Why are infrared saunas so popular?
Infrared saunas have exploded in popularity
There has been over a five-fold increase in search volume for "infrared sauna" over the last decade, so why the sudden excitement?!
There has been an impressive marketing campaign around infrared saunas, including deciding to name them "saunas" at all! We are here to de-bunk some of the most common reasons people continue to buy infrared.
Infrared sauna myths -- debunked
Claim: Infrared sauna use can lead to health benefits such as decreased mortality, detoxification, pain relief, stress reduction, and better sleep.
Reality: the most common research studies cited by infrared manufacturers were actually done in traditional saunas with temperatures reaching 160-200°F, with a stove where a person can add steam to the room by tossing water on the rocks.
Infrared saunas usually only operate around 120 - 140F and do not have a stove where you can add water to the rocks. This has led some to claim infrared isn't technically a "sauna" at all. While it's certainly possible there are still benefits, this hasn't been adequately tested or proven like the thorough research on traditional saunas.
Claim: Infrared saunas are affordable
Reality: Most infrared saunas are low in price because they are made with simple wood & light panels overseas. Traditional saunas require higher quality materials in order to tolerate higher heat and a traditional sauna stove.
Claim: Infrared saunas are superior for most situations since they don't require wood as a heating source.
Reality: there are many sauna stove manufacturers (like Harvia and IKI), that make fantastic electric sauna stoves, with stones that allow you to create some wonderful steam (or löyly, as they say in Finland) as well as temperatures between 160-200F. We trust both brands in the electric versions of our saunas.
Here at NorthUp Saunas, we are proud to honor traditional Finnish sauna builds, while continuing to create unique North American sauna culture with our saunas built right here in Minnesota. All of our saunas proudly reach 160-200°F and allow for a wonderful high-quality steam, ventilation, and overall sauna experience.
