How hot is the sauna, does it really reach 158°F?

The optimal sauna experience occurs between 100° and 130°F. The inside cabin temperature is not intended to reach 158°F. Our sauna is based on the infrared wavelength and not cabin temperature. Unlike a traditional sauna, infrared heats the body directly. Air temperature in the sauna is not as important as the type and quality of the infrared being received. To provide the peak far infrared wavelength of 9.4 microns, the surface temperature of an object must be controlled. The cooler the surface area of the heater, the more far infrared energy will be produced. Sunlighten saunas have a heat sensors at multiple locations to measure surface temperature of the heaters in order to emit the optimal wavelength. During a 30 minute session, the air temperature will reach between 120-140.

How often can I use a sauna?

For most people, daily sauna use is okay after your body has become accustomed to infrared therapy. Drink increased amounts of water to stay hydrated. Listen to your body and stop your session if you feel any discomfort.

Am I still getting a Good Sauna Detox if I’m not Drenched in Sweat?

First, it is important to understand that health benefits are a result of efficient infrared emissivity, not air temperature. Sunlighten saunas are 95-99% emissive to deliver the highest concentration of infrared. With that, the optimal sauna experience occurs between 100-130°F. When sitting in a hot sauna, we expect ourselves to sweat. We see pictures of people coming out drenched in sweat or have family members come out of the sauna completely soaked. But, when you step out of the sauna, you may find that you are barely wet, even if the sauna is at a high heat setting. You many wonder if you are still receiving the sauna detox benefits… The answer is yes! Even though your body is not drenched in sweat, your body is still detoxifying from harmful toxins, just feel your skin. Your skin will feel a little moist or possibly sticky. When you sweat in a Sunlighten Sauna, it is different than if you were sweating after a workout or on a hot day. You will feel that your sweat is thicker because the content of the sweat is more than just water. You are sweating toxins that are trapped in your body. 

If after you step out of the sauna and you are not “sweating” feel your skin. Is it moist? Does it feel sticky? If the answer is yes, your body is releasing toxins. Some people sweat more than others. But, toxins are released during every session. Frequently, however, it’s quite simply that the air is so dry at first that it’s able to fully and instantly absorb all the moisture on your skin. You are sweating – you just can’t see it forming on your skin. In other words, “no sweat” isn’t quite the same as “no moisture loss”.

Are the EMF levels safe? Is it harmful to the body?

Yes. Patented Solocarbon® panels are 100% quality controlled by Sunlighten to ensure the safety and effectiveness of each individual heater.

EMF (electric and magnetic fields) are waves of electric and magnetic energy radiating through space. High EMF levels are often associated with power lines.

EMF is everywhere in our homes and offices. The electrical appliances we use (an electric can opener at close range emits substantial EMFs), computers, monitors, keyboards and mice, wireless modems, cordless phones, clock radios, hair dryers, mobile phones, microwave ovens and more – all produce EMFs.

Although the current scientific evidence provides no definitive answers regarding EMF, there is enough uncertainty that some people want to reduce their exposure to EMF. For that reason, we have limited the levels of EMF from our heaters as much as possible.

How Safe is Infrared Heat?

Infrared heat is completely safe and healthy for all living things.  You can be exposed to infrared light for hours without the risk of burning.  Infrared is a naturally occurring output of the sun, but does not contain the harmful UV rays associated with unprotected sunlight.  In fact, infrared heat is so safe, it is used in hospitals to warm newborn infants.

What’s the Difference Between Infrared Saunas and Traditional Saunas?

Infrared heat is very gentle.  The experience is similar to lying in the sun on a warm day and feeling the heat radiate to the core of your body.  Unlike traditional (hot rock or steam) saunas–which operate at well in excess of 200°F–infrared heat has the benefit of being effective at a more comfortable operating temperature of 100°-150°F.

Traditional saunas heat the air vs. the body directly.  Rather than inducing detoxification and relaxation, this can make the experience unbearably hot and difficult to breathe.  Because infrared heat penetrates human tissue vs. simply heating the surface of the skin, infrared saunas are seven times more effective than traditional saunas at detoxifying the body.  By raising the body’s core temperature, infrared saunas can produce a sweat composed of 20% toxins vs. only 3% toxins with a traditional sauna.

I’m Taking Prescription Medications, Can I Use an Infrared Sauna?

Individuals who are using prescription drugs should seek the advice of their personal physician or a pharmacist for possible changes in the drugs effect when the body is exposed to infrared waves or elevated body temperature. Diuretics, barbiturates and beta-blockers may impair the body’s natural heat loss mechanisms. Anticholinergics such as amitryptaline may inhibit sweating and can predispose individuals to heat rash or to a lesser extent, heat stroke. Some over-the-counter drugs, such as antihistamines, may also cause the body to be more prone to heat stroke.

Can Kids Use Infrared Saunas?

The core body temperature of children rises much faster than adults. This occurs due to a higher metabolic rate per body mass, limited circulatory adaptation to increased cardiac demands and the inability to regulate body temperature by sweating. When using with a child, use at a lower temperature and for no more than 15 minutes at a time.

Can the Elderly Use Infrared Saunas?

The ability to maintain core body temperature decreases with age. This is primarily due to circulatory conditions and decreased sweat gland function. The body must be able to activate its natural cooling processes in order to maintain core body temperature. When using with the elderly, operate at a lower temperature and for no more than 15 minutes at a time.

I’m Pregnant. Any Problems if I Use an Infrared Sauna?

We advise you to consult with your own physician before using infrared saunas while pregnant.