Spa

Let's talk about...

1. the difference between a sauna vs. steam room, and
2. which one is better
For detoxification, I'll point out why an infrared sauna might have an advantage over steam rooms and hot-air saunas.

Before you start reading, take the sauna vs steam room poll!
For starters...

Even though they’re both basically hot baths, a sauna uses dry heat and a steam room uses moist heat.

Saunas have very low humidity, which means they can be much hotter than steam rooms. They're usually between 80°C and 100°C, which is perfectly safe because they use dry heat.

A steam room is usually about 40°C. If the steam room was any hotter than that it could scald your skin!

That would probably ruin what should be a relaxing and pleasurable experience, you think?


Sauna vs. Steam Room Heat and Construction
Saunas and steam rooms are constructed with different materials because of their heating methods.

Traditional saunas are heated with stones placed on a heater - usually an electric or wood-burning heater. Steam is produced if you pour water over the stones. This raises the temperature in the sauna by several degrees, but the steam quickly dissipates.

Far infrared saunas use infrared heaters.

Steam rooms are heated with a steam generator. Steam is fed into an almost airtight room where it builds up to create a humidity level around 100%.

Saunas are usually made of wood and include wooden benches to sit on. (small portable "saunas" are an exception)

Steam rooms need to be designed to contain the moisture created by the steam. A material like ceramic tile is often used.

Also, steam rooms are built with a slanted ceiling most of the time to prevent the steam buildup from dripping onto the bathers.

Sauna vs. Steam Room Comparison - Which one is better?
This one is really a matter of personal preference, although some experts do favor one over the other.

(As you read you'll find a link to an article with views about this)

Sauna and steam baths both have therapeutic benefits.

They’re good for:




improving blood circulation
cleaning and rejuvenating the skin
easing muscle tension
promoting feelings of relaxation and well-being
enhancing detoxification processes
And my opinion? Simple... Taking saunas or steam baths is better than doing neither one at all.





What about you? Do you prefer taking saunas or steam baths?
Take a second to speak your mind!


Here are a few points about steam rooms...
1. Steam rooms feel hotter because your sweat doesn't evaporate and carry away heat.

I've heard people say that they sweat more in a steam room, but that's not true. It only seems that way because the sweat doesn't evaporate as it does in a sauna.

2. If you have respiratory problems like sinus congestion or asthma, you might prefer the moist heat of a steam bath. Steam inhalation is very effective against bronchitis, sinusitis and allergies.

3. A possible downside to a steam room is that it may be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria because of the warm, moist conditions. This isn't much of a concern if the steam room is properly cleaned and disinfected.

For a closer look at the benefits of a sauna vs. a steam room, you can read more about sauna benefits, then read about steam bathing benefits.




Here's some food for thought...

Steam rooms, hot-air saunas and hot tubs heat your body from the outside.

Infrared saunas emit far infrared rays which heat your body from the inside.

Many sauna researchers believe that this inside-out heating action provides additional benefits.



Sauna vs. Steam Room Maintenance
Both saunas and steam rooms are relatively easy to maintain.

A steam room can be washed with a ceramic tile cleaner, and the steam generator will require periodic draining.

The floor of a wood sauna should be cleaned once a week to once a month to prevent or reduce rotting. Oxiclean is good for removing bacteria and mold. The walls and ceiling don't need to be cleaned as often.