When Is a Sauna Not a Sauna? (Hint: If it uses infrared heat, it might not be what you think.)

The differences between true Finnish sauna "sweat bathing" and infrared heat therapy might surprise you!

As one of today’s hottest wellness amenities (literally), saunas are popping up in homes, spas, and boutique bathhouses across the country. But as the trend grows, so does the confusion—especially when it comes to the difference between traditional Finnish saunas and infrared heat therapy.

So, what’s the real story?

What Makes a Traditional Finnish Sauna, a Sauna?

Authentic Finnish saunas are all about high heat and intense steam. Temperatures typically range from 158°F to 221°F, and a key feature is the sauna stove—a heater with a basket of rocks designed for pouring water over. This creates a satisfying burst of steam, or löyly, that instantly transforms the room's humidity and ramps up the perceived heat.

This full-body sweat experience—especially when paired with cold therapy—is what defines true “sauna bathing.” It’s not just a relaxing ritual; it’s a proven wellness practice rooted in centuries of tradition and backed by science.

A KLAFS InfrarPLUS seatback can be installed virtually anywhere and does not require a sauna to be effective

So What Is Infrared, Then?

Infrared is a heat therapy, not a sauna. It works by using light waves to gently heat your body directly, rather than warming the air around you. Infrared rooms often stay between 95°F and 135°F, making them feel much cooler—and they don’t involve steam or humidity.

Infrared therapy can be excellent for targeting specific areas like the back or joints. In fact, many of the best applications of infrared don’t happen inside a wood-paneled room at all. Devices like ceramic heat loungers, pads, and KLAFS InfraPLUS seatbacks (shown here) deliver focused infrared heat exactly where you need it.

Why the Distinction Matters

While both heat therapies offer benefits, traditional sauna bathing delivers a full-body experience that infrared cannot replicate. Here's why that matters:

• Contrast Therapy: Traditional sauna users move through cycles of heat, cold, and rest—building resilience, improving circulation, and supporting cardiovascular health. This contrast (not to be confused with the extreme ice bath trend) is where much of the real benefit lies.

• Whole-Body Sweat: High heat and steam promote detoxification, stress reduction, and deeper relaxation, while boosting respiratory and cardiovascular function.

• Scientific Backing: Traditional saunas are supported by decades of clinical studies. The benefits of infrared therapy, while promising, are largely anecdotal or supported by industry-funded sources.

 Common Infrared Misconceptions

1. “Infrared needs to be in a sauna room.”

✘ Not true. Infrared works best as a targeted therapy—you don’t need a cabin to get results. Heating pads, lamps, and ergonomic loungers often offer a more effective (and comfortable) experience.

2. “Infrared is basically a sauna, just cooler.”

✘ Not quite. Infrared cabins lack steam, humidity, and the intense whole-body heat of a real sauna. Pouring water on an infrared panel? Not an option.

It’s also worth noting that manufacturers of medical-grade infrared heating elements are clear about one important limitation: for therapeutic benefits to be effective, the body must be within 8 inches (200mm) of the heat source. And because infrared therapy typically requires 40 minutes of continuous exposure, a comfortable and ergonomically supportive seating position becomes essential for results to be realized.

3. “Infrared + Ice Bath = Same as Sauna Contrast Therapy.”

✘ Nope. Studies on hot/cold therapy are based on high-heat sauna use followed by cooling. Mid-range infrared heat doesn’t trigger the same vascular effects—and likely won’t prepare your body for cold exposure the same way.

4. “Infrared = Red Light Therapy.

✘ Different therapies entirely. They may look similar (especially when infrared lights glow red), but infrared heat therapy and red-light therapy operate on different wavelengths, with different mechanisms and benefits.

A Final Word

We’re not here to knock infrared—it has its place, especially for localized pain relief or gentle heat therapy. But if you’re seeking the full-body wellness benefits of sauna culture, it’s important to know: not all heat is created equal.

If you’re investing in wellness at home or in a hospitality space, choose the sauna experience that’s been time-tested, tradition-backed, and now—more than ever—in demand.