Background. Passive heat therapies have been reported to have similar effects on the cardiovascular system as exercise. Studies supporting these findings in healthy populations have predominantly been done with men using warm water immersions or traditional saunas, rather than newer infrared-based saunas. Warmup time. Whereas traditional saunas tend to take a while to heat up and even infrared saunas take upwards of 15 minutes, sauna blankets tend to take less than five minutes to get warmed up and ready. They don’t have to heat up any air around you or waste time and electricity radiating energy into space. A traditional sauna uses a heat source such as hot coals that are electrically heated. The heat source heats the air in the cabin, which in turn heats your body. One of the biggest differences between an infrared sauna and a traditional sauna is the level of heat intensity. Traditional sauna. In a traditional sauna, perspiration is achieved when you enter the room. Most traditional sauna users pour water over the rocks to create steam to raise humidity levels in the sauna. This makes the room more comfortable and also moistens the nasal passages. This helps in preparing the body for the hot tub. Infrared sauna There are IR 'saunas', traditional saunas with rocks where you can splash the rocks with water, and steamrooms sometimes called steam sauna. IR much lower heat and dry. Traditional saunas much hotter, and steamrooms much lower heat but high humidity. Go try the difference at health clubs before splashing out. cgm55082. Best Sauna Heater for Steam Saunas: Aleko Coasts Sauna Steam Generator. Best Dry Sauna Heater: Aleko Toule Sauna Heater. Best Floor Standing Sauna Heater: Harvia Cilindro Wi-Fi Sauna Heater. Best 5. Use of Infrared Light: Infrared Sauna: Utilizes far-infrared light, which has longer wavelengths capable of penetrating the skin and tissues, generating heat within the body. Traditional Sauna: Does not use infrared light; instead, it relies on conventional heating methods like stoves or heaters. 6. Sauna Experience: Infrared vs Traditional Saunas: How they work For centuries, saunas have been used as steam baths for health, purification, relaxation, and to help treat or prevent various health issues. According to research, sauna treatments can improve mood and pain, reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's and heart disease, and even increase longevity. bqUIE.