The value and benefits of an infrared sauna in the modern home

Following a tumultuous period during COVID-19, we now find ourselves in the midst of a wellness revolution. Lifestyles and priorities have shifted, with individuals and families now focused on activities and habits that foster happiness and well-being. 

The market, too, has responded, with a plethora of products and services emerging to meet this growing demand. 

Infrared saunas are amongst the most exciting and trending of these, so we decided to delve deeper into these new and innovative solutions, exploring the benefits and more with Abby Littlejohn, Marketing Manager at Kiva Wellness.

What is an infrared sauna?

Infrared saunas are a modern feature that uses infrared light, which we feel as heat, to directly warm the body, rather than the surrounding air, which is how a traditional sauna works.

Abby Littlejohn explains this as the fundamental distinction between the two, creating one striking difference from the outset. 

“Traditional saunas use hot rocks and steam, which in turn heat your body - this creates a classic sauna experience. Infrared saunas work differently from traditional saunas by heating your body directly via the Infrared heating panels, which means you can experience a deeper sweat at a lower air temperature.”

The longer experience afforded by infrared saunas was just the beginning of the benefits that we were to uncover, many of which, as you’ll soon see, were quite surprising. 

The true benefits of infrared saunas

1. Optimised for comfort

One thing that’s immediately apparent when talking about the benefits of infrared saunas is that they are designed and set up for comfort. A traditional sauna has an undoubtedly soothing quality, but eventually, the intense humidity means a short stay for most. 

As Abby explains, this is an issue that the infrared sauna addresses directly.   

“With traditional saunas, when you put water on the stones, both the temperature and humidity levels rise due to the steam. With infrared panels, they heat the body directly without adding any moisture to the air, which creates a dry heat environment, which some people find more comfortable.”

The fact that infrared saunas can easily be installed in the home adds to this feeling of comfort, as Abby continues. 

“Having a sauna at home means you’re not having to take a trip down to the recovery centre and potentially sit next to a stranger in a confined space! It’s your own private wellness experience.”

They are also fitted with the latest tech, enabling you to tailor the environment to your liking.

“All our sauna models feature built-in Bluetooth, so you can listen to Spotify or your favourite podcast.”

2. Sizes for all and easy installation

There is a natural misconception that an infrared sauna might be too big to accommodate in anything but an extravagantly sized home, but Abby quickly points out this isn’t the case at all.

“We offer a range of sauna sizes (anywhere from one - six person size). Our One Person Rise Far-Infrared Sauna is compact enough to fit into most spaces. The majority of our customers are setting up saunas in their garage or outside on a deck, so you don’t need a dedicated wellness room.”

Abby emphasises that there is a lot of flexibility on where you can place them in the home.

“Our saunas can be placed almost anywhere indoors. You can also have them outdoors, as long as they are undercover. Plus, we do offer two outdoor-specific models if you don’t have a covered area.”

Installation, which is often a concern for many given the sophistication of the devices themselves, is relatively straightforward, with self-assembly a viable option.

“We offer assembly with all of our products; however, most customers choose to set up their sauna themselves. With two people, most models can be assembled in under an hour.”

3. Affordable to buy and cost-effective to run

Given the general cost of professional wellness treatments, you could be forgiven for thinking that an infrared sauna would be relatively expensive to buy. However, like many of the unexpectedly pleasant surprises so far, they are quite reasonable. 

“They are more affordable than you may think. Our saunas start at $3,495 and consume minimal electricity, so running one won’t significantly impact your power bill.”

On top of this, Abby also explained that they are very cost-effective to run.

“Most of our models plug into your standard 10 amp plug, and they cost from 44c per hour to run.”

Again, when you compare this to the cost of a professional treatment or gym membership (if you happen to find one with infrared saunas), the potential savings become even more pronounced. 

“Lots of people spend a weekly fee to use a recovery centre, so having a sauna at home is a way better deal - plus it’s super convenient. There’s no travel or waiting around with people you don’t know.”

4. Low upkeep and maintenance

Any addition to the modern home needs to cater to people with busy lives as a default trait or quality. People just don’t have the time for products that need to be nurtured and looked after on a regular basis. 

Infrared saunas are great in this respect. As Abby points out, the removal of water and moisture from the heating process is a key element to this. 

“Infrared saunas are a dry heat, so you don’t have to worry about water or steam causing any mess. We usually just recommend placing towels down to absorb sweat and opening the door after use to let it air out. The maintenance needed for our saunas is very low.”

The products are also backed by strong warranties, giving you confidence and peace of mind with the purchase.

“Our saunas come with great warranties, and issues are very rare for us.”

Abby also speaks passionately about the value of customer service to Kiva Wellness and the importance of ensuring support is always available when people need it. 

“Our customer service team is really great, and it’s definitely one of the things we pride ourselves on — being able to offer support around the clock to customers in a timely manner.”

5. Improved wellness

Last but not least, one of the main reasons people enjoy infrared saunas is the mental and physical health benefits they experience. These are very similar to those you get from a traditional sauna, which are quite well known by the public at large. 

“Muscle recovery is a big one for customers who work out regularly, but many others just want a place to relax and feel better overall. Saunas also help with sleep, which is a common challenge for many of our customers. Raising your body temperature with a sauna, followed by a warm shower and then getting into a cooler bed, naturally supports your body’s rhythm and makes it easier to fall asleep.”

Some also find infrared saunas beneficial for skin health and inflammation. 

“The skin health benefits are more when you are looking at a full spectrum sauna, such as our Radiance models. Near-Infrared is great for boosting collagen and promoting healing within the skin.”

Parting advice

In wrapping up our conversation with Abby from Kiva Wellness, we asked if she had any final words of wisdom for those looking to invest in wellness solutions for their homes.

“There's a lot of hype at the moment around contrast therapy and the way hot versus cold, and going in between the two, makes you feel. So, for anyone that's considering it, make sure you've got room for an ice bath as well. Once you get into the wellness mindset, you’ll just want everything, because it just makes you feel so good.”

Learn more about Kiva Wellness and their great range of health and wellness products