Is there a difference between a sauna and a steam room?
To save you time, the short answer is yes, there is a difference. Main differences are temperature and humidity. Saunas are wood-based rooms that produce dry heat, whereas steam rooms are airtight rooms, usually tiled, that heats up with a steam generator at a lower temperature than in the case of a sauna.
These heated rooms are well known for their health benefits, hence why some people opt for a personal sauna or steam room. Healthy body, healthy mind, healthy soul. This heat therapy improves circulation, skin health, loosens stiff joints, reduces stress, and even burns calories.
Basically, both ensure full body exposure to high heat, where steam rooms inhibit perspiration and saunas induce sweating. It might feel like you are sweating more actively in the steam room, but don’t let the condensed water from the moist air fool you.
Saunas (Infrared vs Hot Rock)
Infrared saunas warm your body using infrared rays. Don’t worry, you’re not voluntarily getting into a microwave – infrared rays are pretty similar to the heat our bodies radiate naturally. Infrared saunas operate at a bit lower temperature than traditional hot rock saunas, but heating the full body surface directly with these infrared rays makes them a more beneficial option.
Hot rock saunas on the other hand, works with the same concept as a household heater – where the surrounding air gets heated up by the heater. Sauna rocks of the finest quality are placed on the heating elements. As the heater heats the rocks, they heat the surrounding air in the sauna with dry hot air. Every now and then a ladle of water can be poured on the hot rocks to put a bit of moisture back into the air. This will not make the air condition nearly the same as in a steam room – only around 5-30% humidity, where in a sauna the humidity is 100%.
Steam Rooms
Steam rooms seem to be the more popular option at gyms and spas. People feel like they sweat more excessively in a steam room and thus makes this a more beneficial experience. The truth is, steam rooms mostly prevent you from sweating – the moisture on your skin is from the steam. Neither a sauna or steam room is more beneficial than the other, it comes down to what you prefer, and which type of warm air is more comfortable for you.
Unlike in a heated dry air sauna, a steam room relies on a water-filled generator to pump steam into the enclosed room. Temperatures in a steam room reach around 43-46°C, compared to the scorching 70-90°C temperature in saunas.
Why go with Techno Spa to get your personal sauna or steam room?
Techno Spa have been installing saunas and steam rooms for 24 years. Experience is key when trusting a company to install one of these therapy rooms for you. Investment purchases like these need to last you a good while.
Our completely customisable saunas can be installed indoors and outdoors while keeping every aspect in mind – especially the aesthetics. Cladded or freestanding units both fall right in our line of skills. We have a ten-year guarantee on our outer casing, three months on elements and six months on electrical components.