So you’ve decided you want an infrared sauna - you’re just not sure whether you should go with a full-spectrum vs far-infrared sauna. Here are the fast facts:
- Far-infrared sticks to one deep, penetrating wavelength range.
- Full-spectrum is what it sounds like - near, mid, and far-infrared.
The choice you make here changes how each session feels and the specific benefits you’ll be able to tap into through sauna therapy. We’ll break it all down below. Or, you can get in touch with our team for a personalized recommendation.
We carry both styles and can help you narrow it down not just between a far-infrared vs full-spectrum sauna, but a specific model that fits your space and budget!
Full-Spectrum vs Far-Infrared Sauna (Quick Comparison)
|
Feature |
Far-Infrared |
Full-Spectrum |
|
Wavelengths |
Far-infrared only (6-12 microns) |
Near + mid + far-infrared |
|
Penetration |
Deep tissue |
Skin, mid-tissue, and deep tissue |
|
Cabin temp |
120-150°F |
120-150°F |
|
Heater type |
Carbon panels |
Carbon panels + near-infrared emitters |
|
Typical price |
Lower |
Higher |
|
Best for |
Deep heat, straightforward sessions |
Broader wavelength coverage |
What Are Infrared Saunas?
Infrared saunas are very different from the traditional sauna style. They use infrared light panels instead of heaters. This light directly penetrates your body to warm you from the inside out.
An IR sauna doesn’t get above 120-150°F. For comparison, a traditional sauna easily exceeds 180°F+. You’re not compromising on benefits, though. The infrared energy gets much deeper into tissue.
These saunas are more affordable upfront and over the course of time. They’re also easier to install - most indoor infrared sauna models plug right into an outlet in your wall without special construction/electrical work needed.
But, not all infrared saunas are made equal - as you probably already know.
Understanding Far-Infrared Saunas
The carbon panels in far-infrared heaters emit wavelengths in the 6-12 micron range. It’s the longest wavelength band in the infrared spectrum, and it penetrates deepest into body tissue. This is where most of the IR sauna benefits live, and what most of our customers go with between our far-infrared vs full-spectrum sauna options.
Most low-EMF infrared sauna models on the market are far-infrared. The panels are simpler and the units cost less. Yet, you still get deep warmth at a cabin temp that doesn’t feel punishing. Are you missing out on anything with a full-spectrum sauna, then?
How Are Full-Spectrum Saunas Different?
As you’d guess from the name alone, full-spectrum saunas add two wavelength ranges:
- Near-infrared runs at shorter wavelengths and mostly interacts with skin and surface tissue.
- Mid-infrared lands between the two, reaching joints and soft tissue at a shallower depth.
A full-spectrum EMF infrared sauna keeps the carbon far-infrared panels for deep penetration but also features dedicated near-infrared emitters alongside them (usually magnesium or halogen bulbs).
This just means you might get more well-rounded benefits - but that extra hardware raises the price. Some people have concerns over some of these wavelengths from a health and safety perspective, too.
So, where does that leave you in choosing between a far-infrared vs full-spectrum sauna?
Far-Infrared vs Full-Spectrum Sauna: Key Differences to Consider
The truth is, far-infrared saunas bring you most of the benefits that you care about:
- Muscle recovery
- Better blood flow
- Relaxation
There are some gaps, though. Near-infrared light therapy has been linked to skin support. Mid-infrared could help ease joint discomfort. Let’s look at some of the other nuances between a full-spectrum vs far-infrared sauna below.
Possible Side Effects
We want to be clear - in general, sauna therapy is safe. Most of the risk has to do with user error. You can overdo it in either type. Push a session too long or enter dehydrated, and you’ll pay for it afterwards.
The biggest difference here is that the near-infrared output from full-spectrum saunas can feel more aggressive on bare skin, especially if you sit too close to the panels.
How the Heat Feels
You can narrow your decision down to some extent just based on the vibe you’re going for. Far-infrared feels like steady warmth building from the inside out. Full-spectrum heat feels a bit more intense on the surface of your skin, especially if you’re directly facing one of the near-infrared emitters.
Some people prefer the layered sensation. Others find it more intense than they want and stick with far-infrared because the comfort is what made them more interested in IR saunas in the first place, compared to traditional saunas. All comes down to preference.
Flexibility for Wellness
At the end of the day, full-spectrum gives you more to work with session to session. Want to focus on skin? Lean on the near-infrared. Joint stiffness? Mid-infrared. Deep muscle recovery? Far-infrared. On the other hand, a far-infrared sauna covers pretty much anything you need - and does so at a lower cost.
Find the Right Sauna For Your Health Journey Today!
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. We carry far-infrared and full-spectrum models in every cabin size. Whether you're weighing the full-spectrum vs far-infrared sauna question or just trying to figure out what fits your space, Get in touch today - or shop based on size below:
- 1-person infrared sauna
- 2-person infrared sauna
- 3-person infrared sauna
- 4-person infrared sauna
- 6-person infrared sauna
- 8-person infrared sauna
Final Thoughts on the Full-Spectrum vs Far-Infrared Sauna Differences
That’s everything you need to know about the full-spectrum vs far-infrared sauna differences. Far-infrared just gives you one set of benefits, albeit the range that matters most to the average person. A full-spectrum sauna gives you far-infrared wavelengths and so much more.
Our blog has more resources to help you find the right style - like the low-EMF vs far-infrared sauna differences, or the infrared vs traditional sauna debate if you’re not married to one style just yet.
Remember, though, you don’t have to figure this out on your own. Our customer service team is a click or call away, ready to help you make the right choice. Reach out now!
