Saunas have long been looked at as a great way to help both the mind and body to relax.
However, while some countries, such as those in Scandinavia, have embraced it as a staple of their culture, for most of us it is an experience that we can only enjoy when we visit a gym, spa, or wellness centre.
What if that didn’t have to be the case though? In recent years, more and more options are arising for people to install a full size sauna in their own home.
One such option, which is held in incredibly high regard, is the HigherDose Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna.
Is it really feasible to have a full size sauna installed in your own home though? Plus, how do the benefits of a product such as this compare to the type of sauna you would find in a health club?
Well, let’s take a closer look at one of the best options on the market and decide for ourselves.
What Is An Infrared Sauna?
An infrared sauna is designed to offer similar effects and benefits to traditional saunas.
However, instead of traditional heating methods, such as hot water and steam, it uses infrared rays ranging between 300 gigahertz and 400 terahertz.
Infrared light is a form of electromagnetic radiation that is invisible to the humans, with wavelengths ranging from 1,000 micrometres (0.04 inches) to 760 nanometres (3 inches), which puts them outside of our field of visibility and between microwaves and visible red light on the electromagnetic spectrum.
There are 3 types of infrared light, near infrared, which relies solely on light, far infrared, which emits intense heat, and mid infrared, which combines the other two.
Far infrared is what is usually used in an infrared sauna, as it combines the benefits of using a regular sauna to those that you would experience from spending time in the sun.
The infrared rays used also penetrate deeply into the body, yet don’t heat up the air surrounding you quite so much.
This can make infrared saunas much more relaxing and easier to breathe in than traditional saunas.
What Are The Benefits Of Infrared Saunas?
The benefits of all types of saunas revolve around their ability to create extreme levels of heat, which relaxes the muscles and central nervous system, to provide a number of both medicinal and therapeutic benefits.
Unlike a traditional sauna, which uses hot water to heat the air inside it, infrared saunas use far infrared light, which directly penetrates the muscles.
This allows them to be more beneficial to the body, while eliminating that stuffy feeling that can sometimes make it difficult to breathe in a sauna.
The most notable benefits of infrared saunas are improved circulation and relaxation, a soothing of the muscles, joints, and connective tissues, enhanced heart and lung health, weight loss, detoxification, a better quality of sleep and the prevention of fatigue, and clearer and tighter skin.
People with conditions like arthritis, asthma, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, and even pneumonia have all shown dramatic improvements in their symptoms when regularly using an infrared sauna.
What Is The HigherDOSE Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna & Does It Really Work?
The HigherDOSE Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna is a full size, home infrared sauna, developed by one of the leading manufacturers in the industry.
A permanent installation, it is an option designed for those who have made the conscious decision to install a sauna to use on a regular basis.
Reviews heavily suggest that it is one of the best such options on the market, touting selling points like its stylish design and ability to provide all of the benefits linked with saunas, as well as taking up slightly less room than many other permanent in home saunas.
HigherDose Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna Specifications
The HigherDOSE Full Spectrum Sauna detoxifies the body, relaxes the mind, boosts your mood, promotes glowing skin, and ignites a healthy DOSE of your brain’s feel-good chemicals AKA Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins. After just one session you’ll feel blissed, buzzed, and beautiful – like you just spent a day in nature.
The HigherDose Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna is an incredibly stylish, well built piece of equipment.
With an engineered black wood exterior, Canadian cedar interior, and floor to ceiling glass doors, all connected using tongue and groove construction, it is durable, effective, and attractive.
Made with a carbon and ceramic heating mechanism, users can safely enjoy an environment where the electromagnetic field levels are almost zero.
It also allows the user to choose if they want to use near, mid, or far rays, giving them the chance to enjoy the benefits of the full range of infrared light.
It even has carefully selected lights installed, which both create a relaxing mood, while also offering the benefits of chromotherapeutic light therapy, which energises skin cells and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin.
This combination ensures the HigherDose Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna achieves its claims of providing deep relaxation, better circulation and mood, decreased inflammation, improved immunity and sleep, and glowing, youthful skin, while even aiding with weight loss.
Available in two different size options, it can be used either by a single individual or groups of 2 or 3 people.
Both options are incredibly spacious and allow all users to enjoy a relaxing experience, while the wide, deep, removable benches guarantee you are comfortable throughout.
The 2 person model features dimensions of 52 inches (W) x 48 inches (D) x 77 inches (H) on the outside and 47 inches (W) x 44 inches (D) x 74 inches (H) on the inside. It has a power output of 120v / 2,250w, requires a 18.75A circuit, and retails for $11,045.
Meanwhile, the 3 person model boasts dimensions of 71 inches (W) x 48 inches (D) x 77 inches (H) on the outside and 66 inches (W) x 45 inches (D) x 74 inches (H) on the inside. Its power output is 240v / 2,930w, it requires a 15A circuit, and it retails for $12,623.
Both models also feature a highly upgraded entertainment centre, which includes a specially designed iPad docking station.
This allows you to safely use your smart devices as you sauna, to ensure you remain entertained throughout.
Having been highly reviewed and featured in numerous well known spas, the HigherDose Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna is a product you can have complete confidence in.
However, if that isn’t enough, it also comes with a comprehensive 5 year warranty, to completely put your mind at ease.
Pros
- Available in both 2 and 3 person models
- Features an incredibly spacious and comfortable design
- Boasts a stylish aesthetic
- Includes an entertainment centre to keep you occupied
- All models include a 5 year warranty
- Combines the full spectrum of infrared light with chromotherapeutic light therapy
- Creates almost zero electromagnetic field levels
- Uses lighting that creates an incredibly relaxing environment
- Offers all of the benefits of traditional saunas plus a lot more
Cons
- Incredibly expensive
- Takes up quite a bit of space
HigherDOSE Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna Alternatives
The HigherDose Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna is a great product and one of the best infrared saunas around, but it isn’t going to be the right choice for everyone.
From the size of the product to the method of heating, there are a number of reasons that people may want to continue their search.
That is why I now want to show you some of the very best HigherDose Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna alternatives that are available.
I will show you an option in each of the most common alternative categories around, to try an ensure everyone is able to find a product that meets their needs.
Portable Infrared Saunas
Portable infrared saunas are designed to offer the same benefits and effects as a full scale version, while costing substantially less and taking up a fraction of the space.
They utilise a tentlike structure that the user sits in, often with spaces to allow their head or arms to remain out of the sauna.
This makes them extremely convenient for those who don’t have much space, as they can be folded down and packed away after use, as well as for people who want to take it with them to use on the go.
Being able to have your head poking out also eliminates the suffocating feel that is the primary concern most people have with using a traditional sauna.
SereneLife Portable Infrared Sauna
The SereneLife Portable Infrared Sauna is an all in one portable infrared sauna, that uses a powerful 1050 watt heating system to penetrate deep into the user’s muscles with temperatures up to 140 Fahrenheit (60 Celsius).
Quick and easy to pick up and move or store whenever you need, it also comes with a built in timer, with settings ranging up to 60 minutes, and a comfortable, foldable sauna chair, to make it the epitome of convenience and relaxation.
It is even designed with zipped holes for your arms and head, to allow you to use a book, phone, tablet, or any number of other devices while inside it, to ensure that your entire session is as entertaining as it is therapeutic.
Measuring 27.6 (L) x 31.5 (W) x 37.8 (H) inches, it is, admittedly, one of the smaller portable saunas on the market, although not by much.
The recommended retail price of $206.75 also isn’t cheap, yet it is more than reasonable when looking at the best infrared saunas.
Have a mobile beauty spa or want to move your sauna dome from one room to another? Our infrared sauna is conveniently portable You can pick it up or pack it up when need.
Pros
- The infrared technology penetrates deeper into the muscles than other types of saunas
- The dry heat makes it a more comfortable experience for many
- Comes with an extremely comfortable and convenient folding sauna chair
- Quick and straightforward to set up and use
- Offers a number of therapeutic effects for the body
- The attached controller makes adjusting the heat or timer incredibly easy
Cons
- Some people find they are more comfortable when using saunas powered by steam
- Its size won’t be ideal for some of the larger users
User Reviews:
Portable Steam Saunas
Portable steam saunas use the same kind of tent structure seen in their infrared counterparts.
However, they operate in a way that more closely resembles traditional saunas, as they rely on heating water to raise the temperature of the air around the user.
They are perhaps the best home option for those seeking a portable tent alternative to a traditional sauna experience.
SereneLife Full Size Portable Steam Sauna
The SereneLife Full Size Portable Steam Sauna offers a similar experience to our previous option, only this time it is powered by steam instead of infrared light.
It’s radiating heat is a fabulous choice for those seeking to remove toxins from the body, induce weight loss, and relieve stress and fatigue.
A 1600 watt, high powered heating element enables it to reach a temperature of 122 Fahrenheit (50 Celsius) incredibly quickly, while being extremely power efficient. It also has a wired controller, making it easy to set or adjust the built in timer.
With measurements of 35. 4 (L) x35. 4 (W) x70. 9 (H) inches, the SereneLife Full Size Portable Steam Sauna is tall and narrow, providing plenty of room for users of all sizes to enjoy a relaxing experience, without it requiring too much room to set up and use.
Its easy access design makes it incredibly convenient to use, while being able to be quickly and easily set up and disassemble into a compact size again makes it ideal for both storing and transporting with you to use on the go.
A comfortable, easy to fold sauna chair is provided, allowing you to enjoy a completely relaxing experience, without detracting from the convenience of the product.
This is furthered by zippered holes for your hands, allowing you to use books and devices to provide entertainment as you sauna.
Its sleek black and midnight blue design is incredibly stylish, and allows it to complement your own décor, as opposed to detracting from it.
Its recommended retail price of $251.75 means it certainly isn’t a cheap option, yet doesn’t cost a fortune and is significantly more affordable than a full sauna.
Use this portable sauna steamer machine home sauna for weight loss, detoxing, and stress/fatigue relief. The heat that radiates from the sauna and soothes achy muscles, helps prevent fatigue, detoxes the system.
Pros
- A perfect product for those looking for an authentic, full body steam sauna experience
- Its tall design means its is spacious, without taking up too much space in your home
- Reaches its notably high temperature extremely fast
- Comes with its own comfortable, easy to fold sauna chair included
- Very quick and straightforward to assemble and disassemble for use, transport, or storage
Cons
- More expensive than some other options
- Its height will make it unsuitable for use in some rooms
User Reviews:
Sauna Blankets
Sauna blankets usually look less like a traditional blanket and more like a sleeping bag.
They have infrared heating elements on the inside, allowing them to heat the limited amount of space inside them substantially faster than larger alternatives, making them extremely efficient.
Their compact nature also allows them to be easily stored or transported, and they can be used while lying on a bed of sofa for maximum comfort.
HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket V3
The HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket V3 is one of the very best infrared sauna blankets on the market.
It has been carefully crafted to detoxify, relax, and rejuvenate the body, while also including a number of highly popular features that sets it apart from the competition.
The infrared heating mechanism reaches temperature incredibly quickly, and there are a range of 10 different heats the user can select, to ensure the experience is just right for them.
There is also a timer to ensure you don’t accidentally spend too long in it, as well as a controller which allows you to adjust the setting, without having to leave the blanket.
Its 71 square inch (180 centimetre) size and 65 inch (165 centimetre) interior circumference provides plenty of room for users of all sizes, while the colour choices of black and green or purple and red caters to various tastes and styles.
Priced at $632, the HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket V3 is still a reasonably expensive product, yet still saves you a great deal of money and space, when compared to the full size alternative.
A number of payment plan options starting as low as $40 per month, each with little to no interest, may help make it attainable for those on a budget.
Meanwhile, the 1 year warranty provides the kind of peace of mind you want when parting with such a large sum of money.
- Heat Zones: One heating zone
- Display: 1-8 level
- Control: White color handheld controller
- Crystals: Tourmaline and Amethyst + Charcoal layer
- Timer Settings: 1 hour
- Electrical Field: Low EMF
- Warranty: One-Year limited warranty.
- Size: 71 x 71 inches (180 x 180 cm), unfolded.
Pros
- Available on a number of different pricing plans, making it attainable for all
- Offers benefits including detoxification, rejuvenation, and relaxation
- Fully guaranteed with a 1 year warranty for peace of mind
- Comes in a choice of colours
- The handheld remote and sleep timer allows you to control the blanket from inside
- A choice of 10 different temperatures helps you to find the perfect level of heat
Cons
- Quite expensive
Heating Pads
Heating pads feature a similar design and use of infrared technology to what you will find in a sauna blanket.
The difference between the two is that, while sauna blankets heat your entire body, heating pads can be used to focus on specific spots.
Capable of either being laid on or placed directly onto designated parts of the body, they are ideal for anyone trying to heal certain injuries or deal with any problem areas.
HigherDose Infrared Heating Pad
HigherDose Infrared Heating Pads use both a built in heating system and infrared technology, to provide users with dual therapy experience that claims to offer similar benefits to hot yoga or meditation.
The 29 inch by 73 inch (73.5 by 185 centimetre) size, is large enough for people of almost all sizes to place their entire body on the pad, to experience full body benefits. Meanwhile, it is still able to be placed on individual areas, to target specific problems.
The $1199 price tag will undoubtedly be off putting for many, yet its compact design and dual technology still makes it an incredibly desirable item.
Payment plans starting at just $75 per month, with zero interest, as well as a comprehensive 1 year warranty will help to soften the blow though.
- Size: 73.5 x 185 cm (29" x 73")
- Weight: 19kg / 43lbs
- Power: Voltage USA 110V. Wattage 180
- PEMF Info: 4pcs PEMF Cores Implanted. 4 levels of Hz Frequency: 3Hz-23Hz.
- Heaters: 0.2-0.8 milligauss. (Global TOC criteria is 2 milligauss. Electrical field: Low EMF.)
Pros
- Can be used on either your entire body or specific problem areas
- Features highly effective infrared PEMF technology
- Offers greater coverage than most other available heating pads
- Available on a range of payment plans and includes a 1 year warranty
Cons
- Much more expensive than similar options
- Heat and time can’t be controlled and there isn’t a remote
- Warranty isn’t as comprehensive as some would like
How Do Infrared Saunas Compare With The Alternatives?
While a full sauna is said to be the best option for complete relaxation and gentle muscular therapy, its alternatives can be extremely beneficial in their own right.
The effectiveness of the other options to infrared saunas can vary, depending on the type of product and the results you hope to induce.
The options that provide full body coverage offer benefits that most closely resemble a traditional sauna, while many can even take the effects further, as the direct contact allows the heat to penetrate deeply into the muscles.
There are even benefits from the alternatives that can’t be achieved using traditional saunas, such as the ability to conveniently use the item wherever you are, the opportunity to target specific areas, and even the ability to breathe more easily or enjoy different forms of entertainment while using it.
The alternatives are usually priced anywhere between $200 and $1200, meaning that, even at the higher end of the price range, they are also significantly cheaper than full size options, while taking up much less space.
Are There Any Risks With Using An Infrared Sauna?
Most of the same risks you face when using traditional saunas apply to infrared saunas as well.
While relatively safe for most, the extreme heat generated can lead to issues such as dizziness, dehydration, and overheating, as well as more severe issues for certain groups of people.
Those who suffer from angina or have had a heart attack need to be particularly careful, as the alterations saunas cause to a user’s blood pressure can put them at significant risk.
Men hoping to conceive should also avoid saunas, as extreme heat can lower your sperm count.
Such high temperatures should also be avoided by anyone who is suffering from dehydration, or has recently consumed any alcohol or controlled narcotics, as it may cause complications.
To minimise the risks, it is recommended to ensure you stay well hydrated and drink lots of water before, during, and after using the sauna.
Is The HigherDose Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna Worth It?
The HigherDOSE Full Spectrum Sauna detoxifies the body, relaxes the mind, boosts your mood, promotes glowing skin, and ignites a healthy DOSE of your brain’s feel-good chemicals AKA Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins. After just one session you’ll feel blissed, buzzed, and beautiful – like you just spent a day in nature.
The HigherDose Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna is a fantastic product that is comfortably one of the best personal sauna options on the market.
Its use of infrared technology is perfect for healing and relaxing the body, while its stylish aesthetic allows it to take pride of place in your home.
Its large size and price will, understandably, put some people off, in which case those people may be better off checking out one of the smaller, cheaper, portable alternatives we have looked at above.
However, for anyone who is set on installing a full size sauna in their home, I would highly recommend considering the HigherDose Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna, as there is little you could want from such a product that you won’t get from this one.
Dr. Ahmed Zayed holds a bachelor’s degree in medicine from Alexandria university and is a practicing plastic surgeon. He’s our expert on all things nutrition, medicine, rehabilitation, and flexibility. Dr.Ahmed has been a medical content writer for more than 11 years and his work reached top publications such as the HuffingtonPost