Combination sauna: 2 types of sauna combined in one sauna!
In the past, you had to choose when buying a sauna cabin: either the popular Finnish version or an infrared cabin. In the meantime, the trend of combination saunas has also reached the sauna market and there are so-called combination saunas, which combine several sauna types in one sauna. With a combination sauna, you no longer have to make a decision, but can adjust the sauna cabin to your sauna wishes, depending on your mood.
Finnish dry sauna and infrared sauna – an overview of the operation of the two types of sauna
It is impossible to imagine a sauna landscape without a Finnish dry sauna, which is traditionally one of the most popular sauna versions. The dry sauna is heated to 176 to 212 °F and has a low humidity of about 10 percent. Typical for a sauna session in a Finnish dry sauna is the infusion. Here, cold or warm water mixed with aromatic oils or fragrances is poured over the sauna stones of the sauna heater.
The evaporation of the infusion increases the humidity in the sauna, the sweat on the skin evaporates more slowly and thus the body heats up even more. A pleasant side effect of aromatic infusions is the smell of the air in the dry sauna of, for example, mint, eucalyptus or citrus, which can have a positive effect on the respiratory system and increase the level of relaxation.
A milder variant is the infrared cabin
The temperatures in an infrared sauna, on the other hand, are much milder and thus gentler on the circulation, which is why this form of sauna is also very suitable for small children and senior citizens. Special infrared heaters emit their radiation directly into the sauna. As with an infrared lamp, the room is not heated, but only when the infrared rays hit the body, it warms up.
Over time, the body also begins to sweat, a pleasant warm feeling passes through the limbs and relieves tension. The advantage of an infrared sauna is that it does not have to heat up for some time before it can be used, as is the case with the Finnish dry sauna – so the sauna session does not have to be planned and can be done as the mood takes you.
The combination sauna – infrared sauna and Finnish dry sauna in one sauna cabin
In a combination sauna, both sauna options are combined. The combination sauna can be used either as a classic infrared cabin or just as a classic dry infusion sauna. Depending on your mood, you can of course use these two modes of operation one after the other, although the infusion sauna will still have to heat up first if you want to use it after an infrared session. However, the two options cannot be operated in parallel – either the sauna heater heats up the sauna cabin or you sauna under the infrared heaters.
For the installation of such a multifunctional sauna cabin, in addition to a suitable installation site, there must be an appropriate power connection. For most saunas, a standard household 230-volt outlet is sufficient for the power supply. Compared to a normal infrared cabin, however, combination saunas are somewhat larger, since in these also the sauna heater must find its place, which should be set up at a safe distance from the seating and lying area. In addition, the hot air in a dry sauna collects at the top of the ceiling and in the foot area it is cooler. Ideally, therefore, the dry sauna has two seating areas of different heights, so that you can change during the sauna session.
The trend goes in the direction of multi-function saunas
But not only combination saunas with an integrated dry sauna and an infrared sauna enjoy great popularity. There are more and more models that combine even more functions in one sauna cabin. Thus, anyone can create their own sauna landscape in their own four walls, even with little space.
Combination saunas with 3 different ways to use
There is an option to equip the combined sauna cabin with a bio sauna heater instead of a conventional sauna heater. This is equipped with a vaporizer, which makes it possible to increase the humidity in the sauna, thus transforming the dry sauna into a steam sauna. Thus, the multifunctional sauna can be used not only as a classic dry sauna and infrared cabin, but also as a steam bath.
Brine spa as the icing on the cake
In many large sauna landscapes, there is also a Sole Therme area, in which a salty steam provides for relaxation and well-being. The brine solution from the Dead Sea has a positive effect on the respiratory tract, making it more permeable and stimulating the immune system. This beneficial wellness factor can also be created at home in your own sauna.
Many sauna heaters, especially the bio sauna heaters, come with a special attachment that can be used to create the pleasant salt steam. If necessary, you can also upgrade your sauna heater accordingly, the attachments are also available separately. Thus, your combination sauna becomes a true multi-talent and you can enjoy not only the benefits of a dry sauna, but also the pleasant warmth of the infrared sauna, a steam bath and a brine spa.
Frequently asked questions
When should I not go to the combination sauna?
People suffering from kidney problems, acute infections, inflammation of the heart, heart failure or heart disease, and dizziness should avoid the combination sauna. It is not possible to give a detailed description of the clinical picture or the disease manifestation at this point. If you have a medical condition, consult your doctor to find out if sauna bathing in general is safe for you and what precautions you should take.
Is it allowed to go to the combined sauna during pregnancy?
As long as there are no immediate health problems, pregnant women can relax and enjoy the heat in the combination sauna without any problems. However, there are a few points to consider here as well. First, only those who have already regularly visited a sauna should take a sweat bath. If you have never sweated before pregnancy, you should not start now. If you have been going to sauna regularly before, you can do it again. However, the attending physician should be consulted beforehand.
Is the infrared cabin healthier than a traditional sauna?
When it comes to improving your health, you may have come across the statement that an infrared cabin, which heats the body with light, is healthier than a traditional sauna, which uses the radiant heat of a stove. However, this is a myth for which there is no evidence. Although infrared cabins and regular saunas have their advantages and disadvantages, the limited research suggests that both are beneficial to health.
Can an infrared cabin be retrofitted with a sauna heater?
A sauna heater can be adapted to an existing infrared cabin. However, some factors must be considered. The manufacturer of your infrared cabin has designed it as a pure IR sauna. The right sauna heater for your infrared cabin should match its size (volume). If the heater power is not enough or the infrared cabin is too big, the sauna will not be heated evenly and constantly. The sauna heater as a heat source becomes quite warm during operation itself.
For safety reasons (fire protection), the area for the retrofitted sauna heater must be large enough to have a sufficient distance from the typical wooden walls of the infrared cabin so that they do not suffer heat damage. Even though there is a possibility to convert a sauna heater into a combination sauna, you should never use both modes at the same time for safety reasons.
