How an Infrared Sauna Gave Me My Life Back

A Message from Radiant Health’s Founder

Over the years, I’ve been asked by doctors, healthcare practitioners, and individuals to create a detailed infrared sauna review checklist. This resource is intended to help others identify the key features and considerations to look for when choosing a high-quality far infrared sauna. Drawing from over 25 years of experience in infrared sauna manufacturing and extensive research into sauna design and safety, I’ve compiled the information below. I’m deeply grateful to those who provided feedback and encouragement to bring this checklist to life.

I’ve grown increasingly concerned about some of the information shared online about infrared saunas. It’s vital to distinguish between facts supported by legitimate research and unsubstantiated opinions that spread across websites, blogs, and social media without proper verification. Even if you don’t choose to purchase an infrared sauna from our company, my hope is that this checklist will empower you to ask informed questions and select a sauna that supports your overall wellness experience. Most importantly, it’s essential to ensure that your sauna is designed and built responsibly.

How an Infrared Sauna Became Part of My Wellness Journey

Years ago, during my time as a firefighter in British Columbia, I went through a period where my health and energy were significantly impacted, limiting my ability to stay active and work. During that time, I explored many ways to support my overall well-being. Far infrared sauna use became part of my personal routine, offering a space for warmth, rest, and relaxation during a demanding chapter of my life.

That experience sparked a long-term interest in far infrared sauna technology and how it can be designed safely and responsibly for everyday use. Over time, this interest grew into a company focused on building far infrared saunas for healthcare practitioners, commercial environments, and individuals for home use. For more than 25 years, we’ve been proud to provide far infrared saunas to customers across Canada and the United States.

By sharing this information, my goal is to help others make informed decisions when considering infrared sauna use as part of a personal wellness routine.

Important Points to Consider When Buying or Using an Infrared Sauna

1. Near Infrared Saunas and Far Infrared Saunas. How Are They Different?

After extensive research into both near infrared and far infrared technologies, I found that the majority of published studies examining infrared sauna use reference far infrared heat. I was unable to locate published research involving near infrared heaters or lights used as the primary heat source within saunas.

There is, however, substantial research on near infrared and red light wavelengths. These studies focus on LED lights or lasers operating within a narrow frequency range of 630–940 nanometers (nm), typically applied directly to the skin or positioned very close to it. This is explained by the Inverse Square Law, which shows that light intensity decreases rapidly as distance from the source increases.

In simple terms, the farther you are from a light source, the weaker its intensity becomes. This is why red and near-infrared LED devices are designed for close-range use.

Far Infrared (FIR)

The human body naturally emits infrared radiation, including far infrared wavelengths in the approximate range of 6 to 20 microns. Far infrared wavelengths are commonly referenced in research related to infrared sauna use. LED lights, red lights, and Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) operate at different frequencies and rely on different technologies.

Frequency Range

• Far infrared: 3–1000 microns (commonly referenced range: 6–20 microns)
• Near infrared: 0.7–1.4 microns (700–1400 nm)
• Red light: 0.63–0.7 microns (630–700 nm)
  
  

A far infrared sauna differs from a traditional sauna in how heat is experienced. Far infrared saunas are designed to provide steady, full-body warmth at lower ambient air temperatures, typically 45–65°C (115–150°F), compared to traditional saunas that often operate at 80–95°C (180–200°F).

This allows many people to remain comfortable while enjoying longer, more consistent heat sessions.

2. Why Is It Important to Consider EMF and EF Levels in Infrared Saunas?

Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) and Electric Fields (EF) are produced by many everyday sources, including household wiring and common appliances.

Based on years of collaboration with engineers and healthcare practitioners, we believe EMF and EF levels should be carefully measured and managed as part of responsible sauna design, particularly since sauna users sit close to heaters and electrical components for extended periods.

EMF Measurement

• EMF is measured in milligauss (mG)
• Levels decrease with distance
• Sauna users sit close to heaters, making testing critical
• TCO standards recommend ≤2 mG at the point of body contact
  
  

Infrared Sauna Safety: Others Fall Short

Many infrared saunas marketed as “low EMF” test only individual heaters in isolation. This approach does not account for wiring, control panels, and electrical connections that can also contribute to EMF exposure.

At Radiant Health Saunas, we test the entire sauna, measuring over 25 points throughout the unit. Our saunas average approximately 0.65 mG at the point of body contact, reflecting a comprehensive, whole-system approach to testing.

3. Why Is It Important to Choose a Sauna with VOC Testing?

The sauna environment should be as clean and pure as possible. Some manufacturers use materials such as plywood or engineered composites that may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde.

Because heat can increase off-gassing, the entire sauna—not just individual components—should undergo independent VOC testing. Radiant Health Saunas are tested by government-certified laboratories and consistently show zero VOC emissions.

4. Understanding the Differences Between Carbon Heaters and Ceramic Heaters

Earlier ceramic heater designs often resulted in uneven heat distribution. Based on feedback from practitioners and customers, we transitioned to carbon heaters using advanced Japanese technology.

Carbon heaters provide a larger surface area and more even heat distribution, contributing to a more consistent and comfortable sauna experience.