Which Infrared Sauna Is The Best?

Posted at December 14, 2009

Portable infrared saunas have already taken Europe by storm and are flooding the homes of America as we speak. If you are like many Americans that are not sure how to pick the best portable infrared ray (FIR) sauna for your needs, then you will find this Buyer's Guide useful.

There are several basic things to look for when investigating which portable infrared sauna to purchase. If you are going to have a positive infrared sauna experience there are some critical aspects to consider.

The type of infrared heater is perhaps most important. Look for infrared sauna heaters that emit 100% far infrared rays (FIR). Many saunas only emit 50% FIR or emit smaller wavelength rays that can damage the skin. Often flat carbon panel emitters are used which only emit 5-10% far infrared and have a high out put of dangerous EMF (electromagnetic fields) when used in dome style saunas.

The most efficient infrared heaters on the market are a combination of two previous heater designs. First came the ceramic heaters, then the carbon flat panels. They both have pros and cons. The ceramic heaters offer larger percentages of FIR but have a short range. The carbon infrared heaters have longer waves which give them greater range, but they are much lower in quantity. The latest innovation has been to coat the ceramic with carbon in order to combine the benefits of both. In addition to the heater construction, also be sure to find a sauna that heats up quickly.

The majority of portable FIR saunas automatically shut off the infrared ray function in order to prevent overheating, only it can be hard to notice this function seeing as far infrared rays are not visible to the human eye. Always go with the portable saunas that continuously emit infrared rays.

Some saunas are now being made with temperature controls that work just like your thermostat at home. You may come across this style of portable sauna when searching for the best of the best on the market. One point to keep mind about this design feature is that when the specified temperature is reached the infrared rays stop coming, which can greatly lower the actual amount of infrared ray therapy during your session. To remedy this problem some manufacturers have developed infrared heaters that only reduce the amount of FIR that is emitted instead of halting it all together. This is not ideal, but is a way of still having the thermostat feature without completely shutting of the FIR for long periods of time.

Portable infrared saunas differ in temperature range. The ideal temperature range to activate lymph and blood circulation is between 160F and 170F (70C to 80C.) Finding a sauna with the right temperature instead of the models that only offer around 115F (45C) can make all the difference in improving one's health.

Look for the portable infrared sauna that is shaped like a big cube. The size and shape of your sauna will greatly effect just how usable it is. Don't overlook the size of the machine. The cube-like shape is most versatile of all because it has the most space overall. Also the chair can be interchanged with one from you home if the one it comes with isn't just what you are looking for.

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If reviewing this Buyers Guide you will observe that most the information emphasizes finding the right infrared heater. Keep that in mind as you search for one to bring home and you will find your portable infrared sauna experience more pleasant.

To find out even more about the wonderful benefits that come from using an infrared ray sauna, go to HEALTHandMED.com