An infrared sauna typically operates at 120°F (49°C) compared to 190°F (88°C) of a traditional sauna. Infrared saunas create heat using infrared light. Special ceramic and carbon fiber heat panels are placed in the interior walls of an infrared sauna. Dr. Aundrea Adams of the International Institute of Holistic Healing compared the detoxification findings of the two sauna types. Dr. Adams summarizes a report which concludes that sweat from a traditional sauna was up to 97% water, while the sweat released in an infrared sauna was only 80 – 85% water. The remaining 15 – 20% was comprised No pre-heat time required. How it heats the body. Traditional saunas heat the air to heat the body. Infrared saunas directly heat your body. The infrared energy penetrates the body and raises the core temperature – causing a more pronounced sweating. Typical sauna session length. 10-15 minutes optimal time for use. Infrared units bear little similarity to the traditional Finnish-style sauna. They heat up to around 150 degrees Fahrenheit, instead of over 200. Light wavelengths warm the body. There is no blast Inexpensive – A major benefit of purchasing an infrared sauna is the low price point. Even the highest-grade infrared sauna is much lower priced than traditional dry saunas. Key characteristics of traditional dry sauna. Infrared saunas are a new invention compared to the traditional dry sauna, which the Finns have used for about two thousand Cost of electricity per kilowatt-hour is the cost of electricity per unit of energy consumed, typically measured in cents or dollars per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Example: Wattage of sauna heater = 6000W. 1 hour of use per day. Every day for 1 year. Cost of electricity = $0.12 per kilowatt hour. Cost = (6000 * 1 * 365) / 1000 * 0.12 = $261.20 per year. Another main difference is the temperature of the saunas. Inside a traditional sauna, temperatures can range anywhere from 150′ to 185’F while infrared saunas tend to be around 120′ to 140’F. So, if you’re not someone who withstand hot temperatures and humidity, an infrared sauna might be ideal. What Is an Infrared Sauna Blanket? In simpletest terms, an infrared sauna blanket is a tool that is designed to deliver the benefits of a traditional infrared sauna in blanket form. “Sauna blankets use infrared heat and work in the same way as an infrared sauna cabin,” says Lauren Dovey, the founder of Heat Healer. Though you’ll definitely sweat in both, infrared radiation doesn’t feel quite as hot as a traditional sauna: The temperature range is lower (120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit versus the 150 to 180 Deciding Between Infrared vs Traditional Saunas Both infrared and traditional saunas offer science-backed therapeutic value with careful use. Traditional saunas provide an intense humid heat, while infrared saunas directly heat tissue at more tolerable temps. tALjl.