Sauna Relaxation

Best Portable Infrared Sauna 2023 Reviews

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Top Choice: Best Portable Infrared Sauna

No products found.

After a thorough examination of several infrared saunas, we’ve found that the SereneLife Portable Infrared Home Spa is the best portable infrared sauna around. It received excellent feedback from purchasers. There were few complaints about faulty equipment or damaged items. Most of the negative comments had to do with fears that the unit would emit EMFs, or about a plastic smell when it heated up. It is reasonably priced and seems to do the job for which it was designed.

No products found.

For more information on the SereneLife, see our Product Reviews section below.


Runner Up Portable Sauna

IdealSauna FAR IR Portable Sauna

The idealsauna Infrared FAR IR Portable Indoor Sauna is also an excellent sauna unit. We liked its emphasis on negative ion production and its thirty-minute timer. Like our Top choice, the idealsauna is also reasonably priced and had positive feedback from purchasers. This is one of the best portable saunas available.

Infrared FAR IR Negative Ion Portable Indoor Personal Spa Sauna by Durherm with Air Ionizer, Heating...
Infrared FAR IR Negative Ion Portable Indoor Personal Spa Sauna by Durherm with Air Ionizer, Heating...
Portable Infrared Sauna with Chair; Only takes 5 minutes to heat up; Negative ION Infrared Heating Elements
$219.95 Amazon Prime

Last update on 2024-02-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

For more on the idealsauna, see our Sauna Reviews section below.


Budget Pick Portable FAR Infrared Sauna

Radiant Saunas BSA6310 Portable Sauna

Our budget pick is Radiant Saunas BSA6310 Rejuvenator Portable Sauna. It is quite similar to the Serene Life unit but is priced a bit lower than the other two. Buyers seem to have been happy with it. If you have been directed to use an infrared sauna by your physician as part of your medical therapy, this unit will save you a bundle when compared to visiting a gym or a public spa. The BSA6310 is one of the top portable infrared sauna choices around!

Last update on 2024-02-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

For the details on the Rejuvenator, see our Product Reviews section below.


Top Infrared Sauna Reviews

Preview
Budget Pick
Heatwave Rejuvenator Portable Personal Sauna with FAR Infrared Carbon Panels, Heated Floor Pad,...
Giantex Portable Sauna Spa
Runner-Up
Infrared FAR IR Negative Ion Portable Indoor Personal Spa Sauna by Durherm with Air Ionizer, Heating...
Durherm Infrared Sauna, Low EMF Negative Ion Portable Indoor Sauna with Chair and Heated Footpad,...
Name
RadiantSaunas
Giantex
idealsauna
Duerherm
Max Temp
150' F
140' F
150' F
150' F
Power Output
900 watt
1050 watt
900 watts
900 watts
Price on Amazon
Price not available
Price not available
$219.95
$549.95
Prime Status
-
-
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Budget Pick
Preview
Heatwave Rejuvenator Portable Personal Sauna with FAR Infrared Carbon Panels, Heated Floor Pad,...
Name
RadiantSaunas
Max Temp
150' F
Power Output
900 watt
Price on Amazon
Price not available
Prime Status
-
View on Amazon
Preview
Giantex Portable Sauna Spa
Name
Giantex
Max Temp
140' F
Power Output
1050 watt
Price on Amazon
Price not available
Prime Status
-
View on Amazon
Runner-Up
Preview
Infrared FAR IR Negative Ion Portable Indoor Personal Spa Sauna by Durherm with Air Ionizer, Heating...
Name
idealsauna
Max Temp
150' F
Power Output
900 watts
Price on Amazon
$219.95
Prime Status
Amazon Prime
View on Amazon
Preview
Durherm Infrared Sauna, Low EMF Negative Ion Portable Indoor Sauna with Chair and Heated Footpad,...
Name
Duerherm
Max Temp
150' F
Power Output
900 watts
Price on Amazon
$549.95
Prime Status
Amazon Prime
View on Amazon

Last update on 2024-02-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

1. SereneLife Portable Infrared Home Spa | One Person Sauna

The SereneLife portable infrared one-person sauna is intended to be easy to pack and unpack. Individual spa units allow users to enjoy the benefits of a sauna without the expense and inconvenience of traveling to a facility.

SereneLife Infrared Sauna, best portable infrared sauna

Key Points at a Glance

  • Zipper Front
  • Chair included
  • Pockets to allow hand use for magazines, etc., while enjoying sauna
  • Folds for easy portability
  • weighs twenty pounds
  • Recommended for chronic pain
  • Infrared dry heat
  • Remote control with heat setting and timer
  • Energy efficient

Dimensions and Specs

  • Power output: 1050 watt
  • Max Temp: 140 degrees F.
  • Power: 120 V.
  • Total weight: 20 pounds
  • Time setting: up to one hour
  • Assembled dimensions: 27.6 inches long, 31.5 inches wide, 37.8 inches deep.
  • Low EMF

The Details

SereneLife Portable Infrared Home Spa One Person Sauna for Detox and Weight Loss

The SereneLife personal sauna is an attractive unit, though you’re unlikely to showcase it in your family room. Its glossy, quilted exterior makes it look almost like an extra-large jacket, although the shape is more like that of a futuristic appliance.

The front center zipper, picked out in blue, makes it easy to enter the personal sauna, and the zippered pockets provide a way to access a magazine, book or digital device while sweating away the stress, aches, and pains of the day.

You can settle into the canvas sling chair (or pick up a nicer sauna chair), nestle your feet on the heating pad, and let the infrared heat rays soak into your body. You will soon feel as if all your cares are melting away as you begin to perspire.

SereneLife Feature-Packed Infrared Spa

Three heaters warm your body directly, rather than warming the air around you. The heating pad under your feet helps you to feel toasty warm.

You can program the remote for a specific temperature and amount of time, starting with short sessions for the first few days, and then working up toward longer sessions.

The silver-colored fabric is attractive and insulative. It also contributes to the ability to put the sauna up into operation easily and to take it down quickly.

Assembly here is quick and easy. Just open it up, place the chair inside, seat yourself and zip up. Taking it down is just as easy, and it only weighs twenty pounds when folded up for travel.

Since sweating is involved, cleaning is a must – but it isn’t difficult. Place a towel in the chair and one on the floor under it. When your session is finished just give the interior a quick wipe and throw the towels into the laundry or a washing machine.

The collar doesn’t come off on this one, so you’ll probably want to wear a towel around your neck.

The handy programmable remote lets you set time and temperature. This makes it easy to stick to a plan for slowly increasing the heat and length of time that you stay in the sauna.

As we mentioned above, it’s a good idea to pick up a better sauna seat, as the included seat is fine, but a proper wooden sauna seat will provide a much more pleasant experience.

The Bottom Line

The SereneLife Infrared Portable sauna is a high quality, easy to use unit that reaches our best choice. that can provide comfort and warm relaxation at home or while traveling. These units are much less expensive than renting time in a sauna located in a gym or spa, and customers love the convenience of having an inexpensive sauna at home. With loads of solid reviews, these the best choice.

SereneLife’s model is the best portable infrared sauna available.

No products found.


2. Radiant Saunas BSA6310 Rejuvenator Low EMF Portable Sauna

Easy to set up, easy to take down, and absolutely portable, the Radiant Saunas Rejuvenator is comfort for your lifestyle. Whether you stay at home and nest or you’re on the go, the BSA6310 can warm you up! This model gets spectacular reviews from customers and is near-universally praised.

Radiant Saunas Rejuvinator Portable Personal Sauna

Key Points at a Glance

  • Zipper Front
  • Chair included
  • Sewn-in Pockets to allow hand use for magazines, etc., while enjoying sauna
  • Hand-held control, with six automatic timer options
  • Heated Floor Pad
  • Negative Ion
  • Three Low EMF Radiation carbon heating panels
  • Moisture resistant polyester fabric
  • Five temperature options with thermostatic control
  • Recommended for chronic pain
  • One Year Warranty, limited

Dimensions and Specs

  • Cabin Dimensions: 18 inches wide, 33.5 inches deep, 38.1 inches in height
  • Chair dimensions: 17.5″ W x 26″ H, seat height 15″. Weight limit: 180 pounds
  • Power supply 120 volts
  • 6.5-foot power cord
  • Power output: 900 watts
  • Heats up to 150 degrees F

The Details

Radiant Saunas Rejuvinator Portable Sauna with FAR Infrared Carbon Panels, Heated Floor Pad, Canvas Chair

The quilted exterior of the Rejuvenator portable sauna has a trim, modern look. Available in gray or black, it need not match your décor because it can quickly be set up and just as quickly removed. Just pack it away when you’re done, and your sauna is gone-a.

The radiant rejuvenator portable sauna is available in gray picked out with black trim, or black with black trim. The accompanying chair is a bright blue folding canvas chair that matches the heated footpad. All very sleek and elegant.

This low-EMF radiation personal infrared sauna is easy to use. In just six steps, it is set up and ready to use. Just reverse the process when it is time to take it back down. Use it anywhere there is a power supply for the heaters.

Moisture resistance fabric makes it possible to use it outdoors, even on your patio.

Radiant Saunas Setup

One-minute assembly, with just six easy steps. Warms up quickly, as well. In almost no time, it is ready for your relaxing session.

When you’re done, it’s time to clean. This will preserve the unit and to take it easy on your nose – sweating is involved, after all. Just wipe clean with a soft cloth. Some people like to place a towel over the chair and under it for extra quick easy cleanup.

The collar doesn’t disconnect on this model, so it’s a good idea to protect that fabric with a towel.

The unit comes with a remote, manual, heated footpad and chair. As with all the other saunas on our list, it’s a great idea to pick up a better sauna chair, as a nicer chair will provide additional comfort.

The Bottom Line

The RadiantSaunas is an attractive, solid choice for those who want an infrared sauna at home. These are covered under a 1-year warranty and work quite well. Its low EMF features are an advantage to those who are worries about EMF safety.

Heatwave Rejuvenator Portable Personal Sauna with FAR Infrared Carbon Panels, Heated Floor Pad,...
  • SOOTHING WARMTH – FAR infrared heat surrounds...
  • 1 MINUTE SET-UP – Six, easy steps convert this...
  • RELAX ANYWHERE – This portable sauna is easy to...
  • CANVAS SEATING – Foldable chairs are included...
  • ONE-YEAR WARRANTY – Your sauna comes with a...

Last update on 2024-02-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


3. Giantex Portable Far Infrared Spa Sauna

The Giantex portable far infrared spa sauna emphasizes the benefits from far infrared heat. In addition, the heating units emit negative ions. Negative ions combine with ambient dust, weighing it, and causing it to drift to the floor. The entire unit is carefully planned for efficiency and comfort. The color selection and design are attractive, as well.

Giantex Portable Far Infrared Spa Sauna

Key Points at a Glance

  • Color: Black
  • Type: FAR Infrared
  • Negative Ion heater
  • Heater has tourmaline and Formica heat elements
  • Foot massager
  • Heating pad
  • Remote control
  • Manual (Please read before operating)
  • Recommended for chronic pain
  • Advertisement suggests for weight loss and detox

Dimensions and Specs

  • Dimensions: 36.6 X 27.6 x 31.5
  • Voltage: 110-120
  • Power: 900W-1050W
  • Temp Range: 60 to 140 F
  • Timer: 0- 60 minutes
  • Chair weight capacity: 220 pounds
  • Weight of Sauna when folded: 20 pounds

The Details

Like all the saunas on our list today, the Giantex infrared sauna uses far infrared waves, an area in the infrared spectrum that scientists think might promote cell healing. This sauna warms the outer layer of your skin while the air around you is still cool.

Infrared saunas promote relaxation, dilation of blood vessels, and perspiration, similar to what happens during exercise.

While it should not replace exercise, an infrared sauna session can relax the body, loosen joints, and provide comfort. Additionally, there are potential health benefits beyond comfort and relaxation, as mentioned above.

While resembling other personal saunas in shape and size, extra thought has been given to the colors used in the Giantex portable sauna. The body is a glossy black, quilted material. The zipper and piping are bright blue.

The chair is a soft gray with black trim, and the foot warmer is black. The total effect is excellent, very attractive and modern should you wish to leave the unit set up.

The unit uses far infrared radiation (FIR), and the tourmaline heater incorporates three mica heating elements and creates negative ions.

Giantex Folded Up

Setup and take-down are a breeze with the Giantex. It includes interior braces to make the process easier.

The sauna does need to be cleaned after use, but it is a simple matter of wiping it down with a cloth. Placing a towel on the chair and an absorbent mat under it can speed up cleanup.

The collar cannot be separated from the unit to wash it, so you’ll probably want to wear a towel around your neck to protect the fabric there.

Giantex Foot Pad

In addition to the main unit, the Giantex portable sauna kit includes a heated footpad, a wooden roller foot massager, the programmable remote and a manual.

As with our other saunas, it’s a great idea to pick up an additional sauna seat that’s more comfortable than the folding camp-style chair included with this sauna.

The Bottom Line

The Giantex infrared sauna is really quite similar to the other saunas on our list. The added foot massager is a nice touch, and the overall build quality is high.

It is easy to use, easy to clean and can be quickly folded up and put away for storage.

Giantex Portable Sauna Spa
  • Widely Use Sauna
  • Nice Function
  • Heating Design
  • Relax Yourself
  • Dimensions : 36.6x27.6"x31.5",Package Includes: 1...

Last update on 2024-02-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


4. idealsauna Infrared FAR IR Negative Ion Portable Indoor Personal Spa Sauna

The idealsauna FAR IR negative ion portable indoor personal sauna is an attractive unit. It is presented in a futuristic space-age, silver-colored quilted fabric with bright blue detailing. The accompanying chair is also blue. In accordance with most health recommendations, which are that an infrared sauna should be used for only ten to twenty minutes at a time, the timer can be set for a maximum of thirty minutes.

idealsauna Infrared FAR IR Negative Ion Portable Indoor Personal Spa Sauna

Key Points at a Glance

  • Chair included
  • Five minutes to heat up
  • Thirty-minute timer
  • Negative ION heating elements
  • Heating foot pad
  • Negative Ion generator
  • Remote temperature and timer control
  • Manual (please read before using)
  • Zipper pockets for hands out
  • Recommended for chronic pain
  • Advertisement suggests for weight loss and detox

Dimensions

  • Dimensions: 27.5W X 30D x 38 H
  • Power source: 110
  • Power Output: 900w
  • Max Temp: 150′ F
  • Material: waterproof cotton and plastic
  • Chair capacity: 220 pounds
  • Product weight: 20 pounds
  • Timer can be set for a maximum of thirty minutes

The Details

infraspa Infrared FAR IR Negative Ion Portable Indoor Personal Spa Sauna

The FAR IR personal sauna is an attractive unit with a comparatively modest price.

Bring your bathroom or exercise area into the modern age with this sleek, silver-colored quilted fabric unit with its bright blue trim. The accompanying chair is bright blue with black trim, and the heated foot pad is dark blue. And of course, there’s no need to leave this setup, especially if it’s placed in a room with other uses.

The power output on the idealsauna is pretty comparable to the other units on the market, at 900 watts. The max temperature is 150′, and for the most part, users won’t want to get the sauna to that temperature until they’re pretty comfortable with it.

This model is easy to put up and take down and can be folded for storage or easy transportation. Weighing only twenty pounds, it folds into a package about the same size as an electric blanket.

The thick material insulates, doing a good job holding the heat in. The power unit is located on the back of the sauna exterior unit where it can be conveniently plugged into an appropriate power source.

Like all the portable tent saunas on our list, the idealsauna can be easily assembled and disassembled. It can be neatly folded to be stored between uses or packed for traveling.

The unit should be wiped down with a soft, damp cloth between uses, and perhaps aired before folding and putting away. Sauna cleaning is critical to keeping everything healthy.

The collar can’t be removed, so wear a towel around your neck to keep the collar clean.

Heated footpad, negative ion generator, remote with heat and time settings are all included. As with the other saunas on our list, it’s a good idea to pick up a nicer chair for this unit. The included chair is fine, but a wooden bench chair will certainly be more comfortable.

The Bottom Line

Overall, the idealsauna FAR IR personal sauna is a serviceable, attractive unit that can be used anywhere, at almost anytime. It heats up quickly, so you can sweat it out much sooner than with stationery wood units. More than that, it can travel with you to anywhere you want to go.

And it’s positioned at a nice price point, making this sauna our runner-up choice. The idealsauna is one of the best portable infrared saunas around.

Infrared FAR IR Negative Ion Portable Indoor Personal Spa Sauna by Durherm with Air Ionizer, Heating...
  • This item will be delivered curbside. To have the...
  • Portable Infrared Sauna with Chair
  • Only takes 5 minutes to heat up
  • Negative ION Infrared Heating Elements
  • Infrared will outperform conventional saunas

Last update on 2024-02-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


5. Durherm Infrared Sauna, Low EMF Radiation Portable Indoor Sauna

The Durherm infrared sauna with low EMF negative ion portable indoor sauna is a gorgeous sun-bright orange trimmed in blue. It is accompanied by a matching chair and a heated foot pad. The low EMF radiation, negative ion features are important to people who are concerned with the potential toxicity of our world surroundings.

Durherm Infrared Sauna, Low EMF Negative Ion Portable Indoor Sauna

Key Points at a Glance

  • Chair included
  • Negative Ion Heating elements
  • Timer for 30 minutes max
  • Heating food pad
  • Three High-Tech heaters
  • Do not use the sauna belt if pregnant
  • Consult a doctor before using any kind of exercise equipment
  • Consult a doctor if you have open wounds
  • Recommended for chronic pain
  • Advertisement suggests for weight loss and detox
  • Openings for hands to enable reading, using a phone, remote
  • Exterior pocket to store remote
  • Nearly EMR/EMF radiation free
  • Detachable, washable neck collars

The portable indoor sauna provides a way to heat up your body quickly, bringing on perspiration. Most sources recommend using a personal infrared sauna for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, so the thirty-minute timer makes perfect sense. The attractive unit will be the envy of roommates and traveling companions and is highly economical when compared to traveling to a gym or health club to use their sauna.

Dimensions

  • Color: copper
  • Polycast fabric
  • 31.5 x 33 x 41
  • Weight 25 lbs
  • Lower energy use than some other models
  • Max Temp: 150′ F
  • Power Output: 900Watts

The Details

Durherm Infrared Sauna Remote

This well-structured home spa sauna strongly resembles similar units on the market but has a few things that help it stand out.

The unit is a gorgeous sunrise orange with blue trim. The detachable collar is soft, protecting your neck while you are using the unit. Some users prefer to simply sit on the floor with their heads inside the unit.

While no infrared sauna can be completely EMR and EMF radiation-free, its emissions are low. It heats up quickly, and the detachable collars are a super perk. These models heat using infrared heat, as opposed to steam heat. If you want to look at personal steam saunas, see here.

The unit is made from copper-colored quilted material. The heaters include tourmaline panels. Assembly and take down are a breeze.

Be sure to clean this tent after each use. One user noted that if it is placed on a carpet, it is a good idea to put a plastic ground cloth under it to protect the carpet. It can be easily wiped clean with a soft cloth.

The collars detach for washing separately, which is a nice feature that is only available on the Derhurm unit.

Included in the package are two detachable collars, one small folding sauna chair, a foot heating pad, and a user manual.

As with all the chairs on our list, you may want to pick up an additional, higher quality sauna chair, as you’ll be using it a lot.

The Bottom Line

The detachable collars for this unit and the focus on low EMF are two excellent selling points for the Durham unit, however, its price point is a bit higher than the competition on our list. If you really care a lot about the ability to wash the collar, it’s a nice plus. But otherwise, it’s probably best to choose a cheaper unit and use a towel around your neck.

Durherm Infrared Sauna, Low EMF Negative Ion Portable Indoor Sauna with Chair and Heated Footpad,...
  • Included: DIF-5000_Copper Sauna, Wired Handheld...
  • Dimensions: 31.5″ W x 33″ D x 41″ H
  • Power: AC 110-120V, 60Hz
  • Weight: 25 LBS
  • Model No: DIF-5000_Copper

Last update on 2024-02-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


Portable Sauna Tent Buyer’s Tips

Spa Candle

What is a Portable Infrared Sauna?

Portable infrared saunas are essentially heated, one-person tents with holes for the head and hands. The infrared heat works to heat you up rather than the air around you. This will quickly produce perspiration and bring relief to tired and aching muscles and joints. The heat is lower than a typical steam sauna, but the effects on the body are similar.

It’s also possible to spend a slightly longer time in an infrared sauna than it is to spend time in a steam sauna, as the temperature is lower.

Why Use a Personal Infrared Sauna?

Infrared saunas are incredibly relaxing places, where the body is warmed and bathed in warm infrared heat. In many ways, the experience is somewhat similar to taking a bath or a visit to a hot tub.

You spend some time in a warm, confined space, and get a chance to recharge your batteries and feel refreshed.

Beyond that, well you can find all sorts of positive health claims related to infrared saunas. Most of it is woo-woo “science”, and many vendors are really pushing questionable studies. But there are some potential benefits to using an infrared sauna beyond just a pleasant experience, and we will dig into these below.

This article in the Atlantic has interviews with some scientists who challenge some of the common nonsense claims and is a great place to start to get a balanced view of what is possible with an infrared sauna, and what it feels like to be under its heat.


Portable Sauna Benefits

Portable home saunas function as a one-person tent. The tent surrounds the body to keep the heat from three infrared heaters trapped inside with you so that you will have the maximum benefit from it.

Your head and hands can remain free so that you can use your phone or tablet, read a book or magazine, or change the channels on your television while you are sweating away.

Do Portable Saunas Have Health Benefits?

Sauna Girl

According to the Mayo Clinic, a few studies have found some potential health benefits to Portable Saunas (beyond warmth and comfort) but further studies are needed. As they say in their article on Infrared Saunas, “Several studies have looked at using infrared saunas in the treatment of chronic health problems, such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, headache, type 2 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis, and found some evidence of benefit. However, larger and more rigorous studies are needed to confirm these results.”

So what does that mean? There are loads of sketchy-science health sites that will sing the praises of infrared saunas and their magical ability to remove toxins and all sorts of other questionable science. There’s really not much research that these saunas actually do any of that. Many of the manufacturers of these units like to promote these small pilot studies, which only muddies the waters further.

But, that doesn’t mean that there’s no point to infrared saunas, or that they’re a waste.

Do Infrared Portable Saunas Really Work?

They make you sweat. And they make you feel good while you’re inside, and after you’re done. You warm your body up, just as in a regular steam sauna.

And the time spent in an infrared sauna is well spent.

It’s a great excuse to sit and relax and meditate or otherwise give your stressed mind and body a rest for a little while. Tap the tingsha bells and quiet your mind for a few minutes, you’ll almost certainly feel better after that.

What about further scientific claims? All of these claims are preliminary, but none have yet shown any real downside to using infrared saunas, so they may be worth a shot.

Let’s look at several claims in particular.

Chronic Fatigue

A small pilot study found that infrared saunas in combination rest under a blanket are capable of providing significant relief to those who suffer from chronic fatigue. The effects weren’t present during the sessions but manifested after the sessions were over.

As there aren’t many other known treatments for chronic fatigue, this is certainly an avenue worth researching further.

Joint Pain

There’s also some potentially good news regarding joint pain. Scientists have found some evidence that infrared sauna treatments over the course of a month lead to reduced incidence of joint pain, especially in those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.

Weight Loss

Infrared Saunas, like all saunas, make you sweat, and therefore make you lose weight. This weight is almost entirely water weight, it’s (wait for it…) sweat. It’s not fat, which is what most people want to lose when they want to lose weight.

Don’t purchase an infrared sauna if fat loss is your goal. See here for more information on sauna weight loss.

Cardiovascular Health/Blood Pressure

There is some potentially good news here, as well. A few studies of those who already have cardiovascular problems have found there may be improvements in cardiovascular function after regular infrared sauna use. It’s unclear what the mechanisms are that cause this improvement, but regardless, benefits have been found.

That said, there’s clearly more research needed here.

Detoxification

There is no real evidence that infrared saunas do anything to remove toxins from the body. While minuscule amounts of toxins like lead are removed from the body through sweat, if you have an actual abundance of lead or other heavy metals in your body, a sauna is not what you need.

You need to see a doctor!

Immune System Health

There are some very preliminary studies that have found that sauna use (not necessarily infrared) may impact the immune system in a positive way, and may in fact help in fighting the common cold. Some are even recommending saunas for COVID-19 protection, but this is pure speculation.

Cancer

There are claims out there suggesting that infrared saunas can fight cancer. Studies like this one (on mice) are referenced. This is preposterous, and these studies bear no relationship to humans suffering from cancer.

A portable infrared unit will not fight cancer.


Risks of Using an Infrared Sauna

Are there any risks to using an infrared sauna? Is infrared light damaging to the skin? Is an infrared sauna like a tanning bed? What are the safety issues?

There are no major risks to using an infrared sauna. The most significant risk is dehydration from spending too much time in the sauna. Note that some feel worse after bathing in an infrared sauna, usually because they are not following instructions.

Infrared light is not dangerous and is on the opposite end of the visual spectrum from UV light such as that used in a tanning bed.

Infrared waves are longer than visible light waves, while UV waves are shorter than visible light waves. Shorter light waves are dangerous, while longer waves are not. There is little concern in using an infrared sauna.

Just be sure you are drinking plenty of water to counteract the sweating.

How Long Should You Be In a Portable Sauna?

When starting out, stick to shorter durations in your sauna. Start out for a few days in 5-10 minute lengths, and then slowly work your way up. Should you ever feel dizzy, lightheaded, or uncomfortable, it’s time to get out, get some water, and do something else.

Always listen to your body, and pay attention to its needs.

Portable Sauna Safety

You don’t want your sauna time to last more than about 30 minutes, which is the general consensus as to the appropriate amount of time to be in a sauna. That said, some like to push the length to 45 minutes to 1 hour, though you should only do so if you are quite experienced with these units and understand your body’s reaction to the sauna.

How Hot Does a Portable Sauna Get?

Most portable saunas get to between 140-150′ F for a maximum temperature. That said, most don’t need to heat their sauna up to that temp, and usually, temperatures in the 120′-130′ are the best choice. This is significantly lower than the temperatures present in most steam saunas, which are more in the range of 150-175′ F/

You’ll want to experiment with your sauna to find the right temperature for your body and experience.

How Long Does it take for an Infrasauna to Heat Up?

Generally, the saunas on our list come up to temperature quickly, in the matter of a few minutes. There’s no need to turn on the sauna long before you intend to start your session.

What Do You Wear?

An infrared sauna doesn’t heat the air around the body, it heats the body directly. For this reason, it’s best to wear as little clothing as possible to get the maximum heat directly on the body.

You can wear a bathing suit, a pair of shorts, or just go alfresco.

Throw a towel over your seat to capture perspiration there, and an additional towel on the floor.

Finally, if the collar on your portable sauna isn’t removable, you may want to put a towel there to avoid getting your collar sweaty and dirty.

As these are personal saunas, you don’t have to worry about sauna etiquette, which makes things easier.


Conclusion

An infrared sauna can be a great addition to your daily routine, providing relaxation, comfort, and potentially some health benefits. After a thorough examination of the market, we’ve found that the Serenelife home spa sauna as the best, and IdealSauna’s Infrared Sauna as is our runner-up.

Both of these saunas are pretty similar and offer a high-quality package at a good price point.

At a slightly lower price point, Radiant Sauna’s Rejuvenator is popular as well as economical.

The other two units reviewed above are reasonable choices, though given the price points they are positioned at, they may not be the best choice.

Last update on 2024-02-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API