If you’re researching the benefits of saunas, you’ve likely encountered an ongoing debate:
Is an infrared sauna better than a traditional sauna?
The reality is that both sauna types offers meaningful health and wellness benefits, but they achieve those benefits differently. Understanding those differences can help you choose the right sauna for your goals, preferences, and Alaska lifestyle.
At Arctic Home, we offer both Jacuzzi® Infrared Saunas and traditional outdoor saunas designed for year-round Alaska use, giving homeowners access to the best of both worlds.
The biggest difference between the two isn’t the temperature—it’s how heat is delivered.
Traditional saunas heat the air around you, often operating between 176°F and 212°F (80°C–100°C). As the air heats up, your body gradually heats up as well. Finnish-style saunas, steam saunas, wood-fired saunas, and electric saunas all follow this basic principle.
Infrared saunas use infrared light waves to warm the body directly rather than primarily heating the air. Because of this, infrared saunas typically operate at much lower ambient temperatures—often between 110°F and 140°F—while still producing a substantial sweat response.
For many users, infrared heat feels gentler and easier to tolerate while still delivering the sensation of deep warmth.
Research suggests that sauna use in general may provide a variety of health benefits, particularly for cardiovascular health, relaxation, and overall wellbeing.
A comprehensive review published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found evidence linking regular sauna bathing with lower risks of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, and certain neurocognitive conditions, while also supporting relaxation and pain relief.
Researchers believe many of these benefits stem from heat exposure itself, which can increase circulation, dilate blood vessels, elevate heart rate, and trigger physiological responses similar to moderate exercise.
Importantly, much of the strongest long-term sauna research comes from traditional Finnish sauna studies, which have followed participants for decades.
Infrared sauna research is newer and smaller in scale than traditional sauna research, but evidence suggests several promising applications.
According to the Mayo Clinic, studies have investigated infrared sauna use in conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, arthritis, headaches, dementia, and chronic pain, though larger studies are still needed to confirm these findings.
Many users choose infrared saunas because they:
- Operate at lower temperatures
- Feel more comfortable during longer sessions
- Warm the body directly
- May support relaxation and muscle recovery
- Are often easier to integrate into daily routines
Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic both note that infrared saunas can produce physiological responses similar to moderate exercise, including increased heart rate, sweating, and improved circulation.
Not all infrared saunas are built the same.
Arctic Home’s Jacuzzi® infrared sauna collection includes:
- Full-spectrum infrared heating (near, mid, and far infrared)
- Integrated Red Light Therapy
- Chromotherapy lighting
- Vibrational Resonance Therapy
- Ergonomic seating and back support
- Bluetooth® audio integration
These features are designed to create a more comprehensive wellness experience than traditional infrared heating alone.
Traditional saunas remain the gold standard in terms of long-term sauna research.
Multiple reviews have found associations between frequent traditional sauna use and improved cardiovascular outcomes, reduced blood pressure, better vascular function, and overall longevity.
Many sauna enthusiasts also prefer traditional saunas because of:
- Higher temperatures
- Authentic traditional sauna experiences
- Steam generated from water on heated stones
- Outdoor installation possibilities
- Traditional wood-fired heating options
For many Alaskans, the ritual itself is a major part of the appeal.
There’s something uniquely Alaskan about stepping into a hot sauna after a day spent outside in winter.
Arctic Home’s traditional outdoor sauna options are specifically built for year-round use in Alaska and include electric and wood-fired models. They are designed to withstand extreme weather while offering the authentic heat-and-cold contrast experience many Alaskans love.
Our models are handcrafted in Alaska and designed for decades of ownership, making them an ideal addition to cabins, homes, vacation properties, and outdoor wellness spaces.
Choose an infrared sauna if you:
- Prefer lower-temperature sessions
- Want integrated technologies like Red Light Therapy and Chromotherapy
- Have indoor space
- Value convenience and shorter warm-up times
- Prefer gentler heat exposure
Choose a traditional steam sauna if you:
- Love high-heat sauna experiences
- Want a traditional sauna experience
- Enjoy wood-fired or outdoor sauna traditions
- Plan to incorporate cold plunges or contrast therapy
- Want a dedicated outdoor wellness retreat
Choosing a sauna is about more than selecting a product—it’s about choosing a long-term partner.
Arctic Home offers:
- Showrooms in Anchorage, Wasilla, and Fairbanks
- Alaska-specific expertise
- Infrared and traditional sauna options
- Delivery and support throughout Alaska
- Guidance on installation, sizing, and maintenance
- Ongoing service from Alaska’s leading home wellness provider
Arctic Home has built its reputation by helping Alaskans create wellness spaces that work in real Alaska conditions—not just in product catalogs. Whether you’re interested in infrared therapy, traditional sauna culture, or building a complete home wellness retreat, our team can help you identify the sauna that best supports your goals.
