From ancient Roman baths to modern wellness centres, the use of heat for relaxation and wellbeing has endured through the ages. Today, saunas and steam rooms are among the most popular forms of heat therapy, each offering distinct experiences and health benefits.
The dry heat of saunas helps to relax muscles, improve circulation, and promote detoxification through sweating. In contrast, the high humidity of steam rooms aids breathing, boosts skin health, and provides a more comfortable environment for relaxation.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your home wellness routine or considering a heat therapy suite for commercial use, understanding the differences and benefits of each can help you make a more informed decision that suits your needs or adds real value to your business.
Understanding saunas and steam rooms
Definition and basic concept
Saunas and steam rooms offer therapeutic heat treatments yet provide distinctly different experiences in terms of heat type, temperature, and humidity. While saunas envelop you in dry heat, reaching higher temperatures but maintaining lower humidity levels, steam rooms immerse you in moist heat, with lower temperatures but significantly higher humidity. Even though they have contrasting sensory characteristics, both options offer ideal conditions for relaxation, detoxification, and overall well-being.
History and background
The concept of the sauna originated in Finland over 2,000 years ago and remains deeply embedded in their way of life, symbolising a place for physical and spiritual cleansing. Today, saunas are a global phenomenon, appreciated for their health benefits and relaxation properties.
Likewise, steam baths date back to ancient Roman and Turkish cultures. The Roman thermae and Turkish hammams were not only places for bathing but also social hubs where people gathered to relax and debate. These steam baths were integral to daily life and are still popular in many cultures today.
What is a sauna?
A sauna is a small room or building designed for dry heat sessions. Traditional saunas use a stove to heat the air, while modern versions might use infrared heaters. The temperature range is typically between 70°C to 100°C (158°F to 212°F), with low humidity levels, usually between 5% and 30%.
What is a steam room?
Steam rooms offer a moist heat environment, heated by a steam generator that boils water to produce steam, creating a humidity level of 100%. The temperature in a steam room is generally lower than in a sauna, ranging from 40°C to 50°C (104°F to 122°F).
Installation and set-up: Residential
- Space requirements
For residential installations, saunas and steam rooms require a dedicated space depending on the unit’s size and to ensure proper ventilation. Indoor saunas can be installed as standalone units within existing lounge space, for example, or in spare rooms, basements, or bathrooms, while outdoor saunas need a stable, weather-resistant foundation.
- Installation process
Installing a sauna or steam room involves several steps, including selecting the appropriate location, preparing the site, and ensuring proper electrical connections and waterproofing. With steam rooms, the steam generator needs to be connected to a water supply and electrical system, and the room must be sealed to contain the steam.
- Maintenance considerations
Saunas require regular cleaning and occasional maintenance of the heater and wood surfaces. Steam rooms need more frequent cleaning to prevent mould and mildew due to the high humidity. Both options should be inspected regularly to maintain safety and functionality.
Installation and set-up: Commercial
- Space and infrastructure requirements
Commercial saunas and steam rooms need more space and robust infrastructure to accommodate multiple users. They often require reinforced flooring, proper ventilation, and high-capacity heaters or steam generators.
- Installation process
The installation process for commercial units is more complex and costly. Professional installation is essential to meet safety standards and ensure durability.
- Maintenance and operational considerations
Commercial saunas and steam rooms require rigorous maintenance schedules to maintain hygiene and functionality. Regular cleaning, equipment checks, and adherence to health regulations are crucial to provide a safe and pleasant experience for users.
Benefit of heat therapy rooms
Health benefits
Saunas: Regular saunas offer numerous health benefits, particularly for cardiovascular health. The dry heat increases the heart rate and enhances blood circulation, promoting overall cardiovascular function. Additionally, the intense heat induces sweating, which aids with detoxification by flushing out toxins from the body. Saunas are also effective in relieving muscle tension and joint pain, making them beneficial for individuals with arthritis or muscle soreness. Beyond physical benefits, the relaxing environment of a sauna helps reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, and boost overall mental wellbeing.
Steam rooms: The high humidity soothes sore muscles and joints, offering relief from stiffness and pain. Steam rooms also promote sweating, which cleanses the skin by opening pores and removing impurities, thereby improving skin health. The moist heat makes breathing easier and therefore provides relief for respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and allergies. Additionally, the calming atmosphere of a steam room helps reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance mental wellness.
Practical benefits
Saunas: Designed with advanced technology, contemporary saunas are highly energy-efficient, which helps reduce operational costs, making them an economical choice for both residential and commercial settings.
Newer designs are more user-friendly, featuring simple controls that allow users to easily adjust temperature and settings to their preference. Low maintenance requirements further enhance their practicality, as regular cleaning and occasional inspections are typically sufficient to keep them in optimal condition.
Steam rooms: The controlled humidity in steam rooms ensures a comfortable environment, which is particularly beneficial for respiratory health and skin hydration. This consistent humidity enhances the overall user experience, making steam rooms a popular choice in both home and commercial wellness settings.
Steam rooms are also versatile and can be used for various therapies, including aromatherapy and chromotherapy. These additional therapeutic options allow users to customise their steam room experience, addressing specific health needs and preferences, and making steam rooms a valuable addition to any wellness routine.
Other considerations
Saunas: While saunas offer numerous health benefits, it’s important to be aware of potential health risks, such as overheating and dehydration, if used improperly. Users should stay hydrated and limit their time in the sauna to avoid these risks.
When considering the installation of a sauna, it’s crucial to evaluate the available space and budget. Saunas require a dedicated area with proper ventilation, and installation costs can vary widely depending on the type and size of the unit. Planning for these factors ensures a safe and enjoyable sauna experience.
Steam rooms: With high humidity levels, steam rooms require diligent maintenance to prevent bacterial growth, which can be a significant issue if not properly managed. Regular cleaning and ensuring adequate ventilation are essential to maintain a healthy environment.
High humidity can also impact the surrounding environment, potentially causing damage if the steam room is not well-ventilated.
