance: If you find intense heat uncomfortable, infrared might be your better option.
  2. Available space: Measure your intended location and compare with the dimensions of models you’re considering. Remember that traditional saunas often require more space and ventilation.
  3. Installation capabilities: Consider whether you have the appropriate electrical service and if any installation requirements might add to your overall cost.
  4. Primary wellness goals: Prioritize the specific health benefits that matter most to you.
  5. Budget considerations: While both types represent an investment in your health, infrared models often have lower initial and ongoing costs.
  6. Number of users: Consider how many people will typically use the sauna at once and choose an appropriately sized model.

Experience Both at Great Bay Spa & Sauna

The best way to determine which sauna type is right for your wellness journey is to experience both firsthand. At our Portsmouth showroom, we invite you to try different models and discuss your specific needs with our knowledgeable staff.

We carry premium sauna brands including Finnleo, Sun & Soul, and Helo, with models ranging from personal infrared units to large outdoor traditional saunas that can accommodate the whole family.

By experiencing the difference between the gentle, penetrating heat of an infrared sauna and the intense, enveloping warmth of a traditional model, you’ll gain valuable insight into which option best aligns with your wellness goals and personal preferences.

Your Wellness Journey Awaits

Both infrared and traditional saunas offer powerful paths to improved well-being, with scientific research supporting their numerous health benefits. Rather than one being universally “better” than the other, the right choice depends entirely on your personal wellness goals, preferences, and practical considerations.

Whichever type you choose, incorporating regular sauna sessions into your wellness routine represents a time-tested approach to stress reduction, recovery, and overall health that few other practices can match. The ancient wisdom of heat therapy, whether delivered through traditional methods or modern infrared technology, continues to offer remarkable benefits in our fast-paced world.

Visit our showroom at 1850 Woodbury Ave in Portsmouth or call us at 1-800-436-8893 to discuss your sauna options and take the next step toward enhanced wellness through the transformative power of heat therapy.