The short answer: an infrared sauna warms your body directly with infrared light instead of heating the air around you. That means a gentler, more comfortable session — typically 120-140°F instead of the 150-195°F of a traditional sauna — while still working up a deep, satisfying sweat. Many owners use theirs for muscle recovery, relaxation, better sleep, and simple daily stress relief.
How Is an Infrared Sauna Different From a Traditional Sauna?
A traditional sauna heats the air, and the hot air then heats you. An infrared sauna skips the middle step: infrared emitters radiate warmth that your body absorbs directly — the same comfortable warmth you feel from sunlight on a cool day, without the UV.
Because the air stays cooler, sessions feel easier to tolerate, so many people stay in longer and use their sauna more consistently. Infrared saunas also warm up faster and typically cost less to run per session.
What Do Near, Mid, and Far Infrared Mean?
Infrared light comes in three wavelength ranges, and each interacts with the body a little differently:
Near infrared: works closest to the surface of the skin — associated with skin health and surface-level warming.
Mid infrared: reaches soft tissue — commonly used for muscle recovery and circulation.
Far infrared: the deepest, gentlest warmth and the workhorse of most home saunas — responsible for that deep, even sweat.
Full-spectrum models combine all three, letting you get surface, mid-level, and deep warming in a single session. If you are comparing models, ask whether the sauna is far-infrared-only or full-spectrum.
What Are the Benefits of Regular Infrared Sauna Use?
Everyone’s experience differs, and a sauna is not a medical treatment — but here is what regular users most often report, and where early research points:
Muscle recovery and soreness relief. Deep warmth increases circulation to tired muscles, which is why athletes often build sauna time into recovery days.
Relaxation and stress relief. Twenty to thirty quiet, warm minutes is a powerful way to decompress — many owners describe it as the most consistent off switch in their day.
Better sleep. The gentle rise and fall in body temperature after a session helps many people wind down at night.
A deep sweat at a comfortable temperature. You get the flushed, refreshed post-sauna feeling without the searing air of a traditional hot room.
Joint comfort. Gentle, penetrating heat can ease stiff joints — appealing if you find traditional saunas too intense.
If you have a heart condition, are pregnant, or take medications that affect heat tolerance, talk with your doctor before starting a sauna routine.
What Features Should You Look For?
The saunas we carry from MAAX include wellness features that go beyond the basics — worth understanding as you compare. See the models on our saunas page.
Heater type and coverage. More emitter surface area, positioned around and behind you, means more even warmth.
Gemstone heat therapy. Select MAAX models incorporate gemstone elements into the heat experience for an added layer of radiant warmth.
Chromotherapy lighting. Adjustable colored lighting designed to complement relaxation — a small feature that makes daily sessions feel like a ritual.
Cabin size. One-to-two-person cabins fit most spare rooms and basements; three-plus-person cabins suit families.
Wood and build quality. Look for solid construction, tight-fitting panels, and comfortable ergonomic benches.
Electrical requirements. Many infrared models plug into a standard household outlet, but confirm the requirements for your specific model before you plan your space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you use an infrared sauna?
Most owners settle into 3-4 sessions a week, 20-30 minutes each. Start shorter, hydrate well, and build up as your body adjusts.
Do infrared saunas go indoors or outdoors?
Most home infrared saunas are designed for indoor use — a spare room, gym corner, or finished basement. They need a level floor, a nearby outlet, and modest clearance.
Are infrared saunas expensive to run?
No — they warm up quickly and run at lower temperatures than traditional saunas, so a typical session uses roughly as much electricity as common household appliances. Your exact cost depends on the model and your electric rate.