Portable Infrared Sauna: Affordable and Practical
With the growing popularity of infrared technology for it’s recognized health benefits, the portable infrared sauna is growing in popularity due to it’s relatively affordable price, practicality and handiness.
It helps to first understand the history of the sauna, which is a heated room or cabinet that is used to remove sweat from the body through the use of ambient heat. Inside of a sauna, the temperature of the human body is raised as the temperature within the structure also increases. Traditionally saunas used water and rocks to produce the steam that was needed to elevate the temperature. Today, infrared saunas are growing in popularity. Infrared saunas use non-visible wavelengths to generate heat and apply it directly to the body. Now, the portable infrared sauna fuses together the fundamentals of the traditional sauna with the modern technology of IR to develop a convenient way to apply thermal energy.
Why Choose a Portable Infrared Sauna?
In the past, visiting a spa was one of the best ways to enjoy the luxurious benefits of a session in the sauna. People can now enjoy spending time in a portable infrared sauna in the comfort of their own home or while on vacation. Traditional saunas are large structures that may be built indoors or outdoors. The rooms may be built from various materials including wood, ceramic and carbon materials. Infrared rays are one of the latest methods by which thermal energy is able to be applied to saunas. Still, some people may not necessarily have the time to venture out to a day spa to spend 40 minutes inside of a sauna and not everyone can afford the luxury of of having a sauna in their own home or backyard. A portable sauna is the perfect solution for people in need of an alternative therapy that is both convenient and economical.
How Does a Portable Infrared Sauna Work?
A portable infrared sauna is usually designed like a personal tent and can generally fit and heat one person comfortably. The sauna uses infrared energy to heat up the device to a maximum temperature of around 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Thermal energy is delivered through panels that are designed from carbon and built into the sauna. The saunas deliver heat in the same manner and generally allow users to toggle the heat settings on the control panels. Although portable saunas are similar in design, distinct features may be included to set one design apart from another.
Convenience of Portable Infrared Saunas
The convenience of a portable sauna means that people do not have to leave the comfort of their home or apartment to experience the benefits of thermal treatments. Since a typical session may last between 30 minutes and 1 hour, most systems include spaces where the arms can be extended through the unit to allow access to reading materials. Portable units may include a seat or a chair may be added by the end-user.
Brand Options
Shoppers in the market for a portable IR sauna have access to an array of options available through online retailers and manufacturers. Amazon lists several different types of IR saunas, however, it is important to include the search the term “infrared” to be certain that the right recommendations with infrared technology are rendered. Below are some of the more highly-rated portable saunas with IR wavelengths currently available for personal use.
SereneLife Home is one manufacturer of a portable infrared sauna. The sauna is said to be lightweight at no more than 20lbs. The device can be carried virtually anywhere for use in the home, while on travel or as part of a mobile spa service. Unlike other portable systems, the SereneLife infrared sauna includes a chair for sitting while undergoing a session. Sessions in the sauna may last for as long as 1 hour.
Full-length infrared saunas are also available. SereneLife Home makes the Full Size Portable Sauna which is an infrared body steam machine that can be used for detoxing, weight loss and reducing stress. The portable sauna which measures 35.4”X35.4”X70.9” is foldable and designed to fit one person. The unit can reach a maximum temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit and includes a wired controller to adjust heat and timer settings. Included with the system is a foldable chair.
Another company that manufactures a portable infrared sauna is called Durherm. The company touts its sauna as the “lowest EMF portable indoor sauna”. The design of the device is very similar to the SereneLife sauna however it includes a foldable chair and heated footpad. Durherm’s device can be folded and stowed away when not in use. Features such as FIR, three heaters and carbon fiber heating elements make the Durherm distinct. Users are able to set the surface temperature using heat panels up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit for periods that range between 5 and 30 minute increments. Inside the Durherm, the temperature is said to reach about 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
Durasage is a company that manufactures a personal sauna with an air ionizer generator. The sauna by Durasage, like the previous examples, is supposed to be easy to assemble and fold up for storage. The device offers 5 pre-configured heat settings that reach a maximum of 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Also including heated footpad, the system is said to provide a “calming environment” with “the most desirable features the expensive fancy saunas have” (durasagehealth).
Consequently, portable infrared saunas are an excellent alternative for individuals looking to enjoy thermal therapy in the comfort of their own home at an affordable price point. Infrared energy is sent through portable units by way of thermal panels and in some cases heated floor mats. The portable systems are suited for heating one person at home or on the go. Portable units are compact and can easily be folded and stowed away. Several variations of the heating devices are available for purchase through manufacturers or through online marketplaces such as Amazon. While the fundamental design of most portable saunas is similar, points of distinction may be found within certain features such as temperature ranges, materials, energy efficiency and accessories.
