Far Infrared Sauna Vs Near Infrared: All The Differences Explained

Among all things heat therapy, infrared saunas never seem to go off the trend. And for obvious reasons. 

You see, not only are these saunas more tolerable but also easier to install and maintain in your home. 

But that said, choosing an infrared sauna can also come off as complicated than traditional saunas. That’s because picking the one from near, mid, and far infrared based on what’s perfectly suited for you is surely mind-boggling.

This is especially true for far infrared sauna vs near infrared, the two most popular options for infrared saunas. 

Being a sauna installation expert myself, I know this can be quite intricate. And that’s exactly why I’ve explained all the differences between near infrared vs far infrared saunas, breaking down their advantages, limitations, and essential factors you should consider. 
So, read on and know which infrared sauna type is better for you. 

What is an infrared sauna to begin with? 

For those of you who are new to the world of infrared saunas, these are a modern, efficient, and comfortable alternative to traditional saunas. 

Here, instead of heating the air around you, the sauna heater heats your body directly using infrared light. As such, the sauna functions at a more comfortable range of 120–140 degrees fahrenheit while still delivering deep penetrating heat.

Moreover, this direct heat absorption allows you to have a more intense sweat session at lower temperatures. And this makes an infrared sauna perfect if you find traditional saunas too overwhelming.  

How does an infrared sauna work? 

At its very basic, infrared saunas are powered by infrared light which is a form of electromagnetic radiation that is invisible to our eyes. However, you can still feel this light as heat, something that the saunas use to induce sweating. 

Talking about the infrared spectrum, it consists of three main categories upon which infrared saunas are also based, namely:

1. Near infrared: Has shorter wavelengths (700 nm - 1,400 nm) that penetrate the outer layers of your skin, stimulating cellular function and collagen production.
2. Mid infrared: Has medium wavelengths (1,400 nm - 3,000 nm) that reach deeper into your tissues and assists with circulation and pain relief.
3. Far infrared: Has longer wavelengths (3,000 nm - 100,000 nm) that penetrate your body the deepest and lead to detoxification and deep muscle relaxation.

Now, it is the difference between these wavelengths that determine how they interact with your body and the kind of sauna benefits you experience. 

What is a far infrared sauna? ​

Far infrared saunas are arguably the most common type of infrared sauna out there. And they are known for their ability to penetrate up to 1.5 inches beneath your skin. 

You see, unlike traditional saunas that heat the air first, far infrared waves heat your body from the inside out. And to do so, these saunas use ceramic or carbon panel heaters to emit far infrared radiation. 

Once absorbed into your skin, fat, and muscles, this helps to raise your core body temperature and stimulate detoxification through sweat.

What are the health benefits of a far infrared sauna?

When choosing between a far infrared sauna vs near infrared, the most important factor you’ll likely consider is the health benefits you get from each. After all, unlike traditional saunas benefits that are uniform for each sauna category, different infrared saunas offer their own unique health advantages. 

And for far infrared saunas, those benefits include: 
1. Detoxification: The commonest of all sauna benefits, detoxification is something that you also experience in far infrared saunas. Here, the deep heating effect induces vigorous sweating and aids in the elimination of toxins such as heavy metals and environmental chemicals stored in your fat cells. 

2. Pain relief: A far infrared sauna therapy helps alleviate muscle tension and reduce joint stiffness. Also, it provides relief from chronic pain conditions like arthritis.

3. Improved cardiovascular health: If you use a far infrared sauna regularly, it might improve circulation, lower blood pressure, and improve your overall heart health. In fact, this is one benefit that makes far infrared saunas apt for increased longevity. 

4. Stress reduction: The soothing heat promotes relaxation, reduces stress levels, and can even improve your sleep quality.

5. Weight loss support: You experience increased sweating and improved metabolism in these saunas which, in turn, contribute to calorie burning and supporting your weight management efforts.

What are the drawbacks of far infrared saunas?
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Far infrared heat is not all about benefits, as it has comes with some it own drawbacks, including: 
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1. Electromagnetic field or EMF exposure: Some far infrared saunas might emit higher levels of EMFs or electromagnetic waves which are linked to multiple infrared sauna related risks and health concerns. However, modern FIR saunas are designed to minimize EMF exposure, meaning it isn’t as big a worry.

2. Slower heating: Far infrared saunas take longer to heat your body compared to near infrared saunas. So, you might find yourself spending longer durations in the sauna to achieve desired effects.

What is a near infrared sauna?

As the name suggests, near infrared saunas use much shorter infrared wavelengths compared to far infrared saunas. And they primarily work on your skin's surface rather than penetrating your body deeper. 

Here, it is incandescent heat lamps or LED panels that deliver focused infrared light to your body. In fact, this is exactly why these saunas are synonyms with light therapy and are known for promoting skin health and cellular regeneration.

Talking about major near infrared vs far infrared differences, the former works from the outside in and directly stimulates your skin plus shallow tissues. This is the complete opposite of far infrareds that heat your body from the inside out. 

What are the health benefits of near infrared saunas?

Like far infrared, near infrared saunas also offer unique health advantages. These are mostly targeted towards skin recovery and include: 

1. Skin rejuvenation: Near infrared light stimulates collagen production and improves skin elasticity, which, in turn, reduces wrinkles and makes you look younger.

2. Wound healing: Studies show that near infrared light therapy can accelerate the healing of wounds and injuries by promoting cellular repair processes.

3. Cellular recovery: Near infrared light improves mitochondrial function in your body which boosts cellular energy production and overall vitality.

4. Better circulation: Exposure to near infrared light increases the blood flow to your skin and underlying tissues, thus supporting nutrient delivery and waste removal.
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5. Reduced inflammation: Some studies link near infrared light to reduced oxidative stress and inflammation. 

What are the drawbacks of near infrared saunas?

Despite all its advantages, near infrared saunas are also criticized for some of their drawbacks which include:

1. It heats only on the surface level: Near infrared saunas heat primarily the surface of your tissues. And this might not induce the same level of detoxification as far infrared saunas.

2. It has safety concerns: The high temperatures of near infrared heat sources requires you to maintain a safe distance to prevent burns. 

Far infrared sauna vs near infrared: How to choose one?

So far, you know all the major differences between far vs near infrared sauna sessions. 

But how do you know which of the two is right for your health and wellness goals? 

Well, here are a few factors that can help you pick one: 

1. Your health goals
The number one consideration when choosing between near vs far infrared sauna should be your health goals. 

For instance, if your primary goal is detoxification, pain relief, or cardiovascular benefits, a far infrared sauna fares better. That’s because its ability to penetrate deep into your skin tissues comes in super handy.

Similarly, if you are more focused on skin health, wound healing, and cellular energy, a near infrared sauna will be more beneficial.

2. Sensitivity to heat and comfort levels
Yet another factor that you should consider when choosing between near and far infrared heat therapy is your sensitivity to heat. 

You see, far infrared saunas operate at a lower temperature (120–140°F) and provide a more gradual heating effect. So, if you find high heat uncomfortable this is apt for you. 

At the same time, near infrared saunas can feel hotter due to the direct exposure to heat lamps. Nonetheless, they might still be tolerable because they don’t raise core body temperature as much as far infrared saunas.

3. EMF exposure
If EMF exposure is something that concerns you, near infrared saunas will be apt for you. That’s because these saunas use LED panels and tend to have lower EMF emissions. 

On the contrary, far infrared saunas have  historically had higher EMF levels. However, their modern units offer low-EMF technology.

4. Installation and space requirements
Far infrared saunas come as enclosed cabins and require a dedicated space in your home. So, if you’re low on space, this could be a problem.

On the other hand, near infrared saunas are more portable and space-efficient, thanks to their simple heat lamp setups. Meaning you do not need a full cabin enclosure and can thus save on space. 

5. Budget
Speaking of budget, far infrared saunas are more expensive. And this is especially true for high-quality and low-EMF models. 

So, if you’re someone who is looking for a pocket-friendly sauna, near infrared models are available at a lower cost.

Infrared sauna far vs near: FAQ

Can you combine both far and near infrared in one sauna? 
Yes, there are full-spectrum infrared saunas designed to emit near, mid, and far infrared wavelengths. 

Are there any health risks associated with infrared saunas? 
Infrared saunas are generally safe for most individuals. However, it's essential you stay hydrated, avoid excessive sessions, and consult with a healthcare provider if you have underlying health conditions or you’re pregnant.

How long should a typical infrared sauna session last? 
Typically infrared sauna sessions range from 20 to 45 minutes. The exact duration, nevertheless, will depend on your heat tolerance and the specific type of infrared sauna you’re using. 

For general wellness, using the sauna 2-3 times per week is common. However, for specific health goals, you might want to opt for more frequent sessions.

Conclusion

By now, you know all the differences between far infrared sauna vs near infrared. Also, you know how to choose the right sauna type based on your wellness goals, comfort preferences, and underlying medical conditions. 

Got more questions or looking to install a traditional sauna instead? 
You can get in touch with us!

At Steam and Sauna Experts, we are seasoned sauna installation experts with a decade plus expertise. And we’ve got all your residential sauna requirements covered on a budget.

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