Infrared Sauna Reviews

Infrared saunas are a recent innovation, which have revolutionized the traditional sauna experience. Finnish saunas, that were basically steam baths, are still popular but saunas are much more effective than them. They assist weight loss and improve blood circulation.

How do Infrared Saunas Work?
These saunas heat the body in the same way, as it gets heated when you are sunbathing. 80% of the energy received from the sun, in the form of electromagnetic waves is from infrared spectrum. Infrared waves are electromagnetic waves, which transfer energy in the form of heat. Unlike visible light, infrared waves are invisible to the human eye. All objects emit infrared radiation and transfer heat. The sun too emits a large amount of energy in the infrared region of electromagnetic spectrum. The band of wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum, from 0.76 micrometers to 1000 micrometers constitutes the radiation spectrum, with subdivisions of near infrared, middle infrared and far infrared. Even our bodies emit infrared radiation in wavelengths from 3 micrometers to 50 micrometers and emit peak radiation at 9.4 micrometers.

So, this is how infrared saunas work. They are usually wooden enclosures fitted with lamps, which emit infrared radiation tuned to the same wavelengths as our body's heat absorption frequencies. Body absorbs heat through direct absorption of radiant infrared radiation. This is unlike traditional saunas, where heat is absorbed through convection, and transferred through steam. The effects are similar to traditional Finnish saunas. The body heats up and perspires, while using up a lot of calories in the process of keeping the body cool. This leads to fractional burning of calories. It also indirectly improves circulation of the body. Sweating is caused by an infrared sauna, at a much lower temperature than a steam sauna. The directly absorbed heat penetrates deeper in your body, than traditional saunas. It's claimed that regular use lowers cholesterol, blood pressure and helps in weight loss. Another unsubstantiated claim made by manufacturers is the added benefit of detoxification. Perspiration caused by infra red saunas, supposedly helps the body in getting rid of many dangerous toxins.

There are two main types of these saunas. They differ in the heating element which radiates infrared heat. One is a carbon based radiation element, while the other one is ceramic based. The carbon based heating elements create a more uniformly heated sauna enclosure. However, the ceramic ones are more durable and long-lasting.

Reviews
Here are reviews of the three best products available in the market.

Two Person Outdoor Sauna Hemlock Ceramic Far Infrared
Priced at $1,679, this 'Under the Sun' product is a two seater far infrared sauna. It is an excellent product. Built in solid hemlock wood, it can be used in all types of weather conditions. Comes with digital controls and with built in six pure ceramic heating elements. This product comes with a lifetime warranty. It delivers 2100 watts of heat at 110 V.

Three Person Deluxe Red Cedar Carbon FIB Infrared Sauna
Priced at $3,345.00, this 'Precision Therapy' product is a three seater sauna with double wall construction and built with high quality lumber. It comes with a lifetime warranty on every part. An ISO 9001 certified product, it can heat up to 130 degree Fahrenheit to 140 degree Fahrenheit. All windows and doors are made up of tempered glass. It has an LED interior lighting, with AM/FM radio and CD player facility. It also has an air purification facility.

Two Person Red Cedar Ceramic Infrared Sauna
Priced at $1,498.87, another one of 'Precision therapy' products, is a two seater sauna, with lifetime warranty on every component. It uses five ceramic heaters and operates at an infrared wavelength of 5.6 micrometers to 15 micrometers. It has entertainment systems like radio and CD players, along with air purification system. This one is best suited for couples and the price makes it a good choice.

Infrared saunas are beneficial and a less harmful option than sunbathing, as you can control the amount of heat and kind of radiation you are subjecting yourself to. These reviews are only representative of a number of excellent products available in the market.