Everyone knows the benefits bath procedures bring to the body. The body, warmed by generous heat, removes accumulated harmful substances from the body along with sweat. Alternating warming up in a steam room with cooling under running cold water or in a snowdrift hardens the body, circulates blood through the veins, prolongs youth, making the skin elastic. Lately, infrared saunas have attracted a lot of interest. The heat in them is transferred to the body from infrared emitters directly, without an intermediary, which in traditional steam rooms and saunas is air heated to 100°C. In this case, profuse sweating occurs under more gentle conditions, since the air temperature in this case does not exceed 60°C. In addition, such a useful device can be equipped not only in a country house, but also in a small apartment. The popularity of infrared device models is just beginning to gain momentum. The editors of the YaNashla website offer visitors an introductory review of “The Best Infrared Saunas for 2021,” compiled from customer reviews and expert opinions.
Infrared sauna: what it is and how it works
In an effort to lead a healthy lifestyle, many people learn about the infrared sauna and its benefits. First, it’s worth understanding what an infrared sauna is. This is a special compact device, the interior of which is separated by environmentally friendly wood, and ceramic emitters are mounted inside the walls and benches.
The operating principle of such a cabin is based on the use of infrared radiation. In active mode, the emitter emits safe waves that can penetrate deeply into the body, ensuring its uniform, slow heating. In conditions of maximum heating, increased sweating occurs, blood flow and detoxification of the body improves.
The main difference between the cabin and a traditional bathhouse is the temperature regime. In the first case, the mark of 55 degrees is not exceeded, in the second it can reach 110 degrees. Only 20% of the generated energy is used to heat the air, and in conventional steam rooms - up to 85%.
The body warms up evenly
Instructions for making at home
An example of making a cabin for a family of three. The optimal place for placement would be a room measuring 1155x3050x2400 mm. To secure the frame, use a 40x40 mm beam.
- Make a small graphic drawing based on the drawing and determine the location of the IR heaters. Electrical wiring is carried out inside the wall and under the bench using heat-resistant cable. At the same time, we provide lighting.
- We make waterproofing, for which we fix it on the walls in the described order:
- plastic film;
- insulation, see markings suitable for the type of work, which does not emit harmful substances even with slight heating;
- foil.
- The heaters are mounted: three elements on the back wall, one on the sides, two more heaters are placed horizontally, under the bench. This is the optimal number that will not cause excessive heating of the air, and the location will ensure heat distribution. The control power supply is installed externally. Connect the equipment from the power supply panel. Extension cords are not permitted.
- We install and arrange places.
- We cover the surfaces of the ceiling and walls with clapboard. We sew up the benches and attach supports under the back.
- We install ventilation using a corrugated aluminum pipe with a diameter of 100 mm, lead the pipe into the ventilation shaft and cover it with a grill. Forced exhaust is not required, because the process does not create steam accumulation.
- Select lamps for use at high humidity and temperature.
- We install the door.
IR sauna design diagram
The infrared sauna includes a box, interior decoration, benches, several heating elements, and a glass door. Powered by electricity. The dimensions of the infrared sauna are dictated by the parameters of a person in a sitting position. When calculating the internal space, a little area is added to ensure a comfortable stay in a closed box. The optimal internal size is 80x80 cm with an external size of 95x95 cm.
Heaters are placed in different parts of the cabin to provide maximum body coverage. Two IR heaters, having a height equal to the interior height of the cabin, are fixed in the front corners. One is attached under the bench. Two are located at chest level behind the seated person.
Infrared emitters are located behind the back
Thanks to the special design, it is possible to create a special microclimate inside the cabin with virtually no temperature fluctuations along the length and height. To achieve this, the walls, floor and ceiling are finished with untreated natural wood. The heating elements used are highly powerful. They allow you to heat the surface to +230÷280°C, which is not always possible in other types of baths. As a result, thermal energy penetrates deeper into the body, heating the deeper layers of the skin.
Due to the use of infrared radiation, surrounding objects are heated, not the air; the degree of its heating is not fundamental. Those inside the cabin can heat up to +35÷50°C. Air humidity changes throughout the session. Initially it is 40%, and then increases to 60%. Most cabins are single-seater. However, manufacturers offer models designed for 2–5 visitors. In this case, more heaters are installed, the number of which is selected taking into account optimal performance.
Cabin that can comfortably accommodate three people
Editor's Choice
According to the editors, among the portable saunas, the Balio , because in them the user warms up from head to toe, and a comfortable temperature is set and maintained automatically.
Among the models with panel heating elements, thanks to a full set of additional equipment and wood with exceptional characteristics, the Helo B 40 H .
Infrared saunas from Uborg are advantageous in that, based on any model, you can order an option that is ideal for specific accommodation conditions. That is, a double Uborg MD-23 will fit in the space under the stairs, on the attic floor, and in the loggia.
Types of IR emitters
Depending on the characteristics of the emitted waves, infrared emitters are usually divided into devices whose wavelength is:
- short (less than 2.6 microns). Heater temperature is above +800 degrees;
- average (2.6÷51 µm). It is possible to change the heater temperature within +320÷620 degrees;
- long (51÷200 µm). Heater temperature is less than +320 degrees.
Attention! Long waves are the safest and most comfortable for humans. They penetrate deeply into the body and warm the whole body.
Shortwave emitters are installed in small infrared booths. Can be floor, wall and ceiling.
The main elements of IR emitters are made from modern heat-resistant and durable materials:
- ceramics;
- become. A stainless alloy is selected or the surface is chrome-plated or galvanized;
- incol - an alloy consisting of nickel, iron and chromium;
- quartz glass.
Photos of infrared saunas will allow you to form your own opinion about the appearance of such structures:
Infrared sauna: benefits and harm to the body
The special characteristics of infrared radiation mean that the benefits of a sauna are much greater than the harm. The benefits are due to:
- removal of excess fluid and metabolic products with normalization of water balance;
- antibacterial effect, helping to cope with colds;
- improving blood supply;
- increased immunity;
- increasing the amount of oxygen and beneficial microelements in cells;
- normalization of metabolism;
- reduction of pain in diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
- lowering cholesterol levels;
- improving kidney function.
Despite the obvious benefits, infrared radiation can harm the body. It is worth getting acquainted with the indications and contraindications for visiting the infrared sauna in advance.
Infrared sauna helps improve immunity
If you are interested in an infrared sauna, reviews from real consumers will help you evaluate the advisability of visiting it:
Myts, Belarus: Infrared sauna - My results after 10 visits were pleasantly surprising! A step-by-step story of how it happened. Advantages: Cleansing the body, improving skin condition, improving well-being, low cost and availability of the procedure, effectiveness in the fight against cellulite Disadvantages: Not found More details on Review:
Neo, Russia: Infrared sauna - Much easier to tolerate than a traditional one... Advantages: easier to tolerate than a traditional one, useful for excess weight, cellulite, not an expensive procedure. Disadvantages: has contraindications Read more on Review:
Infrared cabin: indications and contraindications
Infrared radiation is indicated in many cases. Helps get rid of physical and emotional fatigue. It is shown if:
- have nervous system disorders. There is a deterioration in memory and attention. Mood changes often. Insomnia is tormenting;
- poor blood circulation;
- rheumatism or muscle pain;
- frequent colds;
- skin diseases;
- problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
- overweight;
- menopause syndrome;
- I had surgery, trauma and a number of illnesses.
Any infrared cabin has indications and contraindications. The latter most often include:
- acute stage of the disease, accompanied by an elevated temperature;
- oncological diseases;
- tuberculosis;
- bleeding;
- diabetes;
- arthritis;
- alcoholism;
- menstruation;
- lactation;
- benign formations in the uterus. Heat exposure can cause fibroids or polyps to enlarge;
- gynecological diseases;
- serious problems with the cardiovascular system;
- the course of purulent-inflammatory processes;
- exhaustion of the body.
Before going to the sauna, you should make sure there are no contraindications.
Quality
It's better to see it once.
The quality in infrared saunas is like this
IR sauna made from grade “B” lining
And this happens
Which one to choose?
Choose according to your liking , goals and money .
To your liking - this is if you don’t have the strength and desire to put up with “What did you want for that kind of money?”
In terms of goals , it’s one thing if you take an infrared sauna home, another thing if you take it to work.
And even if for work, it’s one thing if you choose an infrared sauna for a gym in a working residential area, another thing for a beauty salon or spa aimed at a VIP clientele.
It is unlikely that your discerning clients will appreciate such “quality” -
For the money - such quality
Side view of the outer wall of a premium quality infrared sauna
it is not created out of nowhere and not at the behest of a pike.
First, all surfaces are polished so that there is no hint of unevenness, lint, drifts, chips, or scuffs.
Then the outside is covered with soil. From the outside - because the inside cannot be covered with anything. More about this a little later.
The soil raises the “pile” and therefore, after priming, the surfaces are sanded again.
Then comes the varnishing stage.
After varnishing – polishing.
All this - primer, varnish, hardener, thinner, abrasives - costs money. But the cost of work is many times more expensive. All these procedures actually double the time it takes to make an infrared sauna.
What manufacturers who offer varnishing of infrared saunas for extra money modestly keep silent about.
And, firstly, they post on websites photos of infrared saunas taken from a distance of 1 meter and further. Much further.
The trick is that if you shoot from a distance of 1 meter, then you won’t see anything.
Here's how it works
Secondly, they do it even simpler - they post on websites not photos, but computer drawings. The drawings are perfect! ) How else?
Here's how it's done and here's how to distinguish a drawing from a photo
And now we can talk about the price again. It's funny to see how infrared sauna sellers are looking for "approaches". Here -
And the most interesting criterion for choosing an IR cabin is the price. Stick to the “golden mean”; it is in this price segment that you will find the optimal price-quality ratio. There are offers with unreasonably high prices (think before you buy an expensive cabin, maybe they want to make extra profits on you and the quality will be lower than you expect). You shouldn’t chase suspiciously low prices either; don’t forget the banal but accurate saying about the stingy.
I would like to ask them: “Why did you decide that the average price would be optimal? What is the criterion for “price-quality ratio”? How to determine whether a price is reasonable or unreasonable? No answers are given.
No problem. I'll give you the answer.
