It's about convenience. It's about cost. It's about health. Maybe you don't even know what a 'hot steam sauna' or a 'personal portable infrared sauna' are: you just refer to it as 'the sauna'. This is about to change - there are major differences between the two, and knowing these things can help you make an informed decision about which one you should acquire.

What is a personal portable infrared sauna?

A personal portable infrared sauna is a lightweight appliance that can be taken with you almost wherever you go. These tranquility producing objects can help improve your overall mental and physical state. Some people call it paradise, some people call it sunshine in a box; others call it a healthy dose of vitamin enriched rest; and in a way it's all of the above and more. A personal portable infrared sauna can create an atmosphere of immeasurable bliss with numerous healthy side effects.

It's more than likely you've visited a sauna before; like the ones offered near your gym or near a swimming pool. They seem to be convenient, at least in part. They're there, you're there - it works out well, for the time being anyway. But what about when you get home? Sure, you can buy one of these massive, non-portable monsters for your own use; but what about when you're on the road staying in a hotel? What about when you're staying with family over the Holidays? It's not likely that you're going to make a trip to the gym just to get that rejuvenating feeling you experience in the sauna. The conventional hot steam sauna is not portable, in fact, very far from it. On the other hand, a personal portable infrared sauna can be packed up and thrown in the back seat of your car in two minutes flat. How's that for convenience?

Regarding cost: A conventional hot steam sauna can easily set you back $1,000, and that's just what it's going to cost you to get it into your home. Factor in 2 to 3 days in setup and the cost for running electricity and plumbing. . . on a monthly basis, that will get expensive very quickly. These bare bones $1,000 conventional saunas have very little to offer except for the fact that it's a sauna, and it is located at your residence. Just don't plan on moving anytime soon - these beasts are a lot harder to move than they were to install in the first place. Now, if you look at a personal portable infrared sauna, these are a completely different story. These models start out at around 10 pounds, and even with shipping you can get a simple, yet effective, personal infrared sauna delivered to your door for under $300, easily. Some models you can pick up for under $200. On top of that, "installation" is a breeze! Plug it in, jump in & you're all set for your low cost portable infrared sauna session.

Undoubtedly you've used one of these conventional hot steam saunas before. While the feeling after may be relaxing, some of us have a hard time with the extreme heat that is felt during the sauna session itself. In fact, this extremely hot air can be dangerous to certain individuals as the temperature of a typical hot steam sauna is anywhere from 170°F to 220°F. To some the heat is tolerable, but the air itself can almost suffocate you. On the other side of the spectrum we have personal infrared saunas: they do not need to heat the air around you in order for you to receive the benefits that these saunas produce. These efficient models typically operate between the temperatures of 100°F and 130°F, a much lower, and much more tolerable temperature range for most individuals, thus a healthier choice for most.

Is there a clear cut winner? Of course. Unless you have the money, plan on living in your current location for the rest of your life, and do relatively little traveling: the choice is obvious.