How our saunas work
Wondering how technology can work like nature? Learn the science behind infrared light and our unique FireLight® spectrum.
INFRARED THERAPY
How Do Infrared Saunas Work?
All saunas have the same goal: to raise your core body temperature enough to jump-start its natural healing processes.
Traditional saunas use steam, fire, or electric heaters to make the air in the sauna hot, which eventually heats up your body from the outside in. Infrared saunas tap into the science of light to help you sweat faster and more comfortably.
FireLight® Near infrared saunas
Unlike the traditional methods, our FireLight®'s near infrared (NIR) light works with your body’s biology to create radiant heat—from the inside out. By using near infrared’s shorter wavelengths in a way that mimics natural sunlight, the light penetrates deeply to raise your core temperature faster.
Near infrared saunas give you:
- Ultrafast heat therapy
- Comfortable air temperatures
- Built-in light therapy
- Faster sauna sessions
Far infrared saunas
There are many far infrared (FIR) saunas on the market, but these longer wavelengths are absorbed by water, which means they won’t get past the water in the surface layers of your skin. If your sauna relies primarily on FIR, it may take longer to raise your core body temperature.
Another drawback of far infrared saunas is the lack of light therapy. Our bodies don’t have receptors for far infrared light. To remedy this, some brands will add LED light therapy panels, but the combination of these approaches still doesn’t match the effectiveness of how infrared light works in nature.
The perfect combination
By bringing these two therapeutic approaches into our meticulously engineered saunas, SaunaSpace helps people enjoy relief, relaxation, and wellness at its best. Keep reading to see how it works.
LIGHT SPECTRUM
What is infrared light?
Although we primarily think of light in terms of the sun, fire, and artificial light, what our eyes can see is only a small part of a larger spectrum of light.
As you move from left to right on the spectrum, the wavelengths get longer. Infrared light comes just after visible light. We can’t see it, but we can feel it. Infrared light from the sun is what makes us feel warm and comfortable.
Let’s look a little closer at the types of light we get from the sun.
The Anatomy of Sunlight
Out of all the types of light we get from the sun, about 41% spectrally is near infrared, but because near infrared penetrates deeply into the body, over 70% of the sun's power we absorb is near infrared. In the chart, you can see that the natural distribution of light trails gradually into the mid and far infrared spectrum.
Where far infrared and LED technologies use a more limited spectrum to create the sauna effect, our unique FireLight® spectrum mimics sunlight’s gradual curve to give you the most natural experience.
OUR APPROACH
What is FireLight Technology?
FireLight® technology refers to our proprietary incandescent sauna bulbs, which combine the finest tungsten filaments, red-stained high-frequency hard quartz glass, and years of engineering to produce a full-spectrum infrared light that mimics the best of nature.
What Makes Our Spectrum Special?
The FireLight® bulb has a very similar light distribution to sunlight—peaking in the optimal therapeutic wavelengths of red and near infrared light, then trailing gently into mid and far infrared. The major difference is that we’ve taken out harmful UV and blue light for your health and safety.
Our focus on near infrared isn’t just natural, it’s more comfortable. Because they heat you directly, FireLight® bulbs don't need to make the air in your sauna as hot. You’ll get all the benefits of heat and light therapy, but without feeling the stifling heat of traditional saunas.
INFRARED THERAPY BENEFITS
How Does Near Infrared Sauna Therapy Affect My Body?
SaunaSpace FireLight® saunas are a non-invasive way to kickstart your body’s most beneficial processes. This happens in two ways: light therapy (phototherapy) and heat therapy (sauna).
Light therapy
Your body has special receptors for red and near infrared light. The light particles are absorbed by cells’ mitochondria, triggering helpful biological processes and signals. Research shows that this reaction reduces inflammation and stimulates blood flow, oxygenation, circulation, muscle relaxation, and the production of energy at a cellular level.
Heat therapy
The near infrared light in our saunas creates radiant heat that raises your core body temperature by three degrees. That increase in temperature makes you sweat, but it also triggers your natural detoxification response.
Discover the benefits of full-spectrum infrared therapy
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Learn MoreWant to Dive Deeper?
We’re all about using science to help you live your best life. Now that you’ve learned the basics, check out the research to get deeper insights.
