Infrared Sauna Buyers Guide Australia

What Is an Infrared Sauna?

An infrared sauna uses infrared light to directly heat the body rather than heating the surrounding air. Unlike traditional Finnish saunas that operate at 80–100°C, infrared saunas typically operate at 45–65°C — lower ambient temperatures that many users find more comfortable while still producing a deep sweat and physiological heat response. For the full scientific background on heat therapy, see our cornerstone guide: The Science of Sauna Therapy.

The term "infrared" refers to electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light (beyond 700nm) but shorter than microwave radiation. The infrared spectrum used in saunas spans three main bands: near-infrared (NIR, 0.8–1.4μm), mid-infrared (MIR, 1.4–3μm), and far-infrared (FIR, 3–1000μm). Each band interacts differently with biological tissue.

Infrared saunas have grown substantially in popularity in Australia over the past decade, driven by their ease of installation (most require only a standard 240V power point), lower running costs compared to traditional saunas, and an expanding body of clinical research.

How Infrared Saunas Work

When infrared radiation contacts the body, it is absorbed by the skin and underlying tissue rather than simply heating the surrounding air. This direct tissue heating effect raises core body temperature through a different mechanism than convective heat (heated air).

Far-infrared (FIR) radiation — which makes up the majority of output in most residential infrared saunas — is absorbed primarily in the first few millimetres of skin. Near-infrared (NIR) radiation penetrates deeper, reaching muscle and connective tissue. Full-spectrum infrared saunas combine all three bands to broaden the therapeutic range.

The physiological response to infrared exposure mirrors many of the responses to traditional sauna bathing: elevated core body temperature, cardiovascular stimulation (heart rate increases comparable to moderate aerobic exercise), peripheral vasodilation, and profuse sweating.

Types of Infrared Saunas

Far-Infrared (FIR) Only

The most common type in the Australian market. FIR saunas use ceramic, carbon panel, or carbon crystal emitters to produce far-infrared radiation. They are the most affordable category and have a well-established research base, particularly for cardiovascular applications (Waon therapy) and chronic fatigue management.

Full-Spectrum Infrared

Full-spectrum infrared saunas include NIR, MIR, and FIR emitters. NIR additions provide photobiomodulation effects similar to dedicated red light therapy panels — penetrating deeper into tissue and stimulating mitochondrial activity. Full-spectrum units are typically more expensive but offer a broader therapeutic range.

Near-Infrared (NIR) Sauna

A niche category, NIR-only saunas use tungsten or incandescent-style lamps to deliver concentrated near-infrared radiation. They operate at lower temperatures than FIR saunas and produce more localised rather than whole-body infrared exposure. Less common in the Australian residential market.

Evidence-Based Health Benefits

Cardiovascular Health

Waon therapy — a standardised far-infrared sauna protocol developed in Japan (typically 60°C for 15 minutes followed by 30 minutes of rest) — has the strongest clinical evidence for cardiovascular applications of any infrared sauna format. The multicenter randomised controlled WAON-CHF study reported improvements in heart failure symptoms, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and 6-minute walk distance in patients with chronic heart failure: PubMed 27001189.

A 2009 review by Beever in Canadian Family Physician examined the published evidence and reported that far-infrared sauna therapy was associated with benefits for congestive heart failure and several coronary risk factors, while noting the studies were generally small: PubMed 19602651.

Chronic Pain and Inflammatory Conditions

A pilot study by Oosterveld et al. in Clinical Rheumatology (2009) found that a four-week course of infrared sauna was well tolerated and produced short-term improvements in pain and stiffness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, with no disease exacerbation: PubMed 18685882. The authors described the long-term findings as a promising trend requiring larger studies.

Chronic Fatigue

Preliminary research has explored far-infrared "thermal therapy" for chronic fatigue syndrome, with early reports describing improvements in fatigue and related symptoms. This evidence is limited to small studies and case series rather than large randomised trials, so it should be interpreted cautiously: PubMed 17561703.

Skin Health

Near-infrared wavelengths (present in full-spectrum units) overlap with the mechanisms of red light therapy — photobiomodulation, which has been studied for collagen support, skin tone, and wound healing. The evidence specific to infrared saunas for skin outcomes is still limited. For the dedicated topic, see: Red Light Therapy Explained.

Recovery and Muscle Function

Heat therapy in the infrared range has been documented to support recovery from training, with mechanisms including increased blood flow and heat shock protein induction — similar to traditional sauna. See: Sauna for Recovery.

Detoxification: A Balanced View

Proponents frequently claim that infrared saunas produce "deeper" or more "toxin-laden" sweat than traditional saunas. The evidence for qualitatively different sweat composition in infrared versus traditional saunas is limited and contested in the peer-reviewed literature. Sweat in any sauna session is primarily water, sodium, chloride, and potassium, with only trace amounts of other elements. While sweating contributes modestly to the elimination of some compounds, the liver and kidneys remain the body's primary routes of elimination. Claims of dramatic "cellular detoxification" through infrared sauna are not well-supported by robust clinical evidence and should be evaluated critically.

How to Choose an Infrared Sauna

Key factors to evaluate when selecting an infrared sauna for the Australian market:

• Infrared spectrum: FIR-only for cardiovascular and pain applications; full-spectrum for broader goals including skin health and deeper tissue effects.
• Emitter technology: Carbon crystal and nano-carbon emitters generally provide more uniform heat distribution than ceramic emitters. Avoid cheap heating panels with uneven radiation patterns.
• EMF output: All electrical devices produce electromagnetic fields (EMF). Look for saunas with independently tested low-EMF output at the sitting distance.
• Wood type: Canadian cedar and hemlock are the most common materials. Both are appropriate for infrared sauna construction.
• Electrical requirements: Most Australian residential infrared saunas draw 2–4kW and operate on standard 240V single-phase power. Confirm compatibility with your electrical supply.
• Assembly and warranty: Quality infrared saunas should offer at minimum a 5-year structural warranty and 3-year heater warranty. Confirm whether assembly service is available in your location.

Infrared Emitter Types

Emitter Type	Heat Distribution	Durability	Cost
Ceramic rod	Uneven (hot spots)	Good	Lower
Carbon panel	Even	Very good	Moderate
Carbon crystal (nano)	Very even	Excellent	Higher
Full-spectrum (NIR+MIR+FIR)	Varies by design	Very good	Higher

Carbon crystal emitters (sometimes marketed as "nano-carbon" or "low EMF" panels) are generally considered the premium standard in the Australian market. They provide more uniform, low-level infrared output across a wider surface area, reducing hot spots and allowing longer, more comfortable sessions.

Size and Capacity

• 1–2 person infrared sauna: Internal dimensions typically 90cm × 90cm to 120cm × 110cm. Compact for apartments or small homes. Suitable for solo use or couples.
• 2–3 person: 140cm × 110cm to 170cm × 110cm. The most popular residential size.
• 3–4 person: 170cm × 130cm to 200cm × 160cm. Better suited to families or users who prefer to lie down during sessions.
• 4+ person / commercial: Custom or standardised large-format units. Typically require higher electrical supply (6kW+).

Installation Requirements

Infrared saunas have significantly simpler installation requirements than traditional saunas:

• Electrical: Most residential units (up to ~3.5kW) require only a standard 240V, 15A power point. Units above this may require a dedicated 20A circuit — check specifications before purchase.
• Ventilation: Infrared saunas do not produce steam and have lower ventilation requirements than traditional saunas. Adequate general room ventilation is sufficient.
• Floor: Infrared saunas typically sit on a rubber or felt mat. No drainage is required.
• Assembly: Most residential infrared saunas arrive in flat-pack format and can be assembled in 2–4 hours with basic tools. No structural modification to the building is required in most cases.
• Council approval: Most infrared sauna installations within an existing structure do not require council approval. Freestanding outdoor installations may require approval if above certain footprints — check local requirements.

Cost Guide: Infrared Saunas in Australia

• Entry-level 1–2 person (FIR, carbon panels): approx. AUD $1,800–$3,500
• Mid-range 2–3 person (FIR, carbon crystal, low EMF): approx. AUD $3,500–$6,500
• Premium 2–3 person (full-spectrum, nano-carbon, chromotherapy): approx. AUD $6,500–$12,000
• Premium 3–4 person (full-spectrum, medical-grade EMF, premium timber): approx. AUD $10,000–$20,000+

Running costs for a typical 2-person infrared sauna (around 2kW, 45-minute session) are modest — on the order of AUD $0.50–$0.90 per session at current Australian electricity tariffs. Always confirm current pricing and tariffs. See: Sauna Cost Guide Australia for a complete comparison of all sauna types.

Safety and Contraindications

Infrared saunas are safe for most healthy adults. Seek medical advice first if any of the following apply:

• Cardiovascular disease (consult your cardiologist)
• Implanted electronic devices (pacemakers, nerve stimulators)
• Pregnancy
• Active fever or infection
• Photosensitising medications
• Bleeding disorders such as haemophilia (heat-induced vasodilation)

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional if you have any pre-existing medical condition before beginning infrared sauna use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is infrared sauna as effective as traditional sauna?

Both produce significant physiological effects. Traditional saunas have a substantially larger long-term evidence base, particularly for cardiovascular and longevity outcomes — though it is worth being clear that this evidence comes largely from observational studies of traditional Finnish sauna bathing, which show sauna frequency is associated with lower cardiovascular and all-cause mortality and lower stroke risk, rather than from trials of infrared units (PubMed 25705824; PubMed 27932366; PubMed 30077204). Infrared saunas have their own notable evidence for chronic pain and certain cardiovascular applications (Waon therapy). See: Traditional Sauna vs Infrared Sauna.

What temperature should an infrared sauna be?

Most users begin at 45–50°C and progress to 55–65°C as tolerance develops. Unlike traditional saunas, infrared sessions at lower temperatures can still produce significant sweating and a cardiovascular response due to the direct tissue-heating mechanism.

How long should an infrared sauna session be?

Most clinical research uses sessions of 15–30 minutes. Given the lower ambient temperature, slightly longer sessions are feasible compared with traditional saunas. Start with 15 minutes and increase gradually.

Can you use a red light therapy panel in an infrared sauna?

Some full-spectrum infrared saunas include NIR panels that provide photobiomodulation effects. Dedicated red light therapy panels can also be used alongside sauna sessions. See: Red Light Therapy Explained.

References

The following peer-reviewed sources are cited above. Infrared-specific findings and traditional (Finnish) sauna findings are listed separately, because most long-term cardiovascular and mortality data come from observational studies of traditional sauna bathing and should not be read as proof of the same outcomes for infrared units.

Infrared sauna research

1. WAON-CHF Study investigators (2016). Waon Therapy for Managing Chronic Heart Failure: Results From a Multicenter Prospective Randomized WAON-CHF Study. Circulation Journal. Multicentre randomised controlled trial reporting improvements in NYHA class, BNP, and 6-minute walk distance. PMID: 27001189.
2. Beever R (2009). Far-infrared saunas for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors: summary of published evidence. Canadian Family Physician. PMID: 19602651.
3. Oosterveld FGJ, et al. (2009). Infrared sauna in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis: a pilot study showing good tolerability. Clinical Rheumatology. PMID: 18685882.
4. Masuda A, Munemoto T, Tei C (2007). A new treatment: thermal therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome. Nihon Rinsho. Preliminary study reporting improvements in fatigue and related symptoms (small study / case series). PMID: 17561703.

Traditional (Finnish) sauna research — observational, cited for the traditional-sauna evidence base

5. Laukkanen T, Khan H, Zaccardi F, Laukkanen JA (2015). Association Between Sauna Bathing and Fatal Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality Events. JAMA Internal Medicine. PMID: 25705824.
6. Kunutsor SK, Laukkanen T, Laukkanen JA (2017). Sauna bathing reduces the risk of stroke: KIHD prospective cohort study. PMID: 27932366.
7. Laukkanen JA, Laukkanen T, Kunutsor SK (2018). Cardiovascular and other health benefits of sauna bathing: a review of the evidence. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. PMID: 30077204.

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This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed electrician for electrical installation, and consult a healthcare professional before beginning infrared sauna therapy if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Elysian Solara sells infrared saunas, so this guide carries a commercial interest; product and pricing content is general and educational, and the health claims above are limited to what the cited peer-reviewed research supports.