How Infrared Saunas Changed My Life: Buying Tips and Review Checklist – by Radiant Health’s Founder

Posted by Randy Gomm, B.Sc. on 2024 Nov 22nd

Our Inspiration: Counteracting Misinformation with Facts

Over the years, I’ve been asked by doctors, healthcare practitioners, and individuals to create a detailed infrared sauna review checklist. This resource is intended to help others identify the key features and benefits to look for when choosing a high-quality far infrared sauna. Drawing from over 25 years of experience in infrared sauna manufacturing and in-depth clinical research, I’ve compiled the information below. I’m deeply grateful to those who provided feedback and encouragement to bring this checklist to life.

I’ve grown increasingly concerned about some of the information shared online about infrared saunas. It’s vital to distinguish between facts supported by legitimate research and unsubstantiated opinions that spread across websites, blogs, and social media without proper verification. Even if you don’t choose to purchase an infrared sauna from our company, my hope is that this checklist will empower you to ask informed questions and select a sauna that best supports your health. Most importantly, it’s essential to ensure that your sauna doesn’t affect you negatively.

How an Infrared Sauna Gave Me My Life Back

Years ago, during my time as a firefighter in British Columbia, I faced significant health challenges. My once-active lifestyle became severely restricted, and I was unable to work. Initially, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome. However, further investigation revealed that my body had an extremely high level of toxins and heavy metals. Far infrared sauna use became a key part of my recovery. It made such a difference in my life that I was eventually able to return to work and resume the physical activities I’ve always loved.

My personal experience ignited a passion for far infrared sauna use. That passion led me to create a company dedicated to bringing the benefits of far infrared saunas to others - healthcare practitioners, medical doctors, commercial spas, and individuals for home use. For over 25 years, we’ve been proud to provide high-quality far infrared saunas to customers across Canada and the United States.

By sharing this information, my hope is to help others discover the benefits of a superior far infrared sauna for themselves.

Important Points to Consider When Buying or Using an Infrared Sauna

1. Near Infrared Saunas and Far Infrared Saunas. How are They Different?

After conducting extensive research on both near infrared and far infrared technologies, I found that all legitimate clinical studies on infrared saunas focus on far infrared technology. I was unable to locate any published clinical research involving heaters or lights used in the near infrared range within saunas.

Near Infrared (NIR)

I did come across excellent research on near infrared and red light wavelengths, but these studies focused on the use of LED lights or lasers operating within a very specific frequency range of 630-940 nm (nanometers). In these hundreds of clinical studies, the LED lights were applied directly to the surface of the skin or positioned very close to it. This is due to the Inverse Square Law, which demonstrates that intensity and effectiveness decrease significantly as the distance from the light source increases.

The Inverse Square Law states that the strength of a field from a light source is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source. In simpler terms, the light intensity decreases dramatically as you move farther away.

For example, if you are 5 inches away from the light source, the intensity is just 1/25th of what it would be at 1 inch. At 12 inches away, the intensity drops to 1/144th of the level at 1 inch. This principle explains why LED lights, when operating within the correct frequency range, are positioned very close to or directly against the surface of the skin to maximize their effectiveness.

Questions to ask regarding the use of near infrared in a sauna:

1. What is the source of near infrared light found in the sauna?

2. What is the frequency range of the near infrared light?

3. How big is the surface area of the light source?

4. Where is the near infrared light source located and what is the distance from your body in the sauna?

5. Are there published scientific studies that show the benefit and use of near infrared light in a sauna? Are these near infrared studies the same studies that show LED’s used on or very near the skin as noted above?

Far Infrared (FIR)

The human body naturally generates far infrared waves in the range of 6 to 20 microns. Far infrared is the frequency most commonly referenced in clinical studies on infrared sauna use. By contrast, LED lights, red lights, and Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) operate at different frequencies and utilize entirely different technologies, as outlined below.

Frequency Range

Far infrared: 3 -1000 microns (or micrometers)
Most of the research papers on far infrared saunas, cite the range of 6 -20 microns.
Near Infrared: 0.7 – 1.4 microns or 700 -1400 nanometers
Red Light: 0.63 – 0.7 microns or 630 -700 nanometers

A far infrared sauna differs from a traditional sauna in how it delivers heat. Far infrared wavelengths directly penetrate the body, providing therapeutic benefits without relying on heating the surrounding air through convection, as traditional saunas do. This allows far infrared saunas to work effectively at much lower temperatures, typically in the range of 115–150°F (45–65°C), compared to the higher temperatures of 180–200°F (80–95°C) in traditional saunas.

If valid, published clinical research demonstrates that near-infrared heaters or lights used in an infrared sauna can offer the same benefits as near-infrared studies involving lasers and LEDs, I would greatly appreciate seeing that research. Until then, we will continue to use far infrared as the heat source in our saunas, as it is the method consistently supported by published scientific studies.

2. Why is it Important to Consider EMF and EF Levels in Infrared Saunas?

Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) and Electric Fields (EF) can be emitted by various sources, including overhead power lines and many common appliances found at work and home.

Some infrared sauna companies may downplay the potential effects of EMF. However, through our work with doctors and other healthcare practitioners over the years, we have encountered many who express significant concern about the impact of EMF on health.

Research studies have highlighted several potential health concerns related to EMF exposure. These include disruptions to the neuroendocrine system in children and adolescents, neurobehavioral issues in children, and effects such as promoting differentiation in pituitary cells, changes in plasma membranes, and an influx of intracellular calcium.

EMF Measurement

Gauss or milligauss (mG) is the scale used to measure the strength of an electromagnetic field (EMF). EMF levels decrease significantly with distance. For example, standing two inches from a microwave might produce a reading of 30 mG, but moving two feet away could result in a reading of zero.

In an infrared sauna, however, you don’t have the option of distancing yourself from the heat source. You are typically seated within one to two inches of the heaters and may also be near other electrical components. If these elements are not properly tested or addressed, you could unknowingly expose yourself to high levels of EMF for an extended period.

Swedish Standards, also known as TCO standards, recommend that EMF levels at the “point of body contact” - such as the wooden slats one leans against in front of the heaters - should not exceed 2 mG.

Infrared Sauna Safety: Others Fall Short

Many infrared saunas on the market - some even marketed as "zero" or "low EMF" - often measure EMF levels in the range of 10-100 mG. This discrepancy arises because many companies test only the heaters in isolation at a lab, not the entire sauna. As a result, users may be led to believe the entire sauna is low in EMF when this is not the case.

To add to the confusion, marketing materials on websites and brochures often claim low EMF levels but fail to disclose that only the heaters were tested. A reputable sauna manufacturer should be able to provide a comprehensive, multi-page testing report from a government-certified independent lab, clearly demonstrating that the entire sauna - not just the heaters - was tested for EMF. Testing only the heaters overlooks potential EMF emissions from electrical connections, control panels, and wiring, all of which can contribute to high levels of EMF.

If EMF averages are provided, all measurements should be taken at the “point of body contact,” as this reflects where you sit and interact with the sauna during use.

Many sauna companies test EMF levels by measuring only the heaters in isolation within a lab setting. We take a more thorough approach. Using a Trifield Gauss meter, we test over 100 different locations throughout the entire sauna. The average EMF reading in a Radiant Health Sauna is an exceptionally low 0.3 mG at the “point of body contact,” which are the lowest EMF levels we have encountered in the industry.

This level of precision is the result of years of dedicated engineering and collaboration, guided by valuable feedback from hundreds of healthcare practitioners and customers. We are continually working to enhance safety, comfort, and effectiveness to provide you with the best possible experience.

3. Why is it important to choose a sauna with VOC testing?

It’s essential that this space supports your health by being as pure as possible. Unfortunately, some infrared sauna manufacturers use materials like plywood, particle board, or engineered wood composites to cut costs. While these materials may not be visible once the sauna is constructed, they can release harmful VOCs, including formaldehyde, which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies as a probable human carcinogen.

Beyond the framing materials, inferior heaters and other components inside the sauna can also release chemicals, underscoring the importance of comprehensive testing. It’s not enough to test the heaters alone; the entire sauna must be independently verified.

At Radiant Health Saunas, we go above and beyond to ensure your safety. Our saunas are tested by a government-certified lab, and the results consistently show zero VOCs, so you can relax with confidence in a safe and healthy space.

4. Understanding the Differences between Carbon Fiber Heaters and Ceramic Heaters in Infrared Saunas

In the past, we used ceramic heaters in our saunas but received feedback from the practitioners we work with that patients and clients often experienced hot and cold spots. Taking this feedback to heart, we upgraded our saunas years ago to high-quality carbon fiber heaters featuring advanced Japanese technology.

These carbon fiber heaters offer a significantly larger surface area positioned close to the body, ensuring more consistent and even heating. Their lower surface temperature provides a more comfortable experience while also increasing the micron wavelength into the beneficial far infrared range.

References and Additional Information

Below, you’ll find links to research papers that support our position on far infrared saunas versus near-infrared saunas, as well as studies highlighting concerns about high EMF and VOC levels in infrared saunas. My hope is that this checklist empowers you to ask informed and specific questions, helping you choose an infrared sauna that truly benefits your health.

We take immense pride in the quality of our saunas and stand confidently behind our products. Every sauna is carefully crafted and custom-engineered for safety and quality. They are completely VOC-free, exceptionally low in EMF, and feature superior far infrared heater coverage to provide the best possible experience.

References