Who should really care about the preference of infrared saunas over hot water saunas? Well, lots of people, including you, of course. In fact, everyone should be concerned. Here's why...
Hot air interferes with pulmonary function. That is, it makes the exchange of oxygen in the lungs more difficult. Consider how you feel when you walk outside on a very hot dry summer day (like in Texas, where I lived.) It feels like you are "out of breath." You almost want to gasp for air.
If the air in the sauna were to become saturated or foggy the air inside the lungs would also become saturated and this would interfere with the pulmonary exchange in the lungs. This would trigger a sense of exhaustion.
When the air (or atmosphere) is hot and dry, or steamy and humid, it will feel uncomfortable. That is why great effort is taken to ensure that the humidity and temperature in a sauna are at optimum levels - particularly more so with the hot water sauna.
Infrared saunas heat you first
Hot water saunas heat the air in the chamber. The air then transfers the heat energy to the skin. On the other hand, infrared saunas heat by radiating the heat energy from the infrared sauna heater to the skin. The heat energy actually comes to the skin directly.
Consider this the same way the sun heats the ground (earth) first before the air gets hot. Very little of the sun's heat warms the air first. Instead the ground heats the air directly above it.
So the "atmosphere" in an infrared sauna is better for your lungs. You breathe easier in an infrared sauna, the heat goes directly to the body while you relax in a more comfortable atmosphere.
Portable saunas that don't heat your head
There are portable saunas now that optionally does not heat your head. You just get into one of those things and have a seat. Then close the chamber, leaving your head out while you have your thermal therapy for a few minutes.
They have infrared heaters as well so it is quite comfortable inside.
Some people who are used to the traditional saunas say they prefer hot water saunas. It is a matter of nostalgic preference (maybe). But if you are bothered by the potentially clammy atmosphere of the wet sauna, or if you want to experience the deep soothing warmth of far infrared waves, then you won't bother with the less convenient hot water saunas.
Maybe the biggest "plus" to owning an infrared sauna is that you can easily set it up in your home. No water or pipe attachments, no heavy stones, etc.
The typical enhancements of music players and other gadgetry actually complement the relaxing atmosphere of the infrared sauna. It's truly a healthy experience that everyone should love to come home to everyday.
