TYPES OF SAUNAS
MOST COMMON TYPES OF MODERN SAUNAS
Nowadays, in general therapeutic means, three types of heated rooms are in use. Dry, infrared, and steam room. They are divided according to a heat source which affects the body. Inside these groups, they can be divided by certain characteristics such as temperature, humidity, types of construction materials, place of origin and bathing protocols.
DRY SAUNA
Dry sauna is a type of heat room that uses hot air as a medium to act on the body.
INFRARED SAUNA
An infrared sauna is a type of heat room that uses an infrared spectrum of light as a medium to act on the body.
STEAM ROOM
A steam room is a type of heat room that uses steam as a medium to act on the body.
DRY SAUNA and its variations
The modern dry heated room or Dry Sauna is based on tradition and long-time experiences of the heated rooms that were used in a northern part of Europe for centuries. It uses hot air usually heated by electrical or gas heaters. It is probably the most widespread type of sauna for commercial use in Europe. It doesn't require a lot of maintenance and it is easy to offer as a service and fairly easy to use as a client. The heat effect can be combined with temperature and humidity. The temperature is very high and the humidity is very low unless water is poured on the hot stones, which increases the humidity and heating effect.
Dry Sauna Features
 Temperature / humidity |
 Temperature source |
 Construction material |
|
°C 85 - 100 °F 185 - 212 H 5% - 10% |
- Electrical heaters - Gas heaters
|
- Wood
|
Even nowadays a Traditional Finnish Sauna is still very popular in Finland and many other parts of northern Europe. It uses hot air, usually heated by wood-burning heaters but in modern versions electrical or gas heaters are also used. It requires a more knowledgeable operator. Along with heated air, the protocol usually includes löyly, where the water is poured on the hot stones. This produces great amounts of wet steam, increasing the moisture and the heat within the sauna. Occasionally one uses a bunch of leafy, fragrant silver birch called vihta (vasta in Eastern Finland) to gently beat oneself.
Traditional Finnish Sauna Features
| Temperature / humidity |
Temperature source |
Construction material |
|
°C 65 - 100 °F 185 - 212 H 10% - 65% |
- Wood-burning heaters - Gas heaters - Electrical heaters |
- Wood
|
The Russian banya can be similar to a modest Finnish sauna (in modern Russian language sometimes called as a Finnish banya) with dry steam and similar protocol as in traditional Finnish sauna or Russian banya, similar to very luxurious Roman public bathhouses with wet steam (sometimes called as a Turkish banya). Russian banyas are still very popular and are often used as a place where Russian business people and politicians meet.
Russian Banya Features
| Temperature / humidity |
Temperature source |
Construction material |
|
°C 60 - 100 °F 140 - 212 H 20% - 90% |
- Electrical heaters - Gas heaters - Wood burning heaters |
- Wood
|
INFRARED SAUNA and its variations
A ‘far infrared’ sauna is a type of sauna that uses infrared waves to create heat. ‘Far’ describes where the infrared (invisible) waves fall on the light spectrum. Contrary to the traditional sauna (which uses heat to warm the air, which warms your body), an infrared sauna heats your body directly without warming the air around you. This offers you a less intense experience compared to the dry sauna but at the same time allows longer and more comfortable bathing. This type of heated room is very popular in North America and Japan.
Far Infrared Sauna Features
| Temperature / humidity |
Temperature source |
Construction material |
|
°C 38 - 60 °F 100 - 140 H 60%(ambient) |
- Ceramic heaters
|
- Wood - Fabric
|
A ‘near-infrared’ sauna is a type of sauna that uses near-infrared waves to create heat. ‘Near’ describes where the infrared (visible as a red light) waves fall on the light spectrum. Similar to the Far-infrared sauna, a Near-infrared sauna heats your body directly without warming the air around you. In addition to that, combined heat therapy and light therapy offer unique benefits. It is popular in regenerative medicine as an accelerator for injury regeneration.
Far Infrared Sauna Features
| Temperature / humidity |
Temperature source |
Construction material |
|
°C 38 - 60 °F 100 - 140 H 60%(ambient) |
- Ceramic heaters
|
- Wood - Fabric
|
STEAM ROOM and its variations
The steam room, often referred to as a Steam or Turkish sauna, is a type of heated room that uses wet steam produced by the steam generator as a medium to influence the body. Usually clad with ceramic or natural stone with access to fresh water, it offers very high humidity with temperature up to 48ºC and is very popular in spa and gyms. In combination with dry sauna, the steam room offers a comprehensive experience.
Far Infrared Sauna Features
| Temperature / humidity |
Temperature source |
Construction material |
|
°C 40 - 48 °F 110 - 120 H 70 -100% |
- Steam generator
|
- Ceramic - Natural stone - Plastic |
Hammam is a place of public bathing associated with the culture of the Islamic world. The appearance is similar to the Greek and Roman baths. The process is similar to that of a sauna but is more closely related to ancient Greek and ancient Roman bathing practices. It starts with relaxation in a room heated by a continuous flow of hot, dry air, allowing the bather to perspire freely. Bathers may then move to a different, hotter room and finish with a wash in cold water. After performing a full body wash bathers receive a massage and retire to the cooling-room for a period of relaxation.
Far Infrared Sauna Features
| Temperature / humidity |
Temperature source |
Construction material |
|
°C 38 - 50 °F 100 - 122 H 60%-100%
|
- Steam generator
|
-Natural stone
|
