Infrared saunas are extremely popular for their include health benefits and stress relief. One of the biggest reasons is that they are generally cooler and more comfortable than a traditional sauna. How hot do infrared saunas get?
An infrared sauna has a typical temperature range of 100-150°F, lower than the typical 150-180°F temperature average of a traditional dry sauna, and is a more comfortable temperature for many users. The ideal temperature range for your sauna session is 110-130°F, although the specific ideal depends on the goal and intended results.
Heat in an infrared sauna is one of the biggest factors that make it comfortable and brings health benefits. If you want to learn more about infrared sauna temperatures, read on!
How hot do infrared saunas get?
The heat from infrared saunas is much lower compared to a traditional sauna, but what is the range? How hot does this sauna get?
An infrared sauna’s average temperature range is 100-150°F, giving it a more comfortable feel than a traditional sauna. Many companies do not recommend running the sauna at the highest temperature for an extended period of time. When in doubt, read through the manual to find out the correct way to operate it.
Using an infrared sauna at the highest temp for the most amount of time can also lead to dehydration, heat stroke, or other health problems, especially if you are using it for the first time. It is important to gradually work up to the highest temperature and to watch your body’s responses.
What is the ideal temperature for an infrared sauna?
With the 50-degree temperature range, it’s important to look at what temps you will get the most benefit from and the ideal temperature.
The ideal temperature for an infrared sauna is 110-130°F, but which exact temp depends on what your goals are for your sauna session. If you are looking to detoxify your body then you should aim for the lower end of the range for the best results. A higher temperature is recommended if you are wanting to sweat more.
When you first start using the sauna, however, it is important that you gradually get your body acclimated to the heat. Start your first session at around 100°F and gradually increase it with each session until you reach the temperature you desire.
Should you preheat an infrared sauna?
Many people go into the sauna and warm up with it but others preheat it then enter. Should you preheat an infrared sauna before you go in?
Infrared saunas typically require you to preheat them before use. After you set the temperature, you will need to wait 10-30 minutes for the sauna to completely preheat.
Consult your owner’s manual for how long you will need to preheat your specific model.
It is also recommended that you wait until the sauna gets to be about 10-15°F away from your desired temperature to enter it. This way your body will also get a small warm-up as your sauna’s temperature climbs and you are able to absorb the maximum amount of infrared.
How long should you stay inside an infrared sauna?
Safety is the number one concern with saunas, including how long you should stay inside an infrared sauna.
The average amount of time spent inside an infrared sauna is 15-30 minutes. Staying inside a sauna for more than 45 minutes, however, may result in an injury or other health problems. If you are a sauna newbie, it is important that you start slow, staying in the sauna for only 5-10 minutes at a lower temperature.
Staying in the sauna for a longer period of time could potentially lead to excessively dry skin, dehydration, and potentially heart issues. It is important to drink plenty of water both before and after your sauna session as well as listen to your body’s needs.
Infrared sauna temperature vs traditional dry sauna
When deciding between an infrared sauna versus a traditional dry sauna, it is important to look at the differences, the biggest of which is the average temperature.
A traditional dry sauna has a typical temperature range between 150°F and 180°F while an infrared sauna typically ranges from 100°F to 150°F. The highest temperature for an infrared sauna is the lowest for a traditional one, making it significantly cooler and more comfortable for many users.
Those who are heat sensitive may find they are able to enjoy the infrared sauna more due to its lower temperatures. The body is warmed up directly rather than the room being warmed up, which helps keep the sauna cooler.
Tips for getting the most out of an infrared sauna
There are ways to really get the most out of your infrared sauna session. Doing even some of these will help you enjoy your sessions more as well as ensure you are safe while using the sauna.
Here are the best ways to help you get the most out of your infrared sauna sessions:
- Drink plenty of water
- Start with shorter sessions
- Taking a shower
- Pay attention to your body
- Do not use when sick
- Avoid alcohol before sauna use
Keep reading to learn more about how these tips can help you get the most benefit from your sauna sessions.
Drink plenty of water
Sauna sessions cause you to sweat and lose fluids so it is especially important you drink water both before you enter and after you exit the sauna.
This intentional hydration will ensure your body has plenty of fluids going in as well as help replace lost fluids afterward. If needed, you can also drink water while in the sauna ensuring you do not become dehydrated.
Start with shorter sessions
It is important that you do not just jump into using the sauna but ease yourself into it by starting at a lower temperature and only staying in for 5-10 minutes to begin with.
That way you are gradually working towards a higher temperature instead of shocking your body by staying for a longer period of time.
Take a shower
After you are out of the sauna it is important that you take a shower to wash off any dirt and toxins your body has released.
Taking a cold shower will also help shock your body by taking it from hot to cold. Doing this helps get the adrenaline pumping as well as your endorphins going.
Pay attention to your body
You might have a goal of staying in the sauna for 30 minutes but your body may not agree and start giving you signals you need to get out as soon as possible.
One of the biggest clues to watch out for is if you are feeling dizzy or light-headed, which are both signals you need to end your sauna session.
Do not use if sick
If you are sick, it is best to wait until you’re better to visit the infrared sauna.
Obviously, this applies to cold and flu sicknesses, but it also includes skin conditions. If you are experiencing a flare-up, such as an eczema skin rash, the heat of the sauna can dry your skin out and exacerbate the issue.
If in doubt, always check with a medical professional to get clearance to use the sauna.
Avoid alcohol
It is important to avoid alcohol completely before sauna use due to the increased chance of dehydration.
Alcohol tends to dehydrate a person so it is especially important to avoid it as well as drink plenty of water beforehand. Other health issues that could occur include heat stroke as well as heat exhaustion.