Infrared sauna · 4 min read
Infrared sauna vs. traditional sauna: what's the difference?
Yayso Yoga · September 29, 2026
The main difference is how each one warms you. A traditional sauna heats the air, and the hot air heats you. An infrared sauna uses heater panels that warm your body more directly, so the room can stay cooler. Many people find infrared heat gentler to sit in.
Both can be relaxing ways to spend some quiet time in the warmth. Here is how they compare, and how to decide which suits you.
How does a traditional sauna work?
A traditional sauna, sometimes called a Finnish sauna, uses a stove or electric heater, often topped with stones, to heat the air in a wood-lined room.
The air gets very hot, and that heat transfers to your skin. In many traditional saunas you can pour water on the stones to create a burst of steam, which makes the room feel even hotter. Sessions tend to be shorter because the heat is intense.
How does an infrared sauna work?
An infrared sauna uses heater panels that give off infrared light, a form of radiant heat you feel as warmth rather than see. It is similar to the warmth you feel from the sun on your skin on a cool day, even when the air is mild.
Because the panels warm you more directly, the air in the cabin does not need to be as hot. Yayso Yoga’s infrared sauna runs between 100 and 150°F. Many people find they can sit comfortably for longer, and still leave warm and sweaty.
Infrared vs. traditional sauna at a glance
| Infrared sauna | Traditional sauna | |
|---|---|---|
| How it heats | Heater panels warm your body more directly | Stove or heater warms the air, which warms you |
| Air temperature | Lower (Yayso’s runs 100–150°F) | Higher, often well above 150°F |
| Feel | Gentle, even warmth | Intense, enveloping heat |
| Steam | Dry, no water on stones | Often includes steam from water on stones |
| Typical session | Often longer, at a gentler pace | Often shorter rounds |
| Good for | People who find very hot air hard to breathe or tolerate | People who love strong heat and steam |
Which one is better?
Neither is better for everyone. It comes down to what you enjoy and what your body tolerates.
If very hot, heavy air makes you feel short of breath or uncomfortable, many people find infrared a friendlier way to enjoy sauna time. If you love the blast of steam and short, intense rounds, you may prefer a traditional sauna.
Infrared saunas are often used for relaxation, quiet time and simply warming up. We will not promise more than that. Claims about detoxing or curing conditions are not something we make, and you should be cautious of anyone who does.
Is an infrared sauna safe?
For most healthy adults, sitting in a sauna for a reasonable time is generally considered low risk. But heat of any kind puts real demands on your body, so a few precautions matter.
- Hydrate. Drink water before and after your session. You will sweat.
- Listen to your body. If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, nauseous or unwell, step out, sit down and cool off.
- Skip alcohol. Do not drink alcohol before or during a sauna session.
- Ease in. You do not have to stay the full session, especially the first time.
Some people should check with their doctor before using any sauna, including infrared:
- Anyone who is pregnant. Health organizations generally advise avoiding saunas and hot tubs during pregnancy.
- People with heart conditions or low or high blood pressure.
- People who are heat sensitive, or who have conditions that affect sweating or temperature control.
- Anyone taking medications that affect heat tolerance, blood pressure or hydration.
- Anyone with another medical condition, or who is unsure.
How should I prepare for an infrared sauna session?
Keep it simple. Drink water in the hours before. Eat lightly rather than arriving straight from a big meal. Bring your own towel to sit on and to dry off with, and bring a water bottle.
Some people like to use the sauna after a yoga class, when their body already feels warm and loose. If that sounds appealing, read what to expect at your first aerial yoga class.
Book the infrared sauna at Yayso Yoga
Yayso Yoga in South Fort Myers, just off Alico Road, offers 50-minute infrared sauna sessions for $45, at temperatures between 100 and 150°F. Bring your own towel and plenty of water. Learn more about the infrared sauna, or call or text 239.560.4267 to ask about booking. For all class and session prices, see pricing.
Quick answers
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Is an infrared sauna hotter than a traditional sauna?
Usually not. Infrared saunas run at lower air temperatures. Yayso Yoga's infrared sauna runs between 100 and 150°F. Traditional saunas typically run hotter, because they rely on heating the air itself.
How long is an infrared sauna session at Yayso Yoga?
A session is 50 minutes and costs $45. Bring your own towel, and drink water before and after. You can step out early any time you feel too warm.
Who should avoid the infrared sauna?
Pregnant people are generally advised to avoid saunas. Anyone with heart conditions, blood pressure concerns, heat sensitivity, or another medical condition, or who takes medication that affects heat tolerance, should check with a doctor first.
