10 BENEFITS OF A HYBRID SAUNA
Saunas have been used for centuries for their therapeutic and health benefits, and a hybrid sauna is a modern twist on this ancient tradition. A hybrid sauna combines both infrared and traditional sauna technologies, giving users the option to customize their sauna experience and enjoy the benefits of both types of saunas.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using a hybrid sauna. We’ll also recommend some hybrid saunas worth checking out.
What is a Hybrid Sauna?
A hybrid sauna is a type of sauna that offer the benefits of both types of saunas in one convenient package. It typically has both a traditional heating element and infrared heaters, which allows you to switch between the two types of heat during your sauna session.
Like traditional saunas, hybrid saunas use heat to warm the air, which can take some time. However, the addition of infrared heaters allows you to warm up more quickly and may provide additional health benefits.
The temperature in a hybrid sauna can vary depending on the settings, but it is typically lower than in a traditional sauna, around 120-150°F. Hybrid saunas may offer the benefits of both traditional and infrared saunas, such as relaxing muscle pain, improving sleep, reducing stress, and more, which we’ll discuss below.
Traditional vs. Infrared Sauna: What’s the Difference?
Traditional saunas use steam or hot air to heat the air inside the sauna, which in turn warms your body. Infrared saunas, on the other hand, use infrared heaters to emit wavelengths of heat that are absorbed by the body. The main difference between the two is the type of heat that is used and how it is delivered.
Traditional saunas use heat to warm the air, which can take some time. The temperature in a traditional sauna can reach up to 190-220°F, and you typically need to spend 15-20 minutes in the sauna to start to sweat.
Infrared saunas use infrared heaters to directly warm your body, rather than warming the air around you. The temperature in an infrared sauna is usually lower, around 120-150°F, but you can start to sweat in as little as 5-10 minutes. Infrared saunas are also thought to be more effective at penetrating the skin and increasing circulation, which may have additional health benefits.
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Both traditional and infrared saunas can be relaxing and have potential health benefits, such as helping to relieve muscle pain, improving sleep, and reducing stress. However, it's important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the benefits and risks of using saunas.
What are the Benefits of Using a Hybrid Sauna?
There are potential benefits to using a hybrid sauna, but it's worth noting that the benefits of saunas are largely anecdotal and more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
Additionally, saunas should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment, and it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before using a sauna, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
Here are some of the benefits of using a hybrid sauna:
1. Convenience
One of the main advantages of a hybrid sauna is the convenience of having both infrared and traditional saunas available in one unit. This allows users to switch between the two depending on their preferences or needs.
For example, if one person prefers the lower heat and dry heat of an infrared sauna, while another person prefers the higher heat and moist air of a traditional sauna, they can both use the same sauna at different times.
This convenience is especially useful for households with multiple people who have different sauna preferences.
2. Customization
Hybrid saunas also offer the option to customize the sauna experience by using different combinations of infrared and traditional heat.
For example, you can start with an infrared sauna session to warm up your body and then switch to a traditional sauna to experience the steam therapy benefits. This level of customization is not possible with a traditional or infrared sauna alone.
3. Health Benefits
Both infrared and traditional saunas have their own unique health benefits, and a hybrid sauna allows you to experience these benefits in one convenient package. Some of the potential health benefits of using a sauna include:
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Relaxation of muscles and relief of muscle pain: The heat in a sauna may help to relax muscles and reduce muscle pain, particularly after exercise.
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Improved respiratory health: The heat and humidity in a sauna may help to loosen mucus and improve respiratory symptoms, such as congestion.
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Improved immune function: Some research suggests that regular sauna use may improve immune function, although more research is needed to confirm this.
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Improved circulation: The heat in a sauna may help to increase blood flow and improve circulation.
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Improved cardiovascular health: Some research suggests that regular sauna use may have cardiovascular benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease.
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Better skin health: The heat and sweat produced in a sauna may help to flush toxins from the skin and improve its appearance. However, it's important to stay hydrated and avoid staying in the sauna for too long to prevent dehydrated skin.
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Increased weight loss: Some people believe that saunas may help with weight loss, although the evidence is mixed. The heat in a sauna may cause you to sweat, which can help to remove excess water weight. However, saunas are not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise.
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Reduction of stress: The heat and relaxation of a sauna may help to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
4. Ease of Use
Hybrid saunas are generally easier to use than traditional saunas, as they do not require the use of water to generate steam.
This means that you can use a hybrid sauna at any time without having to worry about refilling the water reservoir. This is especially useful for people who may not have the time or energy to constantly refill the water reservoir in a traditional sauna.
5. Energy Efficiency
Hybrid saunas are generally more energy efficient than traditional saunas, as they do not require as much energy to generate heat. This means that you can use your sauna more often without worrying about your energy bills. This is an important consideration for anyone looking to reduce their energy consumption and costs.
6. Space-Saving
Hybrid saunas are also more space-efficient than traditional saunas, as they do not require as much room to heat up.
This makes them an excellent option for small homes or apartments where space is limited. So, if you’re one of those people with insufficient space for a traditional sauna in their home, a hybrid sauna is your best bet.
7. Cost-Effective
Hybrid saunas are generally more cost effective than traditional saunas, as they do not require as much energy to operate.
This means that you can enjoy the benefits of a sauna without breaking the bank. This is an essential consideration for anyone looking to purchase a sauna on a budget.
8. Flexibility
Hybrid saunas offer flexibility in terms of where they can be used. Many traditional saunas require a dedicated room or space, while infrared saunas can be placed in any room with an electrical outlet.
Hybrid saunas offer the best of both worlds, as they can be used in any room with an electrical outlet and do not require a dedicated space. This makes them a great option for people who do not have a dedicated sauna room in their homes.
9. Comfort
Hybrid saunas offer a comfortable and relaxing experience for users. The infrared heat can be adjusted to your desired temperature, and the traditional sauna option allows you to experience steam therapy by pouring water over the heater stones.
This combination of heat and moisture can help to relax tense muscles and soothe sore joints, making for a truly comfortable and relaxing sauna experience.
10. Improved Sleep
Aside from the list of health benefits mentioned above, using a sauna has also been shown to improve sleep quality, and a hybrid sauna is no exception.
The heat and moisture of a traditional sauna can help to relax the body and mind, while the dry heat of an infrared sauna can help to regulate body temperature and promote deep sleep. This can be especially beneficial for people who have trouble sleeping or suffer from insomnia.
Best Hybrid Saunas for Your home: Top Recommendations
Finnmark 2-Person Trinity Infrared & Steam Sauna Combo
The Finnmark 2-Person FD-4 Trinity Infrared & Steam Sauna Combo is a high-quality sauna that combines infrared and traditional steam sauna technologies for a customizable wellness session. It is compact and easy to install, perfect for small spaces or apartments. This hybrid sauna is also crafted from premium Thermo-Aspen and Wester Red Cedar, which helps to retain heat, reduce energy consumption, and ensure added longevity. It also has built-in integrated red light and chromotherapy for added therapeutic benefit.
Some additional benefits of the Finmark 2-Person Hybrid Sauna include:
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Spectrum Plus™ Infrared Heaters: UL-listed short-wave infrared heaters for deep, penetrating heat, up to 25 times more effective than standard heaters.
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Low EMF: Ensures safe and efficient operation, tested by a NASA award-winning facility.
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Red Light Therapy: Medical-grade LED panel with 192 diodes, providing 650nm red light therapy combined with chromotherapy.
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Ergonomic Design: Large two-tier bench system for maximum comfort.
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Integrated Audio System: Built-in LCD touchscreen controller with Bluetooth and 6" HiFi marine-grade speakers.
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Safety Glass: 8mm tempered glass door for optimal thermal retention and safety.
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User-Friendly Controls: Effortlessly adjust settings with intuitive digital controls.
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Compact Size: Its small footprint means it can fit almost any space
Golden Designs Gargellen 5-Person Hybrid Outdoor Sauna
The Golden Designs Gargellen 5-Person Hybrid Outdoor Sauna is a larger sauna that can be used outdoors or inside. This spacious sauna can accommodate up to five people, perfect for families, groups of friends, or when you want plenty of space to stretch out.
The Gargellen 5-Person Hybrid Sauna features a durable Hemlock wood construction that helps retain heat. It also comes with a Bluetooth audio system, as well as a built-in bench and backrest, so you have everything you need for a relaxing session.
Some of the benefits of the Golden Designs Gargellen 5-Person Hybrid Outdoor Sauna include:
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Full Spectrum Infrared: Total 10 IR Emitters. 4 Carbon PureTech™ Near Zero EMF Heating Panels and 6 Near Infrared Heating Elements
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High-Quality Traditional Stove: Includes the popular Harvia "WALL" Stove 8KW Traditional Sauna Stove with built-in controls.
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Spacious design: The large layout accommodates up to five people, making it perfect for social gatherings, family relaxation, or a solo hot yoga session.
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Elegant Hemlock Wood: The sauna is made from 100% natural reforested Canadian hemlock with waterproof stain on the exterior, giving it a beautiful aesthetic and added durability.
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Built-in sound system: With a built-in Bluetooth sound system, performance speakers, and touch screen control, you can relax and unwind to your favorite tunes.
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Chromotherapy lighting: The sauna is equipped with chromotherapy lighting, which helps to create a relaxing atmosphere and can be adjusted to suit your mood.
Wrapping it Up!
A hybrid sauna is a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy the benefits of both infrared and traditional saunas. Whether you prefer the lower heat and dry heat of an infrared sauna or the higher heat and moist air of a traditional sauna, a hybrid sauna allows you to customize your sauna experience to suit your needs.
The Finnmark 2-Person Trinity Infrared & Steam Sauna Combo and the Golden Designs Gargellen 5-Person Hybrid Outdoor Sauna are two popular products that offer a range of features and benefits, making them great choices for anyone looking to invest in a high-quality hybrid sauna. From convenience and customization to improved health and energy efficiency, a hybrid sauna has much to offer.
Let customers speak for us
Love it use it dearly. only thing wish had half glass door half wood ,live in north east lose a lot of heat through door.
The DYN-6106-01 Elite sauna from My Sauna World was at a fair price and fit the tight space that I had available. Ordering was great with assistance for questions answered quickly. The sauna was package better than most shipments. It was heavy off the truck, but each section was manageable with 2 people. Assembly was easy. It works nicely. It would fit one big guy or two skinny people. Bluetooth works great.
Very pleased with the sauna and the customer service from sauna world! The conventional heater along with the infrared provide much faster warm up times than other brands. Additionally, I can generate a little steam by spraying water onto the hot rocks of the conventional heater. I use it 4 times per week. Sauna World was quick to respond to my installation and operational questions.
I haven't even built this sauna yet (Rainelle), but I have to give an ENORMOUS shoutout to Adora and especially KELLY for their help on this one. This was a big purchase for us, and these ladies went way out of their way to make it work out for us. The first sauna that showed up was badly damaged in shipping, and from what it sounds like - that is not typical. At all. So Kelly helped us to get it squared away, and it took what could have been a horrible customer experience into a fantastic one. Give this woman a raise!
We really like our sauna! Quality of the sauna seems decent. The quality of the accessories was not! The back recliner was all busted up out of the box.
My wife and I would occasionally sit in the sauna at our gym after a workout. It was hot but a little gross. I can't tell you how many times we bailed on the gym sauna session because someone else was playing their phone too loud, someone was breathing like they were gasping for air, someone decided to be shirtless in public, someone is weird or any number of other reasons. Loved the sauna feeling but HATED the gym sauna.
We bought a sauna for our home and installed it in our basement to escape the gym sauna experience. We absolutely love it! We sauna daily. Without the angst and frustration of hoping to avoid an awkward gross experience at the gym sauna.
If you are considering a sauna purchase, spend a little extra and get the WIFI enabled heater. This is the best way to make sure you get the benefit of owning a sauna. The app on our phone is easy to use. Just click the on/off button on the app and set your temperature to your desire. I like 171. My wife likes 153. Once it hits the temperature, the app will let you know. You can even turn on your sauna while you are on the way home from the gym. The WIFI version and the app make all the difference in usability and enjoyment of your investment. If we did not have the app and the WIFI version, we probably would probably skip 2/3 of the sessions we currently take.
The sauna is well made. Wood quality is excellent. Very few knots and blemishes. Hillsboro Almost Heaven saunas are a great choice for quality components, solid electronics, easy to use controls and an enjoyable sauna experience.
This is a standard kit sauna. I made several modifications but I am very satisfied with it so far. I have a few shingles left to install tomorrow and then will move onto to interior. MSW has been easy to work with and I recommend them.
I really love this sauna. I use it about four times a week to help me wind down before bed and calm my ego. Customer service at MySaunaWorld was great.
Assembly took me roughly 8–10 hours total over two days, and I’m not a particularly handy person. The step by step instructions video was straightforward and easy to follow.
I paired the sauna with the HUUM Drop 9 heater (the largest HUUM Drop), and it performs very well. I hired an electrician to install it (about $900 extra). It easily heats the sauna to 190°F plus. I personally like it around 180°F, which it reaches in about an hour. Also, you can pour water over the hot rocks to make the air hotter and steamier. Make sure to mount it low so that it can heat everything above it. (I mounted mine 6” from the ground to the base of the heater.) I love that I can start heating the sauna from my iPhone, even when I’m not on my home Wi-Fi.
I got the double-bench configuration going across the back of the sauna which lets two people lay down. The area around the lower bench is cooler which is nice to have different temperature seating options.
The sauna looks fantastic, smells great, and feels solid. I would recommend this sauna to a friend.
We love our new Almost Heaven Pinnacle barrel sauna!
Delivery was perfect, the assembly was a breeze, and the sauna fits perfectly in our space.
The only regret we have is not to have made this purchase 10 years ago!
I had been thinking about installing a sauna for quite some time. I kept going back and forth between framing one in or a prefab that I assemble. I spent several weeks going over the various websites looking at designs for both and writing out the pros/cons for each. After much deliberation, I reached out to My Sauna World to purchase an Almost Heaven Greyson.
It came way sooner than expected which was a good thing, so I had to arrange for my electrician. I assembled it very easily, with my wife holding just one panel, and then I ran into a problem. The last wall was short. It took a lot of head scratching and measuring and remeasuring as well as back and forth communication with both My Sauna World and Almost Heaven. It turned out that I had been sent 2 glass panels that were the same dimension when the 2 glass panels are actually designed with different dimensions. The new panel was sent out without question, and the rest of the assembly went easy.
I will say that the folks at My Sauna World were extremely responsive and did a great job as liaison back to the manufacturer.
Overall, I had a really positive experience, and we are very happy with the Greyson with the Harvia Spirit 8kW stove.
We also have the duckboard flooring (that is a must) sitting on top of the concrete floor. The back and leg rest are also recommended.
Note: this is advertised as a 3-4 person but in reality it is a good 2 person. And lastly, I grew up with sauna my whole life, starting with my grandpa’s wood burning sauna. This non insulated Greyson type will not get up to the same temperatures, but it does get the job done. Very pleased with the product and do recommend (to frame one in my self and buy a pre-cut kit would have cost a few thousand more overall)
Their customer service is refreshing in a world where most companies fail miserably with service. They should teach customer service to other companies and government agencies. We have only tested the actual product to make sure it works, but along the way, we had multiple questions and the replies were quick and helpful. The sauna was easy to assemble.
Frankly, I was stunned at the quality of this product. Equally stunning is how easily everything fits together. It’s well and I’m looking to an improved lifestyle.
Back rests are a nice size and fit perfectly in my Lugano 3-person sauna. They are very comfortable (especially considering they are wood) and make sitting in the sauna an even more pleasant experience. To think that they were added in free to my purchase of the sauna is hard to believe. Very pleased with customer service from My Sauna World.com !
Well built, good quality, reliable, and matches my barrel sauna very well
I purchased this since it was significantly more affordable than from the brands website. It arrived quickly and is function perfect. It's easy to install and looks great. I had issues with water leaking into the sauna before that used to annoy me. Now it stays completely dry and the wood also is protected from damage and weathering.