Temperature differences: Infrared sauna vs. Finnish/barrel sauna

Are there any differences between the temperature of an infrared sauna and the other types of sauna’s? Well, an infrared sauna does get hot, but not in the same way as a traditional Finnish sauna or a barrel sauna. The key difference lies in how the heat is generated and how it affects the body. Infrared saunas use infrared radiation to heat the body directly, rather than heating the air around you like traditional saunas do. This results in a different experience in terms of temperature, comfort, and duration of use.

The temperature differences

• Infrared Sauna: Typically operates at a lower temperature, around 40–65°C (104–149°F).
• Finnish Sauna: Uses a heater to warm the air, reaching 70–100°C (158–212°F).
• Barrel Sauna: Functions like a Finnish sauna but has a more efficient design for heat circulation. It reaches similar temperatures of 70–100°C.

Since infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures, they feel less intense compared to Finnish or barrel saunas. The heat is absorbed directly by the skin, penetrating deeper into tissues without making the surrounding air overwhelmingly hot.

Can you stay longer in an infrared sauna?

Yes, you can generally stay longer in an infrared sauna than in a Finnish or barrel sauna. There are several reasons for this:

1. Lower Air Temperature
   Since infrared saunas don’t heat the air as much, the overall experience feels milder. In a traditional sauna, the hot air raises your core temperature rapidly, making it difficult to endure for long periods. The intense heat can cause heavy sweating and discomfort after 10–20 minutes.

2. Deeper Heat Penetration but Less Surface Discomfort
   Infrared radiation penetrates up to 4 cm (1.5 inches) into the body, directly heating muscles and joints. This can produce a deep, relaxing warmth without the intense stifling heat that Finnish saunas create. Traditional saunas heat the outer skin first, leading to a more extreme sensation of heat.

3. Less Cardiovascular Strain
   Because the air temperature is lower, an infrared sauna does not put as much stress on the cardiovascular system as a Finnish or barrel sauna. In extreme heat, the heart rate increases significantly to regulate body temperature, which can lead to discomfort and shorter sessions.

4. Sweating Happens at a Lower Temperature
   Infrared saunas induce sweating at lower temperatures, which means the body starts detoxifying sooner without reaching an extreme heat threshold. Many users can comfortably stay inside an infrared sauna for 30–45 minutes or even up to an hour, whereas a traditional sauna is typically limited to 10–20 minutes per session.

5. Less Humidity, More Comfort
   Finnish and barrel saunas often involve adding steam (löyly) by pouring water over hot stones. This increases humidity, making the heat feel more intense and harder to tolerate. Infrared saunas do not use steam, so there is no additional humidity, which helps with heat endurance.

Which Sauna is More Effective?

• Infrared saunas are better for longer, more relaxing sessions with deep heat penetration and lower temperatures. They are excellent for muscle recovery, joint pain relief, and detoxification.
• Finnish and barrel saunas are better for short, intense heat exposure, promoting strong cardiovascular benefits and a more traditional sweating experience.

So an infrared sauna is more gentle, more tolerable heat compared to Finnish or barrel saunas, which makes is a comfortable sauna for a larger group of people. Because of the lower temperatures and different heating mechanisms, most people can stay in an infrared sauna much longer—typically 30–45 minutes or more—compared to the 10–20 minutes recommended for traditional saunas.