5 Best Portable Infrared Saunas And Some You Should Avoid
Filed under: health
Last Updated: May 5th 2019
Finding the best portable infrared sauna is will be a breeze with our buyer’s guide and research I’ve personally done - and great if you want to keep looking fit and feeling healthy on the move.
First introduced in Finland in 112 AD, saunas used to be large enclosed areas filled with the warmth that emerged from hot stones. While they started as a relaxing weekend tradition, saunas have come a long way since then: indeed, modern saunas can be packed up and transported with you, enabling you to enjoy their many benefits in the best portable infrared saunas. In fact, technological evolutions even resulted in infrared saunas that are wildly popular for their practicality and numerous abilities.
More importantly, these handy apparatuses are now readily available on the market, in just about every price range, hence saving you the time and money to head over to a fitness center to enjoy its numerous benefits.
If you would like to acquire one of the best portable infrared saunas on the market, read on for a brief guide on making the right choice.
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How do they work?
Historically speaking, heat and heat-related treatments have been used to cure a variety of ailments for centuries. From sweat lodges to hot air baths, heat treatments used to be extremely popular in Ancient Chinese, Eastern European and Native American medicines.
Created by Dr. Kellogg, infrared saunas are now used in several homes and health centers all over the world. These work by releasing infrared light waves that create heat, hence enabling your body to release toxins through sweating.
Unlike a traditional portable sauna, infrared ones use an infrared radiant heater which encourages more toxins to be released through sweat. As a result, they also feel far more relaxing than traditional ones.
Features to look out for
When shopping for the best infrared portable sauna, settling for one model can be a tough call, especially if you’re a complete novice to these machines. Potential buyers can easily be confused by the sheer number of models on the market, which is why it’s important to research as much as you can in order to make an educated choice.
There are quite a few features to look out for when buying a portable infrared sauna. The main ones include:
- Entertainment features: Just sitting around in a sauna for an extended period of time can get pretty boring after a while. Luckily enough, most cutting-edge models come with various features to keep you entertained during your session. So keep an eye out for models that come with audio and DVD players that will keep boredom at bay while you unwind.
- Lighting: The best types of portable infrared saunas tend to have inner light features designed to boost relaxation while creating a pronounced sense of tranquility. Cutting-edge models, for example, often feature different shades of warm white or blue lamps. Light therapy combined with saunas have been known to treat several types of seasonal affective disorders.
- Control panels: This is one of the most important features of your portable infrared sauna. While most models have a panel on the outside, an inner panel can be an added advantage since you will be able to adjust the controls without having to constantly get out of the sauna, hence allowing cold air in while interrupting your relaxation session. Control panels can help you adjust just about anything from the temperature to the time.
- Size: This is another feature to consider, especially if you’re overweight. While most one-person saunas can accommodate heavier users, it’s still a good idea to splurge on a two-person model since these provide you with ample space to stretch out and maybe even lie back. It’s also good to know that the market additionally provides models that can accommodate up to six people. Bear in mind that larger saunas have the advantage of offering a larger exposure to infrared heat.
Benefits of infrared saunas
These types of saunas are actually so beneficial that even NASA uses them to enhance the metabolism of their astronauts, both prior and after long-term space travel. The best portable infrared saunas are actually conceived to provide a full head-to-toe relaxation while reinvigorating the senses.
Listen to what this one doctor has to say…
According to Doctor Rachel West from Sunlighten, infrared saunas can help detoxify the body, enabling a better digestion while helping individuals who suffer from ADHD, ADD, autism, immune deficiency states, auto-immune diseases, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigues, colitis and the likes.
Why use infrared saunas over traditional saunas?
Contrary to traditional saunas, infrared versions do not operate at excessively high temperatures but instead provide soothing bursts of heat that have also been shown to enable sleep relaxation.
According to holistic therapists, these saunas can also increase your core temperature, which consequently helps your body burn more calories, promoting weight loss. By the same token, they purify the skin and improves circulation, which makes it ideal for elderly people who suffer from arthritis.
Are they safe to use?
Despite persistent rumors about the dangers of infrared saunas, several studies have shown that these apparatuses are entirely safe to use- safer, in fact, than regular saunas.
A study carried out in Finland actually showed that men who used infrared saunas twice or thrice a week showed a drop of 23% in their risk of a fatal heart attack.
For this reason, several doctors recommend these apparatuses as alternative therapies.
But you should still adhere to the safety warnings…
Misuse of infrared saunas, on the other hand, can have severe health consequences. Not staying hydrated enough can actually deplete your minerals or electrolytes, which is why it’s important for you to ensure that you drink enough water both before and after your sauna session.
Using an infrared sauna after or while drinking alcohol isn’t recommended either since it dehydrates the body, potentially leading to heat strokes and heat exhaustion. You should also avoid using it during acute injuries or illnesses.
What Is EMF? And Is It dangerous?
Infrared saunas use EMF (Electromagnetic Field) to generate infrared heat.
Excess exposure to EMF, however, can have health hazards, resulting in radiation burns. For this reason, it is important to buy infrared saunas from licensed manufacturers only and stick to low EMF models.
Professional infrared saunas are entirely safe because they do not generate a lot of EMF. In fact, some of the best portable infrared saunas on the market completely cancel out ELF and EMF technology, but these models tend to be more expensive.
How to use infrared saunas
Before you step into the sauna, be sure to turn it on for a few minutes first so you can step into a pleasantly warm interior. You might want to start the session at around 70 degrees and allow it to warm up to 85 while you’re in it.
Remember to keep hydrated…
After a few weeks of use, you can allow the temperature to climb up to 95 degrees, but be sure to take your time and not overdo it. It’s also important to remain hydrated both prior to your sauna session and during.
Users should also wait around 2 hours after eating before stepping into an infrared sauna. The best time to use these apparatuses is before bedtime if you suffer from insomnia, or early morning to reinvigorate your senses before starting the day.
Experts agree there is a time limit for beginners…
According to experts, if you’ve never used an infrared sauna before, don’t go beyond 3 half-hour sessions per week and gradually increase your number of sessions as you get used to it.
Best models on the market
Here are some of the best portable infrared saunas on the market:
The Best Portable Infrared Sauna - By Radiant Saunas
The Radiant Sauna model is the best portable infrared saunas on the market. It offers an extremely affordable price tag and yet despite this it does not compromise on quality. The unit gives five levels of pre-set temperature settings which are further complimented by the built-in thermostat to enhance ease of use. As a result, you don’t need to step out of the sauna to adjust the heating. You can select any temperature up to 150 degrees.
Another brilliant feature is the easy fingertip controller that shuffles between 6 different timer options. There are virtually no downsides when it comes to this model. Some however may find it difficult to set up.
Gizmo Supply Digital Far-Infrared (FIR) Heat Sauna Blanket
If having the most convenient and portable unit is the main priority to you, then the Gizmo Supply Digital Far-Infrared should be at the top of your research list. Designed to strengthen muscle nutrient while eliminating toxins such as heavy ions from the system, this sauna blanket boasts three independent heating zones which you can shuffle through according to your personal preferences.
The temperature ranges between 77 and 185 degrees and users can also benefit from a 60 minute timer. Measuring 66” long by 32” wide, the Gizmo is additionally waterproof and is consists of flexible tensile capabilities, hence enabling you to use it in different sleeping positions.
According to the manufacturers, this blanket can burn up to 500 calories per hour, but there is no evidence to support these claims to remain wary.
Far Infrared Portable Sauna by Ideal Sauna
If you’re shopping for one of the best portable infrared saunas on the market, you really can’t go wrong with the Far Infrared Portable Sauna. While it isn’t at the top of the pack due to being it’s higher price tag, this model is actually enhanced by a negative ion detox feature. Don’t expect too much from this feature though, it’s more of a marketing ploy with users feeling better simply from the placebo effect.
This sauna uses a slender carbon fiber heater which helps promote blood circulation while enhancing perspiration. The hands-free design is also a big bonus which allows you to read, use your phone or whatever you want during your session.
As far as the drawbacks are concerned, the size of the sauna could be an issue: some reports suggest that it could have been roomier for added comfort.
Ridgeyard Portable FIR Sauna
Designed for weight-loss, the Ridgeyard is also up there with the best portable infrared saunas. According to the manufacturers, 10 minutes in this sauna equals to half an hour of running or jogging. While you probably won’t necessarily see immediate significant weight loss, you will feel lighter and lose quite a bit of water weight after several weeks of regular use. Designed to reduce fatigue and stress while helping you eliminate toxins, this sauna heats up quite quickly and can go up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
One of the best features of this portable infrared sauna is how easy and swift it is to set up: You will probably be able to get it all set up in under 10 minutes. The only real drawback with this unit is that the material on the remote control is a little slippery. You can imagine the combination of slippery remote and sweaty palms can make for a difficult time changing the settings while in the sauna.
AVOID: Sauna Belt FAR Infrared
Unlike tent-like saunas or blankets, this model takes the form of a belt which specifically targets problem areas such as the stomach and waist. In fact, some users did report a visible change in these areas after several weeks of continuous use. Because of its portability, ease of use and efficiency, this model is among the best sellers for portable infrared saunas on the market.
But don’t be fooled by those ratings and sales.
I suspect that some of these are bogus, inauthentic reviews written by people who have received the product for free or in exchange for payment. The belt is far too small to really see the full range of benefits of an FIR sauna system.
Durherm XLarge Negative Ion FIR Infrared Portable Indoor Sauna
A high-end model, there’s no doubt that the DURHERM is among the best portable infrared saunas if you’re willing to splurge a little. This particular model is extremely easy to set up and has droves of supporters behind it. What you should really appreciate is its low EMF level as well as the integrated heated footpad which enhance the pronounced sense of relaxation. Believe it or not, they even through in the canvas folding chair so you’re good to go from the beginning!
What you should really appreciate is its low EMF level as well as the integrated heated footpad which enhance the pronounced sense of relaxation. Believe it or not, they even through in the canvas folding chair so you’re good to go from the beginning!
The only downside with this model?
The sauna’s heat-up time is not the fastest. It’s only a minor complaint and if you are well organised it should be no issue at all.
Bellavie Portable Therapeutic Infrared Sauna With Chair
The Bellavie Portable Therapeutic Infrared Sauna is another quite affordable sauna while not compromising on quality while also being quite easy to set up. What should excite you about this model is the addition of the wooden foot massage roller that helped relieve the pressure points on feet, hence enhancing blood circulation. Beyond this and like most other portable infrared saunas reviewed, it will help with issues such as fatigue and stress, while relieving sciatica and back pains. This sauna also comes with a fingertip hand controller that enables you to change the temperate without interrupting your session.
The only drawback with this model is the terms and conditions of the warranty are a little harsh and offer little consumer protection. It’s unlikely you will receive a faulty product, but for full protection, it might be best to shop for a more comprehensive warranty from a different manufacturer.
Far-Infrared Suit Anti Cellulite and Weight Loss
Designed to accelerate weight loss, the Far-Infrared Slimming Suit is designed to be worn as an oversized jumpsuit and comes with a built-in sauna to speed up your metabolism, enabling you to burn quite a lot of calories per session. Hailed as one of the best portable infrared saunas on the market, this particular model comes in a little over average in the price category. When used alongside a strict diet regimen and fitness program, you should report a significant weight loss after a few months.
This sauna is entirely waterproof and sports a thermostat that allows you to shuffle between 86 and 140F. Extremely easy to clean, it also features ceramic heating wires in the inner layer. Some may find the suit difficult to put on, but it should only affect those with mobility issues.
In Summary…
To find out more about the miracle of the Far Infrared Sauna you can check out the video below by the institute of Holistic Health.
