Sauna vs Steam Room – Pros, Cons, Comparisons and Costs

In terms of wellness and relaxation sauna and steam room are two of the most popular choices. Although both provide the same benefits, they differ in a few ways. This article will discuss the pros and cons of both, as well as the comparisons and prices of steam rooms and saunas to help you select the most suitable option for your needs.

Sauna

Saunas are dry heating space that normally utilizes electric or wood stoves to heat stones or rocks, which radiate heat throughout the space. The temperature of saunas is usually between 160 and 200 degrees Celsius with low levels of humidity.

Pros:

• Dry heat can unblock pores and cleanse the body via sweating.
• It can help ease stiffness and pain in the muscles.
• It can promote relaxation and lessen stress.
• Improve the cardiovascular health by increasing the blood flow and heart rate.

Cons:

• It can cause dehydration, particularly when not enough fluids are consumed prior to and after the use.
• The high temperatures might not be suitable for all for everyone, particularly those with medical conditions or who are taking certain medications.
• Saunas aren’t the best option for those suffering from respiratory issues due to the fact that the dry temperature can aggravate symptoms.

Comparisons:

• Saunas typically operate in higher temps and have lower levels of humidity than steam rooms.
• The sauna’s dry heat can be more effective at sweating out toxins in the system over steam rooms.

Costs:

• Home sauna kits can cost anywhere between a few hundred and thousands of dollars.
• A sauna session in a public place generally costs between $15 and $40 for a session.

Steam Room

The steam room can be described as a moist enclosed space that generates steam through the pouring of water over heated coils or rocks. Steam rooms usually are heated between 110 and 120 degrees with high levels of humidity.

Pros:

• A humid and humid environment can moisten the skin and reduce respiratory ailments.
• Steam is a great way to relieve tension and relax muscles.
• Could aid in improving the cardiovascular and circulation.

Cons:

• A high level of humidity could cause a deficiency of oxygen, which makes breathing difficult for certain people.
• Steam rooms are not appropriate for people suffering from medical conditions like excessive blood pressure, or heart conditions.
• It may not be as effective as saunas at detoxifying the body via sweating.

Comparisons:

• Steam rooms typically run at lower temperatures as well as at higher humidity levels than saunas.
• The humid atmosphere of steam rooms is beneficial to those suffering from respiratory problems.

Costs:

• Steam room kits designed for home use range between a few hundred and thousands of dollars.
• Going to a steam room that is open to the public generally costs between $15 and $40 per session.

In the end both the sauna and the steam rooms provide similar health and relaxation benefits, but there are certain distinct distinctions. The saunas typically run at greater temperatures as well as less humid levels and are more effective in sweating out the body of toxins. However steam rooms are operated with lower temperature and more humid levels, which is why they are better for people suffering from respiratory conditions. If you are deciding between these two options, think about your individual preferences, medical issues and budget. Talk to a medical professional should you have any questions or concerns.