Sauna therapy has transcended spa culture and become a cornerstone of global wellness routines. Yet with so many choices available, what’s the healthiest type of sauna for individuals and businesses? This article explores the science, benefits, and best use cases of traditional, infrared, steam, and combined (hybrid) saunas, helping both personal users and bulk buyers make informed decisions.
If you are sourcing saunas for commercial purposes, such as hotels, gyms, health centers, or resale, understanding what’s the healthiest type of sauna for your target audience is crucial for choosing a model that combines maximum benefits with market appeal.
Learn about the main types of Saunas
1. Traditional Finnish Sauna (Dry Heat)
How it works: Use an electric or wood-burning stove to heat rocks at room temperatures up to 160-200°F (70-90°C). Adding water produces a brief steam explosion.
Best for: Deep sweat, relaxation, and an authentic sauna experience.
Features:
- Temperature: Very high, promotes profuse sweating.
- Humidity: Low (unless water is added).
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2. Infrared Sauna (Radiant Heat)
How it works: Uses light waves directly to heat the body, the air temperature is low (120-140°F), but it penetrates deep into the tissues.
Best for: Muscle recovery, joint pain relief, and skin health.
Features:
- A more in-depth detoxifying effect.
- More comfortable and suitable for long-term use.
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3. Steam Sauna (Moist Heat)
Principle: Increase humidity to 100% by boiling water vapor at a lower temperature (110-120°F).
Best for: Skin hydration, respiratory support and relaxation.
Features:
- The high humidity makes it feel hotter.
- Waterproof and ventilated design is required.
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4. Combined Sauna (Mixed)
How it works: Combines infrared, traditional heating (sometimes with red light therapy) in one.
Best for: Flexible therapy that combines rapid infrared therapy with a dry heat experience.
Features:
- Provides the widest range of health benefits.
- Suitable for high-end hotels, resorts and multi-user scenarios.
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Comparing Health Benefits: What’s the Healthiest Type of Sauna for Different Needs?
|
Health benefits |
Traditional sauna | Infrared sauna | Steam sauna | Combined sauna |
|
Detoxification |
√ | √√ | – | √√ |
|
Skin health |
– | √√ | √√√ | √√ |
|
Joint and muscle relief |
– | √√√ | √ |
√√√ |
| Cardiovascular support | √√ | √√ | – |
√√ |
| Improvement of the respiratory system | – | – | √√√ |
√√ |
(Note: The number of √ indicates the intensity level of the effect, and the √√√ is the strongest effect)
The unique advantages of each type of sauna
Infrared Sauna:
Infrared saunas are supported by studies showing improved inflammation, skin tone, and pain management. Unlike other saunas, infrared models are usually plug-and-play, making them a smart choice for residential use and hotel room installations
Advantage:
- Deep tissue heat can penetrate up to 1.5 inches
- Lower EMF models are available
- Ideal for people who are sensitive to heat or have cardiovascular problems
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Traditional Sauna:
This type is favored in Europe and Scandinavia, where saunas are a cultural staple. It provides profuse sweating, helps eliminate heavy metals and improves cardiovascular function.
Advantage:
- Promotes blood circulation
- Encourage mental relaxation
- Ideal for spas and resorts that offer an authentic experience
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Steam Saunas:
Steam rooms are usually located in luxury spas and gyms. They are great for moisturizing the skin, relieving sinus congestion, and creating a tranquil environment.
Advantage:
- Open the airway (ideal for people with mild asthma)
- Enhances skin’s hydration and radiance
- It is usually used after a workout to help the muscles relax
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Combined sauna
Combination or hybrid saunas integrate the best features of infrared and traditional systems, making them a favorite for high-end hotels, health resorts and even residential luxury residences.
Advantage:
- Infrared for fast and deep heating
- Traditional heating of classical ceremonies and steam
- This usually includes red light therapy or Bluetooth control
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Safety Considerations
People with caution: people with heart disease, pregnant women, people with low blood pressure or dehydration.
General recommendations:
- Hydrate before and after use.
- The duration of a single session is controlled to 5-30 minutes.
- Infrared is suitable for mild needs, and steam is suitable for breathing problems.
Recommendations for bulk buyers
1.Target Market:
Hotel/spa → combination or traditional sauna.
Home → infrared or hybrid.
The fitness center → infrared or steam room.
2.Cost & Features:
Traditional saunas are expensive to install and low to infrared.
3. Certification requirements:
Choose products that meet CE, UL, and RoHS standards.
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Why source from a Chinese sauna manufacturer like Veritasolus?
Veritasolus is one of the leading sauna factories in China with a global presence. We specialize in OEM/ODM sauna production , ensuring top-notch quality, innovation, and competitive prices.
Services for Bulk Buyers:
- Custom branding and configuration
- Low minimum order quantity (MOQ).
- Short international shipping time
- Comprehensive product line: dry, wet, infrared and hybrid
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Conclusion: What’s the Healthiest Type of Sauna for You
The healthiest type of sauna depends on your health goals and environment:
- Infrared: Pain relief, detoxification, and skin health.
- Traditional Sauna: Cardiovascular Health and Mental Clarity.
- Steam room:Moisturizes the skin and relieves breathing.
- Combination sauna: the widest range of health benefits.
For buyers, distributors, or health brands, it is advisable to choose a manufacturer that offers certified products, OEM support, and global delivery experience. Contact Veritasolus for B2B bulk sauna orders.