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If you are considering a home infrared sauna, you have probably used one somewhere else. If you haven't already tried an infrared sauna, it would be recommended to do so before purchasing one of your own.
Many people have experienced a traditional steam sauna, but not necessarily the infrared sauna. Because they affect the body differently, and the heat experience is different, you should know which type you like best.
However, there are dual heat, hybrid saunas available that have both heat sources available. Some models require you to choose which heat source will be used for the one sauna session. Other models do accommodate the use of both heat sources during one sauna bath. Be sure to check for these details when selecting the model you are interested in and ask if you aren't sure.
Is the Expense of a Home Sauna Worth it?
Are home saunas worth the expense for you? The cost of a home sauna may not be worth it for some people, but for others it is a cost-savings with how often it may be used, times of day it can be used in case going out to use one elsewhere doesn't accommodate for your lifestyle.Also people that are ill, such as those going through chemotherapy or some other regimen with pharmaceuticals that require a detox, may prefer to use the sauna at home rather than in public. Usually an infrared home sauna is preferred over a steam sauna when dealing with recoveries. Always be sure to consult your health care provider regarding sauna use, and especially if you have health concerns.
If you know you will use a personal sauna often or regularly, you are interested in always maintaining your health, you want faster recovery from your workouts, you are unable to access public saunas for some reason, then you will find the convenience of a home sauna perfect for you.
If you are building your home sauna into new construction in your house, it can also add to the home value.
Features of Home Infrared Saunas
Most infrared home saunas have additional features. Bluetooth speaker systems offer enjoying your favorite playlists and podcasts while in your sauna.
Chromotherapy lighting offers another layering of healing as the color and lights are scientifically proven to offer benefit to the body.
A Critical Analysis of Chromotherapy and Its Scientific Evolution
Effect of chromotherapy on the anxiety level in the patients
Red Light therapy is a new technology being offered in some infrared saunas. Red light therapy is a low level laser therapy, or photobiomodulation, that works on the surface of the skin, where infrared penetrates the skin.
Halotherapy or Salt therapy. Micro salt particles become air born when heated and these can benefit the respiratory system when inhaled. The negative ions of the salt is similar to those that can be made with an air ionizer, also available in most sauna units.
"When fine salt particles are inhaled, they will fall on the airway linings and draw water into the airway, thinning the mucus and making it easier to raise, thus making people feel better," said Dr. Edelman, Senior Scientific Advisor to the American Lung Association.
Salt caves have become a recent spa addition that many people love to visit. Getting an infrared sauna with salt in it for your home means you can have the salt spa experience whenever you like.
A few sauna models have the actual salt bricks inlaid into the sauna. The ambient light coming through the salt bricks is also very relaxing.
Effectiveness of the Salt Therapy
Home Infrared saunas have other standard features such as vents, tempered glass and digital control panels.
The Cost of Running a Home Infrared Sauna
Home infrared sauna kits are usually 'plug and play' meaning you simply set it up, plug it in and it is good to go. Check with each model specifically to be sure. This means your home electrical system, if it is modern and safe, should be able to accommodate your personal sauna without any issue.
This saves you the cost of an electrician or added circuits.
Infrared saunas are remarkably cost-efficient, even with regular or daily use. Costs range typically from 20 cents to 40 cents per hour for an average size two person sauna.
Maintenance of your Home Infrared Sauna
A home sauna is quite easy to maintain. The only humidity created with an infrared sauna is your own perspiration. Any excess can be wiped with a clean damp or dry cloth and will dry out as the sauna runs during a session or you can leave the door open after a session while cooling it down.
Once in a while, or every 5 sauna sessions or so, wipe down the unit with a damp cloth and a touch of mild cleaning solution. If it sits unused and accumulates dust, wipe it down well with a clean and damp cloth before using again.
Selecting Your Personal Sauna
Something else to keep in mind when choosing the best sauna for your home, is how you will be using it.
Some parents like to use their sauna while their children are playing. The glass wall sauna units allow for viewing the children to keep an eye on them, or watching TV and even just enjoying a great view, if you have one.
When using your sauna do you plan to have quick seated sessions, or do you think you might want to lie down? If you want to recline or lie down be sure to choose a sauna that has a bench you can do so comfortably or you can at least stretch your legs out.
Will you be using your home sauna with friends? Some sauna models have dual height benches that will allow more people to sit inside and enjoy the sauna, without you having to purchase a sauna with a larger footprint.
Hot Yoga and workouts can be done in some larger units, especially if they offer removable benches. This way you can comfortably do a balancing stick pose or a hot Tabata workout and replace the benches when doing a meditation instead.
When to use your personal sauna:
- While watching a sunrise or sunset (if you can see it from there).
- When you need to de-stress and still keeping an eye on the kids or want to watch the game.
- When meditating.
- Before going to bed at night to improve sleep.
- When you're over-worked.
- When you want to steal away and read or listen to your book.
- When you're developing unhealthy habits to 'self-medicate'.
- When you over-indulged during Thanksgiving.
- When you need 'Mommy time'.
- When you want to hit someone.
- When you just got some really sad or bad news.
- Before going to an interview or big presentation.
- If you had a bad fall or injury.
- After you workout.
- After a road trip or camping.
- After a crazy night out celebrating your promotion.
- When you need to clear your head.
- If you're taking your self-care seriously.
- After loading the dishwasher.
If you have any questions about your sauna or the use of an infrared home sauna, please call us at 1-866-433-7102.