Infrared saunas are celebrated for their incredible health benefits, such as detoxification, relaxation, and improved recovery. However, "full spectrum" saunas, marketed as encompassing Near Infrared (NIR), Mid Infrared (MIR), and Far Infrared (FIR), are often misrepresented in terms of their effectiveness. In reality, they dilute the core benefits of sauna therapy by diverting focus away from the only wavelength scientifically proven to deliver results: Far Infrared (FIR).
Quality full-spectrum saunas can still offer solid benefits, however, they are not the most effective option for sauna therapy. In many cases, you may end up paying more without receiving the promised added value.
At NUVIE, we take a different approach. By focusing exclusively on FIR technology—backed by over 40 years of research—we provide a sauna experience designed to deliver real, validated results. Here’s why FIR stands out and why we don’t include NIR or MIR in our saunas.
Infrared 101: What You Need to Know
Infrared light consists of three main wavelengths, each interacting with the body differently:
1. Far Infrared (FIR) - The Core of Infrared Sauna Therapy
- Proven Benefits - FIR is the most validated wavelength for sauna therapy, with over 40 years of research backing its safety and effectiveness.
- How It Works - FIR penetrates 1–4mm into the skin and is absorbed by the body’s water content, raising core temperature and inducing a deep, detoxifying sweat.
- Why It’s Ideal - FIR generates consistent heat, promotes relaxation, and supports cardiovascular health without requiring extremely high temperatures.
2. Mid Infrared (MIR) - Redundant and Overlapping
- Limited Evidence - MIR, which spans wavelengths between 1.4–3 microns, is poorly studied and adds minimal benefits beyond what FIR already provides.
- Overlap with FIR - Most of MIR’s effects—if any—are already encompassed by FIR, making its inclusion redundant in a sauna setting.
3. Near Infrared (NIR) - Better for Light Therapy, Not Saunas
- Photobiomodulation (RLT) - NIR is better suited for targeted red light therapy (RLT) using medical-grade LED panels. It aids in cellular repair, mitochondrial function, and skin regeneration but does not contribute to sauna therapy.
- Why NIR Falls Short in Saunas - NIR generates minimal heat and must be delivered within 6–12 inches of the skin for therapeutic benefits. In saunas, sweat, grills, and heat reduce its effectiveness.
Why We Don’t Include Near Infrared or Mid Infrared in Our Saunas
1. Challenges of Near Infrared (NIR)
- Proximity and Positioning - For NIR therapy to be effective, light must be delivered at precise wavelengths (600–900nm) and positioned within 6–12 inches of the skin. Saunas are not designed for this level of precision.
- Interference from Sweat - During a sauna session, sweat refracts and scatters NIR light, reducing its ability to penetrate tissue and deliver therapeutic effects.
- Heat Reduces Effectiveness - NIR works best at normal body temperatures. The elevated heat inside a sauna diminishes the skin’s receptivity to NIR, making it less effective.
- Non-Medical-Grade NIR Emitters in Saunas - Most full-spectrum saunas (~90-95%) use halogen bulbs or quartz heaters for NIR, which:
- Operate at high temperatures, making close positioning unsafe.
- Emit a broad range of wavelengths rather than the targeted range required for photobiomodulation.
- Lack the precision and safety of medical-grade LED panels.
Better Alternative - For those seeking NIR’s benefits, we recommend standalone medical-grade LED panels for targeted red light therapy. These provide precise wavelengths, can be positioned close to the skin, and work best in a cool environment.
2. The Redundancy of Mid Infrared (MIR)
Far Infrared wavelengths already overlaps much of the MIR range and effectively delivers its heating and detoxification benefits, so MIR offers no distinct advantages beyond what FIR already provides. There is also a lack of scientific studies on the wavelength range.
3. Energy and Space Misallocation
Including NIR and MIR in infrared saunas diverts energy and space from FIR, the wavelength scientifically proven to deliver core sauna benefits like detoxification, heat therapy, and raising core body temperature. Allocating resources to wavelengths with limited or no proven effectiveness in sauna applications reduces the overall efficiency and therapeutic potential.
4. Saunas Should Focus on Heat, Not Light Therapy
- The Core Purpose of a Sauna - Saunas are designed to generate heat, raising core body temperature to promote sweating, detoxification and subsequent relaxation. FIR excels at this.
- Light Therapy Has Different Requirements - NIR and red light therapy require controlled, non-heated environments and close proximity for effective delivery. Combining these therapies in a sauna often compromises both.
Attempting to combine these distinct therapies into a single sauna often compromises both.
5. Ensuring Energy Efficiency and Safety
- FIR Delivers Proven Results - With over 40 years of research, FIR saunas are safe, efficient and effective.
- Minimising EMF Exposure - Adding NIR and MIR emitters increases EMF levels. FIR saunas, like those at NUVIE, are designed to minimise EMF emissions to below the safe / neglible levels.
Our Approach: Simplified, Science-Backed Wellness
At NUVIE, we believe in keeping things simple yet effective. By focusing exclusively on Far Infrared (FIR) technology, we provide:
- Deep, detoxifying heat for maximum health benefits.
- A comfortable, consistent sauna experience.
- Scientifically validated results without unnecessary complexity and cost.
For those interested in NIR or red light therapy, we recommend pairing your FIR sauna sessions with a dedicated medical-grade LED panel that should be used outside of the sauna and targeted closely to the area of your body you want to treat. This ensures you receive the full benefits of both therapies without compromise.
References:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3699878/ - This study backs the finding that FIR is the only infrared wavelength scientifically validated for sauna therapy. It also supports the exclusion of MIR and NIR to maximise the efficacy of FIR saunas.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3288797/ - Effective photobiomodulation requires specific wavelengths (600–900nm) delivered with controlled intensity and proximity.
