HOW DOES A FULL SPECTRUM
INFRARED SAUNA WORK? A GUIDE
Are you curious about the benefits of a full-spectrum infrared sauna but don't know exactly how it works? Then, you’ve come to the right place! In this post, we'll take a closer look at how a full-spectrum infrared sauna works, explore the many potential benefits it may offer, and more. We’ll also recommend full spectrum infrared saunas for your to purchase.
What is a Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna and How Does it Work?

A full spectrum infrared sauna is a type of sauna that uses heaters that emit all three types of infrared radiation: far infrared, mid infrared, and near infrared. Each type of radiation offers its own unique benefits, making a full spectrum infrared sauna a versatile and effective way to improve overall health and well-being.
In addition, the heaters are typically made of ceramic or carbon elements that emit infrared wavelengths when they are heated up. These wavelengths penetrate the skin and heat the body from the inside out.
What’s the Difference Between Near-Infrared, Mid-infrared, and Far-Infrared?
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The near-infrared heaters emit wavelengths of approximately 780 nm to 1400 nm. These wavelengths penetrate deep into the body and can potentially reach internal organs and tissues. In addition, these wavelengths can also reach the subcutaneous fat layer, which is beneficial for weight loss, healing and skin rejuvenation.
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The mid-infrared heaters emit wavelengths of approximately 1400 nm to 3000 nm. These wavelengths are said to penetrate more shallowly into the body and primarily heat the surface of the skin. These wavelengths have a similar effect to sunlight and are said to be beneficial for relaxation and stress relief.
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The far-infrared heaters emit wavelengths of approximately 3000 nm to 1 mm. These wavelengths can be absorbed by the body, causing the body's temperature to rise. They are also said to be beneficial for detoxification and sweating.
A full-spectrum infrared sauna is designed to provide the benefits of all three types of infrared heaters, allowing users to potentially experience a broader range of therapeutic benefits. However, it's important to note that the actual performance of a full-spectrum infrared sauna may vary depending on the specific model and the usage conditions.
On top of that, it's worth mentioning that some sauna manufacturers use the terms "Near-Infrared," "Mid-Infrared," and "Far-Infrared" in different ways, and some of the products may not emit exactly the same wavelength range as mentioned above. Some may overlap, and some may not, so it's important to check the product specifications before making a purchase.
What are the Benefits of a Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna?

Now that you know what a full spectrum infrared sauna is and how it actually works, let’s take a look at some of the benefits that have been associated with this type of sauna:
1. Detoxification
Sweating is one of the body's natural detoxification mechanisms, and saunas can help increase the amount of sweat produced, which can help flush out toxins and impurities. By promoting the release of toxins, a full spectrum infrared sauna may support a healthy immune system and improve overall health.
2. Weight loss
Infrared saunas are said to help increase metabolism and burn calories, which may help with weight loss. The heat from the sauna can cause an increase in heart rate, which in turn can cause an increase in metabolism. Additionally, sweating can help to burn calories, which can help to promote weight loss.
3. Pain relief
Another great benefit of full spectrum infrared saunas is pain relief. The sauna’s heat can cause an increase in blood flow, which can help reduce muscle and joint pain and inflammation, as well as bring oxygen and nutrients to the affected area.
4. Improved circulation
Infrared saunas are also said to help improve blood flow and oxygenation throughout the body, which may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, the heat can help to dilate blood vessels, which can help to lower blood pressure.
5. Relaxed Body and Mind
Infrared saunas help relax the body and mind, which may help reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being.
6. Cardiovascular health
Full spectrum infrared saunas have been found to lower blood pressure, improve heart rate variability, and improve overall cardiovascular health. The heat from the sauna can cause an increase in heart rate, which can help to improve cardiovascular fitness. The increased heart rate variability can also be an indicator of a healthy cardiovascular system.
7. Immune system support
The heat and sweating caused by an infrared sauna may help to boost the immune system by activating white blood cells and increasing the production of antibodies. This can help the body fight off infections and illnesses more effectively. On top of that, the heat may cause a slight fever-like response, which also activates the immune system.

8. Improved respiratory function
The heat and humidity of an infrared sauna may help improve respiratory function by loosening mucus and phlegm, making it easier to breathe. This can be especially beneficial for people with conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and sinusitis. The heat may also help to reduce inflammation in the airways, which can help to reduce the severity of symptoms.
9. Improved athletic performance
The increased blood flow and oxygenation caused by an infrared sauna may improve athletic performance by allowing the muscles to work more efficiently. This can help reduce muscle soreness and fatigue and also speed up the recovery process after a workout.
10. Improved sleep
The relaxation and stress relief caused by an infrared sauna may improve sleep by reducing tension and promoting a more restful state. The heat may also cause a slight decrease in the body's core temperature, which can help to signal to the body that it's time to sleep.
12. Improved Skin Health & Anti-aging
The heat and sweating caused by an infrared sauna may improve skin health by opening up the pores and removing impurities.
On top of that, the increased collagen production caused by an infrared sauna may help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a more youthful appearance. Collagen is a protein that gives skin its elasticity and firmness. Unfortunately, our body produces less collagen as we age, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin.
13. Wound healing
The increased blood flow caused by an infrared sauna may help to speed up the healing process of wounds by delivering oxygen and nutrients to the affected area. This can help to reduce inflammation and promote the growth of new tissue.
Please note that these are potential benefits associated with infrared saunas and full-spectrum infrared saunas specifically, and that actual results may vary depending on the individual and the usage conditions. Therefore, as with any therapeutic treatment, it's best to consult a healthcare professional before trying a full-spectrum infrared sauna, especially if you have a medical condition or are pregnant.
Who Should Get a Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna?
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Anyone looking to improve their overall health and well-being can benefit from a full spectrum infrared sauna. It is particularly beneficial for people with chronic pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other conditions that cause inflammation. It is also great for athletes and people who are looking to improve their physical performance and for people who are looking to lose weight and improve their skin.
A few examples of full spectrum infrared sauna models include the Golden Design Santiago 2 Person Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna - Canadian Hemlock (pictured above). The same model also features saunas for 3 persons and 4 persons. It even comes with a Reserve Edition with a Himalayan Salt Bar.
Get Your Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna at My Sauna World
If you're interested in experiencing the benefits of an infrared sauna, it's crucial to find a reputable provider like My Sauna World, and consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it's safe and appropriate for you. Explore our selection of full spectrum infrared saunas today, and feel free to reach out with any questions you may have.
About the Author
Adam Fromson
Adam Fromson, co-founder of My Sauna World, loves saunas and their transformative health benefits. With years of experience exploring sauna culture and its impact on health and wellness, Adam is passionate about helping others discover the life-changing benefits of saunas for themselves.
Let customers speak for us
from 392 reviews
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.
The best Sauna ever, and the quickest delivery, 100% recommend !!!!
Works exactly as advertised. Easy install and perfect coverage. Highly recommend.
Very good customer service. My sauna came as expected.