Main Points

• Traditional saunas use heated air to operate at higher temperatures (150-195°F), while infrared saunas directly heat your body with infrared waves at lower temperatures (110-140°F).
• Infrared saunas may penetrate deeper into the tissue and are more energy-efficient, making them ideal for those who are sensitive to extreme heat or are looking for targeted relief.
• Traditional saunas provide authentic cultural experiences with social aspects and more intense sweating sessions that some users prefer for maximum detoxification.
• Both types of saunas offer impressive health benefits including improved circulation, stress reduction, muscle recovery, and detoxification through different heating methods.
• Your health conditions, personal preferences, and practical considerations such as space and energy usage should guide your choice between these two effective heat therapy options.

The argument between infrared and traditional saunas is not just about which produces more sweat—it’s about finding the heat therapy experience that matches your wellness goals, comfort preferences, and lifestyle needs. Both methods offer compelling health benefits through different routes to the same destination: improved wellbeing through therapeutic heat.

Having spent many years researching and trying out both types of saunas, I can say with certainty that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all “better” option. Rather, the better choice depends on the individual situation. Let’s clear the air and get to the facts about how these different heat experiences stack up against each other.

Hot Topic: Understanding the Difference Between Infrared and Traditional Saunas

Saunas have been around for thousands of years, with the traditional Finnish sauna being one of the oldest forms of heat therapy known to man. Traditional saunas work by heating the air around you, which then heats your body through convection. Infrared saunas, on the other hand, use invisible light waves to directly heat your body without significantly heating the air around you. This is a more modern approach to saunas, developed in the late 20th century, and has become increasingly popular in recent years.

• Regular saunas heat the air to very high temperatures (150-195°F), which in turn heats your body
• Infrared saunas use light energy to heat your body directly at lower room temperatures (110-140°F)
• Regular saunas can use steam (wet sauna) or remain dry
• Infrared saunas always provide a dry heat experience
• Regular saunas offer a cultural experience; infrared saunas prioritize therapeutic efficiency

These basic differences create unique experiences that attract different people. Your personal comfort with heat, health goals, and even cultural preferences may make one type much more attractive than the other. Understanding these differences is your first step in making an informed decision.

Why is Heat Therapy Good for Your Health?

• Regular use of a sauna is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular events and death
• Exposure to heat triggers beneficial physiological responses similar to those experienced during exercise
• Saunas may assist with pain management, stress reduction, and detoxification
• Heat therapy improves circulation and can improve skin health
• Regular sauna sessions may support immune function and respiratory health

The therapeutic use of heat on the human body has been recognized across cultures for thousands of years, and for good reason. When we expose our bodies to heat stress in a controlled environment like a sauna, we trigger a series of beneficial adaptations. These include increased blood flow, enhanced production of heat shock proteins that protect cells, reduced inflammation, and improved balance in the autonomic nervous system. These benefits occur regardless of the method of heating, although the intensity and specific effects may vary between infrared and traditional methods.

Studies, especially from sauna-loving countries like Finland, have shown that regular sauna use can have amazing long-term health benefits. A significant study published in JAMA Internal Medicine showed that regular sauna use (4-7 times a week) can reduce all-cause mortality by 40%. Both infrared and traditional saunas can provide these benefits, but the best choice depends on your particular health condition and what you prefer.

Understanding the Science: How Each Sauna Works

When you comprehend the unique heating methods of traditional and infrared saunas, you can better understand their different impacts on your body. The way the heat is delivered plays a major role in your body’s physiological response, your comfort level, and the overall healing experience.

Comparing How Heat is Transferred
The main way traditional saunas heat your body is through convection (hot air) and conduction (hot surfaces) which warms your body from the outside.
On the other hand, infrared saunas use radiant heat that can penetrate 1.5-2 inches into your body tissues, effectively heating you from the inside.
This key difference is why infrared saunas can make you sweat even at lower room temperatures.

In traditional saunas, the body must work hard to cool itself in the intense heat, leading to profuse sweating and a higher heart rate. Infrared saunas, on the other hand, directly heat the body’s tissues, causing sweating and increased blood flow without the need for the body to respond to such high surrounding temperatures.

Traditional Sauna: High Heat Air and Steam

Traditional saunas use a basic but effective heating technique: stones are heated to very high temperatures (usually by electricity, although wood-fired heaters are still used in authentic Finnish saunas), and these stones then emit heat throughout the sauna room. The defining feature is high-temperature air—typically between 150-195°F (65-90°C)—that engulfs your body and slowly increases your core temperature.

Traditional saunas are unique because they allow you to create steam by pouring water over the hot stones, a practice known as “löyly” in Finnish tradition. This sudden burst of steam temporarily increases humidity and intensifies the heat sensation on your skin. The alternating dry and humid heat creates a distinctive experience that many sauna enthusiasts find deeply satisfying and therapeutically effective.

Infrared Sauna: A New Take on Heat Therapy

Instead of heating the air around you, infrared saunas use infrared heaters to send out invisible light waves that are directly absorbed by your skin and tissues. These light waves get beneath the skin’s surface without making the air in between too hot. This key difference allows infrared saunas to work at a much lower temperature, usually around 110-140°F (43-60°C), while still having therapeutic effects.

Infrared saunas use the infrared spectrum, which is divided into near, mid, and far-infrared wavelengths. Each wavelength penetrates to different depths and offers various benefits. Full-spectrum infrared saunas use all three wavelengths to maximize the therapeutic potential. This targeted approach means your body directly absorbs heat rather than having to respond to an extremely hot environment. This makes the experience more gentle but still effective at inducing a deep, detoxifying sweat.

Temperature Differences You’ll Feel Immediately

Temperature Comparison Chart
Traditional sauna: 150-195°F (65-90°C)
Infrared sauna: 110-140°F (43-60°C)
Body core temperature rise: 1-3°F in both types
Time to induce sweating: 10-15 minutes (traditional) vs. 5-10 minutes (infrared)

The temperature difference between these sauna types creates distinctly different sensations. Traditional saunas deliver an immediate and intense heat experience—when you walk in, the hot air envelops you completely and you’ll feel the heat instantly on your skin and in your lungs. The infrared experience is subtler initially; you might wonder if it’s working until, often quite suddenly, you begin to sweat profusely as your body absorbs the infrared energy.

Infrared saunas are a great option for those who find the heat of traditional saunas too intense. However, traditional sauna enthusiasts often argue that the high heat is crucial for a true sauna experience and offers a more thorough form of stress relief. Your personal heat tolerance and preferences will likely determine which type of sauna you prefer.

Common Health Benefits of Both Saunas

Regardless of how they heat the body, both infrared and traditional saunas stimulate a variety of beneficial physiological reactions. The shared benefits make either kind a worthwhile addition to your wellness routine, although the intensity and specific aspects may differ between methods.

Clear Heart Health Benefits

Whether you’re using a traditional or infrared sauna, the heat puts a small amount of stress on your heart that is similar to the effects of a moderate workout. When you’re in a hot environment, your heart rate can increase by 50-75%, your heart’s output gets better, and your blood vessels get wider, which improves blood flow all over your body. This is why people who use saunas over a long period of time have such good heart health.

Both types of saunas have been linked to lowered blood pressure over time, improved blood vessel lining health, and better heart rate variability, which is a key indicator of cardiovascular health. A large Finnish study discovered that men who used saunas 4-7 times a week had a 63% lower risk of sudden cardiac death compared to those who used saunas only once a week. While most of the research has been done on traditional saunas, the similar physiological responses suggest that infrared saunas likely have similar benefits.

Sweating Out Toxins

Saunas are often praised for their ability to help the body detoxify itself through sweating. The skin is one of the body’s primary ways of getting rid of waste, and the intense sweating brought on by the heat of a sauna can help to expel toxins such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and environmental chemicals that are stored in fat cells. This method of detoxification is becoming more and more crucial as we continue to live in a world that is increasingly polluted.

Both types of saunas are efficient in triggering this detoxification response, but there is some evidence that suggests that the sweat composition varies between the two. Those who prefer infrared saunas argue that the direct heating of tissues could mobilize toxins that are stored deeper in fat cells, potentially making the detoxification more thorough. On the other hand, those who prefer traditional saunas argue that the more intense sweating from higher temperatures creates a greater overall volume for toxin elimination. Without definitive research settling this debate, it’s reasonable to conclude that both methods effectively support your body’s natural detoxification systems.

Reducing Pain and Aiding Muscle Recovery

• Both types of sauna can reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
• Heat therapy can increase blood flow to damaged tissues, speeding up healing
• Endorphins are released during sauna sessions, providing natural pain relief
• Heat shock proteins produced during sauna use may reduce inflammation
• Regular sauna sessions may help manage chronic pain conditions

Athletes and those suffering from chronic pain have found sauna therapy to be beneficial in aiding muscle recovery and reducing pain. The increased blood flow helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues while removing metabolic waste products, thus speeding up the healing process. In addition, heat therapy can help to relax muscle tension and reduce joint stiffness, providing relief for both acute and chronic pain conditions.

Both types of saunas offer these benefits, but many physical therapists and pain specialists are now recommending infrared saunas for rehabilitation. The lower ambient temperature allows for longer therapeutic sessions, and the deeper penetration of infrared heat may be more effective at targeting specific painful areas. However, traditional sauna enthusiasts argue that the enveloping heat provides a more thorough body relaxation, which is better for overall tension release.

Why People Love Traditional Saunas

Traditional saunas have remained a popular choice for many, even with the rise of infrared saunas. For some, the benefits of a traditional sauna are what makes the sauna experience authentic and cannot be replaced with newer technologies.

Benefits of Traditional Saunas

Traditional saunas have several unique benefits that have kept them popular even with the advent of infrared alternatives. For many who love saunas, these traditional benefits are the true heart of the sauna experience and cannot be duplicated with newer technologies.

The Social Experience Factor

Traditional saunas have historically been communal spaces where people gather to relax, socialize, and connect. In Finnish culture, the sauna represents a sacred social space where meaningful conversations happen and bonds are strengthened. This community aspect remains a significant advantage of larger traditional saunas, which typically accommodate multiple people comfortably.

Although newer infrared saunas are being built to allow for more than one person, they are often still used by one person at a time. Traditional saunas, on the other hand, have a sense of community. The act of löyly, where water is poured over hot stones to create a burst of steam, is a shared experience that can bring people closer together. This social aspect can turn the use of a sauna from just a way to get warm to a way to connect with others and care for the body and soul.

More Intense Sweating

Traditional saunas (150-195°F) produce a lot of heat that causes users to sweat profusely, which many find extremely satisfying. This high heat pushes your body in ways that the milder infrared experience might not, possibly leading to stronger adaptive responses over time. The fluctuating dry and humid heat when water is poured on the stones creates unique waves of intensity that many find refreshing and deeply purifying.

Many people who are looking to detoxify their bodies prefer traditional saunas because they produce more sweat. The intense heat increases the heart rate in a way that is similar to moderate exercise. If you enjoy heat and intense experiences, you might find that traditional saunas are more therapeutic and cathartic. They can provide immediate relief and a powerful experience.

A Real Cultural Adventure

Cultural Importance
“A sauna is the poor man’s pharmacy.” — Finnish proverb
“First, build the sauna, then the house.” — Old Finnish saying
For the Finnish, the sauna symbolizes the cleansing of both the body and mind—a place where everyone is on equal footing and pretenses, like clothes, are left at the door.

Traditional saunas offer a connection to thousands of years of healing tradition that has been practiced in Nordic countries, Russia, and elsewhere. The ritualistic elements—the transition from dry heat to steam, the cooling breaks, and often the practice of gently stimulating the skin with birch branches—create a comprehensive wellness experience rather than just a heating session. This cultural authenticity is very appealing to those who are interested in traditional healing practices and want to connect to wellness traditions that have proven to be effective over time.

Traditional saunas, often made of natural wood and designed with a focus on ventilation and heating, have a unique structure that many believe cannot be replaced. The sensory experience of a well-designed traditional sauna, including the smell of cedar or hemlock, the sound of water sizzling on stones, and the play of light and shadow, is something that technological alternatives may not be able to fully replicate.

Why Infrared Saunas are Superior to Traditional Ones

Traditional saunas have a rich history and provide a powerful heat experience. However, infrared saunas are becoming increasingly popular due to several distinct benefits they offer. These modern marvels improve upon the shortcomings of traditional saunas and make heat therapy available to a larger audience.

Reaching the Core

Infrared saunas stand out from the crowd due to their unique ability to dig deeper into body tissues than heat from convection can. Infrared wavelengths are capable of reaching between 1.5 and 2 inches below the skin’s surface, heating muscles, joints, and connective tissues directly. This direct heating mechanism could potentially offer more focused therapeutic effects for musculoskeletal problems compared to traditional saunas, which heat the surface.

People who have chronic pain conditions, arthritis, or sports injuries may find the deeper penetration especially helpful. More and more physical therapists are recommending infrared heat because it can increase blood flow to injured areas, relax muscle tension, and decrease joint stiffness. Infrared radiation is directed and may be able to reach problem areas more effectively than just ambient heat.

Lower Temperatures for Sensitive People

• Perfect for those who can’t handle the heat of traditional saunas
• Good for people with heat sensitivity due to medications or health conditions
• More comfortable breathing experience without extremely hot air
• Less facial flushing and skin redness for sensitive individuals
• Easier entry point for sauna beginners

Perhaps the biggest practical advantage of infrared saunas is that they’re more accessible to people who can’t handle the high temperatures of traditional saunas. With temperatures ranging from 110-140°F instead of 150-195°F, heat therapy is now available to many people who would otherwise be unable to enjoy the benefits of a sauna. For those with respiratory sensitivities, cardiovascular concerns, or who simply find extreme heat uncomfortable, infrared technology provides a gentler way to achieve similar therapeutic results.

Not only is the heat in an infrared sauna more bearable, but it also allows for longer sessions. Many people can comfortably stay in an infrared sauna for 30-45 minutes, compared to the 15-20 minutes recommended for traditional saunas. These longer sessions can lead to more sustained therapeutic effects and a deeper relaxation experience.

Concentrated Pain Reduction

Infrared panels, due to their directional nature, can apply heat therapy more precisely to specific problem areas. Many high-tech infrared saunas have heating elements that can be zoned to direct more intense infrared energy to certain parts of the body that need attention. This focused method can be particularly helpful in treating localized pain conditions such as shoulder injuries, knee issues, or lower back pain.

Several people who use infrared saunas have noted that they provide more effective pain relief for certain chronic conditions than traditional saunas. This could be due to the fact that infrared saunas penetrate deeper into the tissue and can direct heat more precisely. For those who use heat mainly as a way to manage pain rather than for overall wellness or cultural experience, this ability to target specific areas is a major benefit.

More Time to Relax

Because infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures, you can comfortably stay inside for longer periods of time. Traditional saunas usually only allow for 15-20 minute sessions before a break is needed to cool down. Infrared saunas, on the other hand, often allow for 30-45 minute sessions without causing discomfort. This extra time allows for the full development of the therapeutic effects of the heat, potentially enhancing benefits such as deep relaxation and stress reduction.

More extended sessions also provide more opportunity for mindfulness practices, meditation, or even reading during sauna use—activities that would be challenging in the extreme heat of traditional saunas. For those who value sauna time as mental space for contemplation or who seek to combine heat therapy with other wellness practices, the extended comfortable duration of infrared sessions offers meaningful advantages.

What to Think About Before You Decide

Apart from the health benefits, there are several practical considerations that could heavily influence which type of sauna is right for you. These practical factors are often just as important as the health benefits when it comes to how happy you are with your sauna in the long run.

Space and Installation Requirements

Compared to infrared saunas, traditional saunas usually need more space and a more complicated installation process. They require appropriate ventilation systems, water drainage, and often specific electrical requirements to power the high-wattage heaters. The wooden structure must be correctly sealed and insulated to effectively hold heat and endure high temperatures and changes in humidity.

Infrared saunas are usually easier to install, with many models just needing a standard household outlet and no special ventilation or plumbing. They also tend to be smaller, so they’re better for homes with limited space. For those who live in apartments or have space restrictions, there are portable infrared saunas that can be put away when you’re not using them, which isn’t something you can do with traditional saunas.

Efficiency and Cost of Operation

Factor	Conventional Sauna	Infrared Sauna
Typical power consumption	6-8 kW	1.5-2.5 kW
Time to heat up	30-40 minutes	10-15 minutes
Monthly electricity bill (regular use)	$30-60	$10-20

The difference in energy efficiency between these two types of saunas is quite large. Conventional saunas use a lot more electricity because they have to keep the entire sauna room at a high temperature. They also take longer to heat up, which means they use more energy before you even start your session. Infrared saunas, on the other hand, only heat the body directly instead of the entire volume of air, which results in about 70% less energy use.

If you’re mindful of your carbon footprint or worried about your energy bills, the infrared sauna’s lower energy use is a significant benefit. The quicker warm-up time also makes impromptu sauna sessions more feasible, which could mean you get more use out of your purchase.

Upkeep Requirements

Traditional saunas tend to need more upkeep because high heat and humidity can damage wood structures and parts. It’s important to clean regularly to stop mold and mildew from growing in the porous wood surfaces, especially where water touches. Heater elements and stones should be checked and replaced from time to time, and benches and other wooden parts might need to be refinished or replaced as they get older.

Infrared saunas are generally easier to maintain, with no stones to take care of and less risk of damage from moisture. The lower temperatures they operate at also put less strain on the materials, which could mean your sauna lasts longer. But you will need to replace the infrared heating elements eventually, and the electrical parts might need servicing as they get older. Because they’re simpler in design, there are also fewer things that can go wrong with an infrared sauna, so you could have fewer maintenance problems over the years.

Warm-Up Duration

One of the most noticeable differences between these two types of saunas is the time it takes for them to heat up. Traditional saunas usually need about 30-40 minutes to reach the ideal temperature, which makes it hard to have a spur-of-the-moment sauna session without planning ahead. This warm-up time is something you’ll need to consider in your schedule and could affect how often you end up using your sauna.

Unlike traditional saunas, infrared saunas heat up in just 10-15 minutes. This makes them a great option for those with a busy schedule or those who want to use their sauna on a whim. This convenience can also lead to more consistent use, which is key as the health benefits of using a sauna are most noticeable when the sauna is used regularly.

Who Should Choose Which Type of Sauna?

When it comes to choosing the best sauna for you, it really depends on what you want to get out of it. This could be anything from your health goals, to your personal preferences, to any practical limitations you might have, or even your cultural beliefs about wellness. While both types of saunas have great benefits, some people might find one type to be a much better fit for them than the other.

Who Should Use a Traditional Sauna?

Traditional saunas are often the choice for those who enjoy cultural authenticity and the ritualistic nature of sauna bathing. They are also great for those who enjoy the social aspect of sauna use and plan to share the experience with family or friends, as traditional saunas are typically better equipped for groups. The traditional sauna experience also tends to be favored by those who enjoy intense sensations and find the extreme heat and steam to be psychologically cathartic.

Traditional saunas are often the preferred choice for fitness enthusiasts who want to push their cardiovascular fitness to the limit and enjoy a good sweat. The higher temperatures of a traditional sauna can make heat adaptation training more intense and may offer more substantial benefits for endurance. Athletes who are used to using a sauna after exercising, such as wrestlers, marathon runners, and Nordic skiers, often feel more at home in a traditional sauna.

If you’re a fan of Finnish or Nordic culture and want to try out a genuine part of these traditions, you’ll likely be drawn to traditional designs. The multi-sensory experience – the smell of wood, the sound of water hitting stones, the all-encompassing heat – creates a cultural bond that technology can’t completely mimic. For sauna purists, only the traditional method will do.

Who Should Use Infrared Saunas?

If you have heat sensitivity, respiratory problems, or heart conditions that make traditional sauna temperatures uncomfortable or even dangerous, you might be a good candidate for infrared saunas. Infrared saunas are also a great option for beginners who are new to heat therapy and might find the heat of a traditional sauna overwhelming. If you’re looking for a sauna experience that’s more about therapy than tradition, you might appreciate the efficiency and targeted nature of infrared technology.

How Your Health Influences Your Sauna Preference

Your health status can impact which sauna type is best for you. If you have respiratory issues, you might find infrared saunas more tolerable because they don’t require you to breathe in extremely hot air. People with certain pain conditions might find the deep tissue penetration of infrared saunas more beneficial. On the other hand, if you want to detoxify to the max or use a sauna for weight control, you might prefer the higher calorie burn of traditional saunas. If you have any underlying health conditions, particularly heart issues, pregnancy, or sensitivity to heat due to medication, you should always talk to your healthcare provider before using a sauna.

Why CollectiveRelaxation.com is the Best Place to Buy Saunas

When you’re looking to purchase a sauna for your home, the quality of the product and the customer service you receive can make the difference between enjoying the health benefits for years to come or dealing with a costly mistake. Collective Relaxation stands out from the crowd by offering high-quality infrared and traditional saunas, and their team of experts will help guide you to the right choice based on your individual needs and situation, rather than trying to sell you on one type of sauna over the other.

Their full-spectrum infrared models boast medical-grade heaters and low EMF emissions, while their traditional saunas use sustainably sourced wood and advanced heater technology for faster warm-up times and improved energy efficiency compared to conventional models. Each sauna comes with extensive installation support and an industry-leading warranty program that safeguards your wellness investment.

Common Questions

Over the years, I’ve assisted countless people in choosing the perfect sauna for their needs. I’ve come across several frequently asked questions about these various heat therapy methods. By understanding these practical considerations, you can make a better-informed decision about which technology is the best fit for you.

Both types of saunas provide great health benefits when used on a regular basis, and the “better” choice really depends on your individual preferences, health goals, and practical limitations. Instead of seeing them as competing options where one has to be better, think about which one fits better with your vision of wellness and your lifestyle.

Below are responses to the most frequently asked questions when deciding between infrared and traditional saunas:

How long should beginners stay in each type of sauna?

For beginners, short sessions are recommended in both traditional and infrared saunas—about 5-10 minutes in traditional saunas and 10-15 minutes in infrared saunas. Gradually increase the duration as your body becomes more tolerant to the heat. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or uncomfortably hot, leave the sauna immediately. Always drink plenty of water before and after your sauna session. It may be a good idea to bring a friend with you for the first few times until you understand how your body reacts to the heat.

Is it safe for pregnant women to use infrared or traditional saunas?

Most healthcare professionals recommend not using saunas during pregnancy because of the potential risk of overheating, which could affect the development of the fetus. Some believe that short, low-temperature infrared sessions could be safer than traditional saunas during pregnancy, but there is not enough research to support this. You should always talk to your healthcare provider before using any type of heat therapy during pregnancy, as everyone’s situation is different.

Which type of sauna helps you burn more calories?

Traditional saunas usually burn more calories than infrared saunas because they have higher temperatures, which make your body work harder to cool down. Studies suggest that you can burn 300-500 calories in a 30-minute session in a traditional sauna, while in an infrared sauna you usually burn 200-400 calories in the same amount of time. However, neither of them should be considered as the main methods for losing weight—their benefits for the cardiovascular system and detoxification are much more important than their effects on calories.

Is a home sauna a good investment?

While a home sauna is a big investment, it can pay off in the long run through health benefits, convenience, and increased property value. If you compare the cost of a home sauna to the cost of going to a spa (usually $25-50 per visit), a home sauna can pay for itself in 2-3 years if you use it regularly. Having a sauna at home can also make it easier to use it consistently, which can maximize the health benefits. For people with chronic pain or high stress, having a sauna at home can provide easy access to relief and improve their quality of life.

How frequently should I use a sauna to see health benefits?

Studies indicate that the most substantial health benefits come from consistent sauna use—ideally 3-4 times a week for 15-30 minutes per session. The Finnish studies that showed incredible cardiovascular benefits were based on participants using saunas 4-7 times a week. Consistency is more important than duration; regular short sessions produce better results than infrequent long sessions. Start with a realistic schedule you can keep, as the cumulative effects develop over months of consistent practice rather than from infrequent intense sessions.

Regardless of whether you prefer the all-encompassing warmth of a traditional sauna or the subtle penetration of infrared technology, incorporating regular heat therapy sessions into your wellness routine can be a game-changer. Both methods provide opportunities for improved health through different heating mechanisms, and both have loyal advocates who are convinced of their benefits.

One of the great things about the modern wellness industry is that you’re not limited to what’s available locally—you can now install both types of saunas in your home. Some people even use both types as part of their wellness routine, using traditional saunas for serious detox sessions and infrared for targeted therapy and regular, easy heat exposure.

While both infrared and traditional saunas provide a multitude of health benefits, the main difference between the two lies in the method of heat delivery. Traditional saunas use a stove to heat the air, which in turn heats your body. On the other hand, infrared saunas use infrared lamps to directly heat your body without warming the air around you.

Infrared saunas are generally more efficient than traditional saunas because they can operate at lower temperatures while still providing the same level of heat to your body. This makes them more comfortable for people who can't tolerate the heat of a traditional sauna.

However, traditional saunas provide a more intense heat, which some people prefer. They also tend to be more affordable and easier to install than infrared saunas.

So, which is better? It really depends on your personal preference and what you're looking to get out of your sauna experience.