If you’ve ever thought about buying a sauna, you might want to know that not all saunas are the same. Infrared saunas, in particular, come in three different types: near, mid, and far.
Each type offers different benefits and works a little differently, so it’s worth understanding what sets them apart before making a decision.
In this article, we’ll walk through the differences between near, mid, and far infrared saunas to help you figure out which one suits you best.
Quick Key Takeaways on Types of Infrared Saunas
Tired to read it all? I get it. Here are the five key takeaways of this article:
- Infrared saunas are divided into three types: near, mid, and far infrared, each offering different benefits based on how deeply the infrared light penetrates the body.
- Near-infrared saunas focus on surface-level benefits like skin rejuvenation, wound healing, and improved circulation, making them ideal for quick sessions targeting skin health.
- Mid-infrared saunas provide deeper heat that helps with muscle relaxation, pain relief, and better blood flow, offering a balance between surface-level and deep-tissue therapy.
- Far-infrared saunas penetrate the deepest, making them effective for detoxification, weight loss, and reducing inflammation, providing the most intense heat experience.
- Full-spectrum saunas combine all three types of infrared light, offering a more versatile experience that targets multiple health goals in one session.
What Are Infrared Saunas and How Does It Work?
Infrared saunas are a modern take on the traditional sauna experience. Instead of using steam or hot air to warm your body, infrared saunas use infrared light. This light directly heats your body, which can feel less overwhelming than the heavy heat of traditional saunas, but you’ll still break a sweat and get all the benefits.
The main difference is how the heat works. Traditional saunas heat the air around you, which in turn heats your body. Infrared saunas, on the other hand, use infrared light that penetrates your skin more deeply. This allows for a gentler, yet effective, warming experience that can reach your muscles and tissues faster. As a result, you may find it more comfortable, especially if you don’t enjoy the thick heat of a steam sauna.
People turn to infrared saunas for various health benefits. They’re often used for muscle recovery, detoxification, stress relief, and even skin health. Some say that infrared saunas help them sleep better, while others notice improved circulation or reduced pain after using one. Plus, infrared saunas usually operate at lower temperatures, which can make the experience more enjoyable if you’re not a fan of extreme heat.
With the basics out of the way, we’ll now dive into the three types of infrared saunas: near, mid, and far. Each one offers something a little different, and depending on your health goals, one may be a better fit for you than the others.
Near-Infrared Saunas
Near-infrared saunas use the shortest wavelength of the three infrared types, ranging from 0.75 to 1.5 microns. Because it’s the shortest, near-infrared light mostly works on the surface of your skin and doesn’t penetrate as deeply as mid or far infrared. However, that doesn’t mean it’s less effective—just different.
One of the key benefits of near-infrared is that it’s known for improving skin health and wound healing. People often choose near-infrared saunas for skin-related benefits, like reducing fine lines, improving collagen production, or even speeding up the healing of minor cuts or burns. It’s also commonly used in red light therapy, which many believe helps with cellular repair and regeneration.
Near-infrared saunas can also support better circulation. When the light hits your skin, it increases blood flow to the area, which can help your body deliver more oxygen and nutrients to your cells. This is why people dealing with muscle injuries or inflammation might find near-infrared helpful for recovery.
Another aspect worth mentioning is that near-infrared saunas tend to heat up faster than mid or far infrared ones. Because the heat is mostly surface-level, you don’t need to sit in the sauna for long to start feeling the effects. It’s also more targeted, so some near-infrared saunas use lamps or panels directed at specific areas of your body.
While near-infrared has its perks, it may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a deep tissue experience. If your goal is more about muscle relaxation or full-body detox, you might want to look into mid or far infrared saunas, which we’ll get into next.
That said, many people love near-infrared for its skin benefits, faster sessions, and focused heat. If you’re dealing with skin concerns or want something that heats up quickly, near-infrared saunas could be a solid option.
Mid-Infrared Saunas
Mid-infrared saunas fall in the middle of the spectrum, with wavelengths ranging from 1.5 to 5.6 microns. Because of this, they penetrate deeper into the body than near-infrared but not quite as deeply as far-infrared. Mid-infrared heat reaches your muscles and joints, making it a great option if you’re looking for something that offers more than just skin-level benefits.
One of the primary reasons people choose mid-infrared saunas is for their ability to improve circulation and provide pain relief. The mid-infrared light penetrates further into your body, helping to increase blood flow to areas like muscles, joints, and even internal tissues. This makes it ideal for people recovering from injuries or dealing with chronic pain conditions like arthritis or muscle stiffness.
Another big benefit is its impact on muscle relaxation. Mid-infrared heat can help loosen tight muscles and reduce soreness after a workout or a long day of physical activity. If you’re someone who exercises regularly or deals with physical stress, mid-infrared saunas can provide the relief you’re looking for without the need for an intense heat session.
In addition to physical benefits, mid-infrared saunas are also known to promote relaxation and reduce stress. The lower temperature makes the experience feel more soothing, allowing you to relax without the overwhelming heat that comes with traditional saunas. Some people find that mid-infrared heat is the sweet spot for unwinding while still getting deeper healing benefits.
Mid-infrared saunas are less common than far-infrared models, but they are becoming more popular as people seek a middle ground between surface-level and deep tissue heat therapy. Many saunas now offer a combination of mid and far-infrared for a more complete experience, giving you the best of both worlds.
Far-Infrared Saunas
Far-infrared saunas are the most popular type of infrared sauna on the market, thanks to their ability to provide deep, penetrating heat. The wavelengths in far-infrared saunas range from 5.6 to 1,000 microns, which means they can reach deeper into the body compared to near or mid-infrared. This makes far-infrared saunas particularly effective for detoxification and weight loss.
The biggest advantage of far-infrared saunas is their ability to penetrate deep into your tissues, including muscles, organs, and even fat cells. This deep heat can stimulate sweating at a lower temperature than traditional saunas, helping to flush out toxins from the body. It’s one of the reasons far-infrared saunas are often promoted for detoxification. Many users report that they sweat more in a far-infrared sauna, despite the air feeling less intense compared to a regular steam sauna.
Another major benefit is its role in weight loss. The deep heating effect of far-infrared light can increase your heart rate, much like moderate exercise. This boost in metabolism can help you burn calories during your session, which is why some people use far-infrared saunas as part of their weight loss routine. While it’s not a substitute for exercise, the extra calorie burn can be a nice bonus.
Far-infrared saunas are also known for improving circulation and aiding in muscle recovery. The heat can help soothe sore muscles, reduce inflammation, and increase blood flow to areas in need of healing. Whether you’re recovering from a tough workout or dealing with chronic pain, far-infrared saunas can offer deep relief.
Because they’re the most common type, far-infrared saunas come in a variety of styles and sizes. They’re available in both personal and commercial models, and you’ll find that most infrared sauna brands offer far-infrared options. This makes them widely accessible and easy to find, whether you’re looking for a basic model or one with all the bells and whistles.
If you’re looking for a sauna that offers the deepest level of heat and detoxification, far-infrared saunas are likely your best bet.
Near, Mid, and Far Infrared: How They Compare
Now that we’ve looked at the individual types of infrared saunas, let’s compare near, mid, and far infrared to see how they stack up against each other.
- Near-infrared is the best choice if you’re focused on skin health, wound healing, or quick sessions. It works at a surface level and heats up faster, which makes it ideal for those looking for benefits like skin rejuvenation or improved circulation without spending too much time in the sauna.
- Mid-infrared offers a deeper level of heat. It’s great for muscle relaxation, improving blood flow, and easing joint pain. Mid-infrared saunas are perfect if you want something that targets both surface and deeper muscle tissues. It’s also a nice middle ground if you’re not quite ready for the intense heat of far-infrared but want more than just surface-level benefits.
- Far-infrared goes the deepest, reaching your muscles, tissues, and even fat cells. If detoxing or weight loss is your main goal, far-infrared is likely the best fit. It’s also a top choice for anyone looking to reduce inflammation or recover from intense workouts, as the heat penetrates far below the surface.
In the end, the type of infrared sauna you choose depends on what benefits you’re after. If you can’t decide or want the full range of benefits, a full-spectrum sauna combines all three, giving you a balanced experience that hits multiple health targets in one go.
Full-Spectrum Saunas
Full-spectrum saunas are designed to give you the benefits of all three types of infrared light—near, mid, and far. Instead of choosing just one, you get a combination of all three in one sauna. This makes full-spectrum saunas a popular choice for people who want a well-rounded experience, offering both surface-level and deep tissue benefits.
With a full-spectrum sauna, you get the advantages of near-infrared for skin health and healing, mid-infrared for muscle relaxation and circulation, and far-infrared for detox and deeper tissue penetration. It’s a way to cover all bases in one session. These saunas are often more versatile because they can target multiple health goals, whether you’re looking for stress relief, pain management, or even weight loss.
Another advantage of full-spectrum saunas is that some models allow you to adjust the focus of your session. For example, you might be able to increase the amount of far-infrared light for a more intense sweat, or dial up the near-infrared if you’re focusing on skin rejuvenation. This kind of flexibility makes full-spectrum saunas appealing to a wide range of users.
The downside is that full-spectrum saunas tend to be more expensive than single-spectrum options. Since they offer a broader range of benefits, you’re paying for the advanced technology that combines all three types of infrared light. However, if you’re looking for a sauna that can do it all, it might be worth the investment.
You won’t have to choose between near, mid, or far-infrared—you’ll get a blend of all three for maximum health benefits. See some of our reviews here:
Which Type of Sauna is Best For You?
Choosing the right type of infrared sauna depends on your personal goals and preferences. If you’re mostly concerned with improving skin health or speeding up recovery from minor injuries, a near-infrared sauna could be the best fit for you. It works on the surface of your body, offering benefits like wound healing and collagen production.
On the other hand, if you’re dealing with muscle pain, joint stiffness, or you want to boost circulation, a mid-infrared sauna might be a better choice. The heat penetrates deeper than near-infrared, reaching muscles and tissues for more targeted relief. Mid-infrared saunas are a good middle ground, offering a balance between comfort and deeper benefits.
For those looking to detox, burn calories, or experience the most intense heat, a far-infrared sauna is ideal. It penetrates the deepest, making it highly effective for flushing out toxins and supporting weight loss. If you’re someone who enjoys a good sweat or wants to focus on detoxification, far-infrared is likely your best option.
Of course, if you’re not sure which type is right for you, or you want a combination of all three, a full-spectrum sauna could be the way to go. With full-spectrum, you get the flexibility to target different areas, depending on what you need that day. It’s a great option if you want a comprehensive sauna experience that covers all the bases.
Ultimately, the best infrared sauna for you will depend on what results you’re looking to achieve. Whether it’s for skin health, pain relief, or deep detox, there’s an infrared sauna out there that can help you meet your goals.
Final Thoughts About The Type of Infrared Saunas
When it comes to infrared saunas, it’s important to know the differences between near, mid, and far infrared to choose the right one for your needs. Each type offers unique benefits, whether you’re aiming for skin rejuvenation, muscle relaxation, or deep detoxification.
If you want a more versatile option, full-spectrum saunas combine all three wavelengths for a more balanced experience. Whatever your health goals, understanding these differences will help you make a more informed decision when investing in a sauna.
