Dry Sauna Vs Wet Sauna – Which One Is Right For You?

The crackling sound of heated stones or the gentle hiss of steam—what calls out to you? Here, we dive deep into an age-old dry sauna vs wet sauna debate.

With over a decade of wellness industry experience, my adventures through steamy cabins and sizzling rooms have shown me firsthand the transformative power these sanctuaries hold.

Each boasts its legion of loyalists touting health perks ranging from clearer skin to improved respiratory function. Unwrapping these benefits is key to deciding which one will be your personal oasis. Prepare yourself; by the journey’s end, you’ll uncover secrets tailored just for your well-being needs.

Ready to discover your perfect match?

Medical Disclaimer The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new health regimen, including the use of saunas. The author and publisher of this content are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any suggestions, preparations, or procedures described in this article.

What is a Dry Sauna?

Imagine you’re unwinding in a cozy wooden room filled with a warmth that hugs your body – but without all the steamy mist that fogs up your glasses.

Dry saunas have been helping people relax and stay healthy for thousands of years.

It uses an electric heater or a wood-burning stove to warm up rocks till they’re super hot. These rocks then heat the air all around you. The heat makes you sweat, which can feel good and be healthy for your body.

According to a mechanistic review published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), dry saunas (temperature = 80–90 °C; humidity = 10–20%) offer various health benefits such as markers of cardiovascular health and lipid profiles, as well as increasing overall longevity for chronic users.

The temperature in a dry sauna can be very high, ranging between 160 and 195 degrees Fahrenheit. In this type of sauna, there’s not much steam unless you pour water on the hot rocks placed on top of the heater- that’s why it’s called dry! Still, the humidity is in the range of 5-20%.

Related: Electric vs Wood-Burning Sauna Heater

What is a Wet Sauna?

What is a wet sauna? A wet sauna, often referred to as a steam room, uses steam to create a high-humidity environment with lower temperatures.

The temperature stays cooler than in dry saunas, around 90 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The humidity can reach close to 100% as there is minimal ventilation.

Picture yourself enveloped in a soothing mist that promises to open up more than just your pores – it’s like a tropical vacation for your health. It can be of 2 types:

1. Finnish sauna: It has the same setup as a dry sauna, but once you start pouring/throwing water on the hot rocks, it becomes a wet sauna. The more water you pour, the more steam it generates. This evaporating hot steam that rises from the hot stones is traditionally called ´löyly´ in Finland, and the Finns are in love with it!
   
2. Steam room: A water-filled generator pumps hot steam into an enclosed space, creating moisture in the air. The sauna gets  really warm but keeps the air super moist.

According to a study published in the NCBI, wet saunas (temperature = 70–100 °C; humidity ≥ 50%) are specifically designed to increase the thermal load of an individual, offering various health benefits such as improved cardiovascular health and relaxation.

Just sit back on the bench and let that warm mist work its magic on your body!

Dry Sauna vs Wet Sauna: Key Differences

When it comes to the tropics of your own personal sweat session, understanding the key differences between dry and wet saunas – like their unique heating methods and atmospheric vibes – is crucial; you’ll be amazed at how these distinctions play in choosing your ultimate relaxation retreat.

(Don’t stop here; keep on reading to unravel the steamy details!).

1. Method of Heating

Dry saunas crank up the heat by warming the air around you. They use  an electric heater or wood-burning stove to get the temperature soaring hot.

If you are looking to buy a sauna heater but confused about which one to buy, explore our picks for the top 7 electric sauna heaters and top 5 wood-burning sauna heaters this year.

Wet saunas, also known as steam rooms, give off moist heat with water thrown over hot rocks or through steam generators. The air stays cooler than in a dry sauna.

Ready for more? Let’s dive into how each type handles temperature and humidity.

2. Temperature and Humidity

Hot and steamy or dry and toasty? That’s the choice you’re making between wet and dry saunas.

Wet saunas keep things cool—well, cooler than dry ones—with temperatures around 90-120 degrees Fahrenheit. But don’t let that fool you; it feels like a tropical rainforest in there because of all the moisture hanging in the air, with humidity reaching close to 100%.

Dry saunas crank up the heat to between 160 and 195 degrees Fahrenheit. The air is much drier, so while it’s hotter, you might not feel as sweaty at first. The humidity stays between 5-20%. It’s like being wrapped in a warm towel that keeps getting warmer—the kind of heat that sinks into your bones.

Whether you’re itching for intense heat or craving humidity will guide your sauna choice just right!

3. Health Benefits: How Dry and Wet Saunas Stack Up

Let’s look at what each type of sauna brings to your wellness journey:

Heart Health & Blood Flow

Dry Sauna cranks up your heart rate and gets your blood pumping like a good workout. The intense heat makes your heart work harder, strengthening it over time.

Wet Sauna creates gentle pressure on your blood vessels, helping them open up wide. This makes blood flow smoother without pushing your heart as hard.

Breathing & Respiratory System

Dry Sauna opens up airways with pure heat, great for folks with mild asthma who don’t mind dry air.

Wet Sauna soothes irritated airways with warm moisture. Perfect if you’re stuffed up or dealing with allergies. The steam helps loosen things up naturally.

Muscles & Joints

Dry Sauna sinks deep heat into sore spots, melting away tension. Works wonders after tough workouts.

Wet Sauna wraps your muscles in warm moisture, making them softer and more flexible. Great for everyday aches and stiffness.

Skin Care

Dry Sauna makes you sweat buckets, pushing out toxins and cleaning your pores from the inside out.

Wet Sauna plumps up skin cells with moisture while you sweat. Your skin drinks up the steam like a natural face mask.

Mental Wellness

Dry Sauna creates a cozy, quiet space for your mind to unwind. The intense heat pulls your focus to your breath.

Wet Sauna surrounds you in a cloud of calm. The gentle hiss of steam helps quiet racing thoughts.

Remember: Your body knows best – listen to how it responds to each type of heat.

4. Installation & Running Costs

Looking to add a sauna to your home? Let’s talk money – both for getting it set up and keeping it running.

Setting Up Your Sauna

Dry Sauna Setup: Your wallet needs to be ready for $2,500 to $10,000, with most folks spending around $4,500. The heater alone? That’s another $700 to $3,800, depending on how fancy you want to get.

Wet Sauna Setup: Steam lovers, you’re looking at similar numbers – $3,000 to $10,000 for installation. But here’s the kicker: steam generators cost a bit more than dry sauna heaters, running $800 to $4,600.

Running Costs

Dry Sauna Running Costs: Fire up your dry sauna daily for a year? You’re looking at $300 to $600 in power bills. A typical 6 kW heater used for an hour each day adds about $261 to your yearly electric bill.

Wet Sauna Running Costs: Steam needs more juice to keep flowing. While basic costs match dry saunas at $300 to $600 yearly, heavy users might see higher bills since making all that steam takes extra power.

👉Pro Tip: Your actual costs depend on local power rates and how often you use your sauna. The more you sweat, the more you spend!

5. Usage Guidelines

Session Duration

Dry Sauna Sessions: Your first trip to the dry sauna? Start with 5-10 minutes tops. Once you’re a regular, you can stretch it to 15-20 minutes. The high heat (160°F-200°F) means taking it slow is smart.

Wet Sauna Sessions: Steam room newbie? Stick to 5-10 minutes. Seasoned steamer? Go for 10-20 minutes max. That steamy air might feel gentler, but time limits still matter!

Who Should Avoid

Dry Sauna No-Gos: Heart troubles? Blood pressure acting up? Chat with your doc first. The intense heat puts extra work on your heart.

Wet Sauna Watch-Outs: Got breathing issues? Steam might not be your friend. But if your skin loves moisture, wet saunas could be perfect.

General Warning Signs

• Expecting a baby? Take a rain check
• Fighting a fever? Wait till you’re better
• Got kids? Keep their sessions under 10 minutes
• Managing a health condition? Doctor’s okay needed

Common Safety Guidelines

• Gulp down plenty of water before and after – aim for 2-4 glasses post-sweat
• Skip the sauna if you’ve had drinks or meds
• Step out right away if you feel dizzy or weird
• Keep the door easy to open (no locking yourself in!)

Dry Sauna Vs Wet Sauna: Which is Right for You?

Choosing between a dry sauna and a wet sauna is kinda like picking your favorite ice cream flavor—it’s a personal thing, you know? So let’s wade through the steamy details together to figure out which one will have you chillin’—or should I say, sweatin’—in blissful contentment.

Personal Preference

Picking between a dry and wet sauna is all about what you like. It’s your choice, and it should make you feel good.

• Think about how you feel with dry heat versus humid air. A dry sauna has low humidity and focuses on just the heat. If stuffy air bothers you, the crispness of a dry sauna might be better.
• Now, if breathing in moist, warm air feels nice, especially for your skin and lungs, a wet sauna could be your friend. The steam can help if you’re feeling congested or have some muscle pain.
• Are scents something you enjoy? Add essential oils in a wet sauna to create an aromatherapy session. This isn’t an option in most dry saunas.
• Let’s talk quiet time. A traditional sauna (dry) is often quieter, which can be great for relaxing deeply or even meditating.

Health Goals/Considerations

Saunas are great for relaxing and may help your health. But before you dive in, think about how they might affect your body.

• Respiratory Issues: If you have asthma or other breathing problems, a wet sauna might help clear your respiratory tracts. The steam of the sauna can ease a sore throat and nasal congestion.
• Skin Conditions: Some people find that dry saunas are better for their skin. You sweat a lot, which helps clean out your pores.
• Heart Health: Studies have shown that dry saunas improve cardiovascular health. This can be good for some folks, but not if you have high blood pressure or heart disease. Always talk to your doctor first.

Practicality and Maintenance

Dry saunas are a win for easy upkeep. They aren’t as likely to grow mold or mildew because they have less moisture. This means you can enjoy the heat without worrying too much about cleaning all the time.

Just make sure you give it a quick wipe down after use and check the wood for any signs of wear.

On the flip side, wet saunas need more love to stay fresh. The steamy air feels great but can invite unwanted guests like mold if you’re not careful. You’ll have to dry them out well and clean them more often to keep them nice and tidy.

For sauna lovers who don’t mind a bit of extra work, that misty warmth could be worth it! Just remember, whatever you choose, taking care of your sauna means more time relaxing in it later on.

Conclusion

So, you’re wondering which sauna is best for you, dry or wet?

• Think about what you want from a sauna. Do you need help with achy muscles, or do you have trouble breathing sometimes?
• Maybe the heat of a dry sauna will relax your body, while the steam in a wet one helps your lungs.
• Next, imagine yourself inside each type of sauna. Can you handle the dry heat, or does the thought of steamy warmth make you feel better? The right choice can give your heart and mind a boost, too!
• Don’t forget how much work it takes to keep each one clean. Dry saunas usually need less care than wet ones.
• Now, ask yourself how often I will use this sauna. Every day? Once in a while?

Remember these points when making up your mind. Your perfect sauna should make life happier and healthier!

FAQs about Dry Sauna vs Wet Sauna

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