All about infrared saunas

Each person has his own individual preferences - some people like to steam in a hotly heated bath, while others can hardly stand elevated temperatures. Most likely, the opponents of heated baths simply do not know about infrared saunas, otherwise they would have long ago changed their attitude towards bathing procedures.

An infrared sauna is a cabin made of natural materials with built-in infrared heaters. They emit waves that have the property to warm any body that falls under the spectrum of their effects. They are found in beauty studios and sports clubs, although in recent years such designs can be seen in private residences and even in city apartments. To understand the mechanism of impact of such procedures, let's dwell on the peculiarities of infrared radiation. So, Infrared waves are essentially an invisible part of the light spectrum, which has the property of warming objects. You can't see it, you can only feel it with your skin.

The most well-known source of infrared waves is considered to be the sun. Its rays are inherently waves, being under them a person can feel the heat. The design of the infrared sauna includes an outer box, inner trim, IR panels, and a glass door. It is activated by AC power. The size of such cabins is designed to comfortably accommodate the user in a seated position, when designing the interior decoration usually adds a few square meters so that it is possible to enter and exit the sauna unhindered.

Infrared heaters are installed in different elements of the cabin, thus providing the greatest coverage of the human body. Two radiators are fixed in the front corners at a height corresponding to the height of the cabin, the rear pair is placed at the level of the human chest in a sitting position, another one is mounted under the bench. Thanks to this design, a comfortable microclimate is created inside the cabin, eliminating temperature differences along the length and width.

Heating sources are characterized by increased power parameters. This allows the thermal energy to penetrate deep into the human body. The main advantage of infrared saunas is that their radiation warms the surrounding objects. Accordingly, the temperature inside the sauna is kept at the level of 30 to 50 gr. The humidity at the beginning of the procedure is 40%, rising to 50-60% at the end.

Most of the cabins, represented in the stores, are manufactured as single-seat cabins. However, manufacturers often offer two-seat models, as well as saunas designed for 3-5 users. In this case, more heaters are attached to provide optimal heating parameters.

The principle of influence of the infrared sauna is as follows:

• The infrared rays penetrate 3-4 cm into the human skin, thus heating the skin, joints, as well as internal organs;
• Under the influence of the rays the temperature of the human body rises up to 38.5 g, which leads to increased sweating;
• at the same time, the heat in the cabin itself remains comfortable even for people who do not perceive heat well.

Let us dwell on the difference between infrared saunas and the usual Russian steam baths.

• For heating the infrared space is enough for a quarter of an hour. While the traditional sauna heats up from 1 to 3 hours.
• Temperature of air inside the IR-room corresponds to 35-50 grams. In a simple bath it reaches 80-120 g.
• You can stay in the infrared bath for no longer than half an hour. It takes from 1 to 22 hours in the Russian bathhouse, because from time to time you have to leave it to recover.
• You can visit the infrared sauna every day. The medical practitioners advise to limit heat procedures in Finnish sauna and Russian baths to one time in 7-10 days.
• In fact, the effect of both the infrared steam room and typical sauna is aimed at warming the human body - the only difference is the effect achieved.

During the process of being inside the sauna, the user starts to sweat a lot. This action removes moisture and harmful substances from tissues. During the procedure in the infrared cabin the sweat contains 80% of moisture and 20% of toxins. In the Finnish and Russian steam rooms the percentages are different - 95% of water and only 5% of toxins. In addition, infrared cabins warm tissues deeply, while other types of baths do not have such an effect.

Traditional bathing involves quite a long bathing procedure, after which the user comes out steaming, flushed and relaxed.

The main working element of any infrared bath is the emitters. They emit waves of different lengths. In this case, the shorter the infrared wave, the more powerful it will warm the surrounding objects.

• Short, short wavelengths do not go beyond 2.5 microns, and the heating of the radiator exceeds +800g. Such elements come in ceiling wall and floor units. They are used for heating the cabins of small size.
• Medium, the length of these waves varies in the corridor from 2.6 to 51 microns. The temperature of the emitter is kept at 320 to 620 g.
• long wavelengths give a range of exposure from 50 to 250 microns, the temperature of the infrared heater being below 320 degrees. These models are the safest, because their parameters are close to the radiation of the human body (from 70 to 200 microns). That is why the body simply does not perceive such radiation as hostile.

The external finishing of the cabin can be made of any building materials - plywood, veneer, laminate, MDF and many others. This is explained by the fact that the outer skin in the operation of the bath is not exposed to heat. However, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of the cabin installation. For example, in the shower room you should not put a steam room made of laminated chipboard. This material under the influence of moisture begins to swell, so in such conditions it is better to give preference to moisture-resistant plywood or tinted lining with subsequent tiling.

For internal finishing use wood. Specialists recommend using species of trees, in which the presence of essential oils is minimal (alder, linden and aspen). The use of conifers is undesirable, because their essential oils prevent the absorption of moisture from the air during heating - this greatly worsens the microclimate in the booth and makes it difficult to breathe.

Ceramic heaters are the most common in the assembly of saunas. They give a quick and directional heating. This effect is to the liking of those who want to get the maximum effect and at the same time likes high temperatures. By design, the ceramic emitter resembles a lamp, in which tubes with nichrome are inserted, it is the main element that radiates heat. These emitters give a fairly high surface temperature, so manufacturers equip them with anti-burn barriers.

Quartz glass gives invisible radiation, there is no visible ultraviolet spectrum in it. Such heaters are made of transparent material and generate wavelengths from 0.7 to 3 micrometers.

Metal heaters use alloys of nickel, chromium and iron. Also on sale are models made of stainless steel, galvanized and chrome-plated metal.

Infrared sauna can be built by yourself.

To make a home mini-sauna based on infrared waves with your own hands is not difficult - you only need to have basic skills of construction and repair work and high-quality materials:

• battens made of hardwood;
• timber for the frame 4x4 cm;
• corners;
• Board for the bench thickness of 2.5-3 cm;
• infrared heaters;
• wires with a cross section of one and a half millimeters or more.

To perform the work you will need the following tools:

• tape measure;
• construction level;
• saw;
• jigsaw;
• screwdriver;
• hammer;
• screwdriver;
• hammer; screwdriver; screwdriver; screwdriver; hole punch.

The selection of heaters is left to the owner. But, as practice shows, The most effective models are made by ITM and AEG. Their design provides for moisture- and wear-resistant housings. You can make a project of your own sauna on the computer using a special program or you can use the services of qualified engineers. Based on the results of the project, an estimate is made and the necessary building materials are calculated.

When designing you need to take into account the requirements of SNiP:

• humidity - 50%;
• power of electric heaters - not less than 230 degrees;
• distance from the user to the radiators - not less than 60 cm;
• The material of the steam room must not be treated with any impregnation.

The cabin begins to assemble with the installation of the frame. To do this, the boards are fastened to the wall with dowels, at the same time mount the base for the door frame. After that, the cabin is finished with chipboard or OSB on the outside and cladding on the inside. Important: Infrared radiators are installed before the external cladding.

To make the work as easy as possible, you can buy a ready-made booth. It can be found in stores already completely ready to use, but in a disassembled state. Usually such models are small and designed for one user.

Additional insulation of the infrared cabin does not require. It is enough that it is mounted in a living room. For sealing, all joints are treated with silicone sealant. Thus, the infrared radiation will not heat the entire space, but only the person.

You will need a single-core cable to connect the electrical wiring. The length of the wiring will directly depend on the parameters of the room - usually it varies from 10 to 30 m. The wire is placed in a fire-resistant corrugated hose, double insulation minimizes the risk of fire.

An infrared sauna does not require any additional ventilation system. To ventilate it, simply open the door for 5 minutes. Experienced craftsmen form the walls hollow, this allows the heated air to escape more easily.

Five infrared panels are enough for a camera for one user - two in the front in the corners, two from the back and one under the bench. The front and back ones are attached at the same level. The one under the recliner is fixed at the level of the user's calf muscles.

If desired, infrared floors can be added to the equipment of the sauna. In this case, a track of heaters is laid only in the area where a person's feet will be located. However, it is not cheap, so most often the steam room is made without the bottom heating.

The last place to put the door of the sauna. It is desirable to use models made of glass. It is mounted on the prepared box so that it opens outward.

Steam room is lined with lime or alder cladding from the inside. This material has the property to release beneficial phytoncides, which create a beneficial microclimate that has a healing effect on humans. In addition, these types of wood are resistant to fungus and mold.

In order for the wave exposure to be useful for the person and not to cause him/her any harm, it is necessary to adhere to the instructions for use:

• Before the procedure, it is necessary to take a light shower and wash off cosmetics;
• It is not advisable to apply gels, serums, oils and creams on the skin, as well as folk remedies, which increase sweating (for example, salt and honey), as it is done in the Finnish saunas, it can cause allergy and burn;
• Take a towel with you into the sauna to wipe off the sweat, otherwise the droplets will interfere with the effects of the infrared rays;
• Take the sauna on an empty stomach, do not eat anything for one hour before and one hour after the treatment;
• Do not take your smartphone, tablet and other mobile gadgets into the sauna, the device may break under the influence of the waves of infrared spectrum;
• Immediately after leaving the steam room you should drink at least a glass of water, this is due to the fact that in the process of heating the body loses quite a lot of fluid and this threatens dehydration;
• After the sauna you should take a cool shower, any skin care products can be applied only afterwards.

Healing procedure improves the well-being. However, in some cases, going to the bath is allowed only after consulting a doctor. This is especially true for expectant mothers. During exposure to infrared rays the lower back and abdomen are heated, which can cause adverse reactions of the body of pregnant women.

It is not allowed to go to the infrared cabin before 1.5 months after delivery, otherwise the thermal influence will cause bleeding. However one should keep in mind that during the heating the body temperature rises to 38-38,5 g and it often leads to "burning out" of the breast milk. Visiting the booth is justified only in a situation where the baby is fed formula.

Infrared rays are not dangerous for children. Wave heat exposure improves and strengthens the child's body and regulates his or her nervous activity. However, it is important to follow some precautions:

• The duration of the procedure should be 5-10 min;
• the maximum power of radiation must not exceed 65%, for comparison: for women this figure corresponds to 75%, for men - 85%;
• The head of the baby must be protected by a panama or towel to prevent heat stroke.

There are a number of contraindications to any thermal effects using infrared radiators. These include:

• skin diseases at the stage of exacerbation;
• tumors of any etiology;
• Taking antibiotics;
• mastopathy;
• Menstruation and other types of bleeding;
• Prostate pathology;
• gynecologic diseases;
• Heart and vascular diseases;
• Hypertension and hypotension;
• Cystitis and nephritis at the stage of exacerbation;
• diseases of the joints.

Owners of such saunas highlight their significant advantages.

• Duration of the procedure. Traditional sauna assumes 3-4 small visits with time to rest and recuperate the body. Infrared sauna is visited only once per session.
• Good tolerability. The temperature in the salon is not high, so most of the users endure the procedures without any discomfort.
• IR baths can be visited at any time, including in the morning. After the procedure the person feels invigorated, he increases his activity and efficiency. This advantageously distinguishes the infrared sauna from the Russian bath, after which a person falls asleep.
• Compact size. The infrared sauna can be placed in the recreation area of a private house, and a portable model works even on the balcony. It will take up little space, and consumes no more energy than an electric kettle.

The disadvantages of such a sauna are noted only if the rules of staying in it have not been followed.

It has been observed that exposure to infrared rays alleviates the condition:

• promotes tissue repair after injuries;
• It helps to dissolve bruises;
• normalizes blood pressure;
• lowers cholesterol levels;
• Improves kidney function;
• strengthens vascular walls;
• strengthens immunity;
• Treats ENT diseases;
• Eliminates painful discomfort in the joints, muscles and back;
• normalizes nervous activity;
• Treats dermatitis, acne and other pathologies.

Infrared saunas are invariably popular with athletes. They help them recover and minimize discomfort after intense training. This is explained by the fact that the rays coming from the heaters dissolve lactic acid accumulated in the muscles, and the pain begins to go away. This is why infrared treatments are especially recommended after physical activity.

The infrared heat is highly valued by the fair sex. Taking such procedures allows to cope with many cosmetic problems. Under the influence of infrared waves begins to separate keratinized cells and purify pores, which is especially important for women with acne. Users note the property of infrared rays to combat cellulite. During 25-30 minutes of going to the cabin, the same amount of calories is spent as running 12-15 km.