Why is a Far Infrared Sauna a better buy than a Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna?
Teresa MüllerScanning the Internet for information and offers on saunas you might come across the expression 'Full Spectrum Sauna'.
You would think, that sounds good, wouldn't you?
However, the naming of a product doesn't always reveal its value and function. So before getting too excited about it and hitting the buy button it is worth informing yourself about infrared and what you should consider before a sauna purchase.
What is Infrared?
The German astronomer William Herschel was the first to discover the existence of infrared radiation in 1800. He used a prism to break down sunlight into its spectral parts and found a non-visible but warming radiation beyond the red, the longest wavelength range, of visible light. He discovered that there is an invisible light that was hotter than everything else. That's what we call infrared radiation nowadays.
Infrared radiation is part of the optical radiation and thus part of the electromagnetic spectrum in the spectral range between visible light and longer-wave terahertz radiation.
The effect of infrared radiation (IR) is based on the fact that its energy is absorbed by the body. The radiation stimulates molecules to oscillate and rotate and we know the result from the sun's natural infrared radiation: heat.
Image 1: Electromegantic Spectrum
Infrared radiation is divided into:
- the short-wave IR-A radiation with a wavelength range from 780 to 1400 nanometers,
- the IR-B radiation (1400 to 3000 nanometers) and
- the long-wave subrange, the IR-C radiation (3000 nanometers to 1 millimeter).
What is Near Infrared?
Near Infrared includes the IR-A and IR-B radiation. It has the greatest depth penetration. IR-A radiation can be found in open fireplaces, campfires or halogen lamps.
What is Mid Infrared?
Mid infrared includes the shorter wavelength range of IR-C radiation. Its wavelengths penetrate deeper into the body than near infrared and are therefore good for increasing circulation and blood flow.
What is Far Infrared?
Far Infrared includes the longer wavelength range of IR-C radiation. Far Infrared heats the body directly. You can find Far Infrared in domestic radiators, tiled stoves and people.
Why is a Far Infrared Sauna a better buy than a Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna?
Full Spectrum is an expression used by companies that sell saunas with both Far- and Near-(Mid-)Infrared emitters.
At first this sounds effective as you get everything in one package. So why is this not the case?
Near infrared requires your body to be within around 2 to 3 inches from the infrared lights. This is due to the fact that skin doesn't absorb near infrared too well from a distance. Since you usually sit at least 6 inches away from the walls/ emitters, near infrared saunas are questionable.
UK Sauna Buying and Wellness Guide
After reading Why is a Far Infrared Sauna a better buy than a Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna?, readers often want to understand the practical differences between sauna types, expected heat experience, and what setup works best at home before they buy.
Canadian Spa Company UK supplies saunas, hot tubs, swim spas, replacement covers, filters, chemicals and accessories with nationwide delivery. If you are planning a home wellness space, compare sauna type, heat-up time, room size and power requirements first so the model matches how often you actually plan to use it.
For clearer next steps, use the links below to compare product ranges, evaluate ownership costs and get support when you need it.