There is a large amount of jargon released about infrared saunas. With so much information available on the internet, it is easy to become confused.
We understand. At the end of the day, you want an effective sauna that helps you to achieve your desired wellness outcomes.
In this article, we give you the most important element to consider.
But before we do, we will step back to explain the goal of infrared saunas.
When using an infrared sauna, the goal is NOT to heat the skin or ambient air. The goal is to penetrate the body for a purifying sweat. Deeper penetration allows your core body temperature to rise. So your sweat is excreted from the parts of the body where harmful toxins live.
For infrared to be effective, the major element is…
EMISSIVITY
…What is 'Emissivity'?
The term “emissive” refers to the ability of a material to absorb and release energy in the form of infrared heat.
Without heater emissivity your body will not receive the same quantity or quality of infrared. Thus, you are unlikely to achieve the wellness outcomes that you desire.
In some saunas, you will only get a fraction of infrared heat versus hot air.
Only high quality sauna heaters will emit an effective amount of infrared.
Carbon vs Ceramic Heaters
Ceramic heaters can be emissive but need a hotter surface temperature due to their size. Sunlighten's Solocarbon™ heaters are much larger and operate at a lower surface temperature. Thus, Solocarbon™ emits a greater amount of infrared.
What about a blend of Carbon and Ceramic?
Both materials are emissive. Yet, our test data has shown that Solocarbon™ produces much higher emissivity.
Are all saunas tested for Emissivity?
Unfortunately, No.
Our Advice
Before buying a sauna, ask for third party testing data on emissivity. If they cannot provide this, it is a red flag.
Sunlighten's Emissivity Testing
Sunlighten saunas have undergone comprehensive third party testing.
Sunlighten’s mPulse Solocarbon™ heaters are 99% emissive. This is one reason why the mPulse is the most advanced sauna on the market.
The Signature and Solo sauna models emit constant far infrared heat. Both models are 95% emissive.
View the third party testing here.
Have you got a question for us? Still unclear about which sauna is best for you?
Feel free to give us a call or ask us your questions in the comments below.
