Sauna vs Steam Room – Pros, Cons, Comparisons and Costs
For relaxation and well-being sauna and steam room are two of the most popular choices. Although both have the same benefits, they differ in a few ways. We’ll look at the pros and cons of both, as well as the comparisons and prices of steam rooms and saunas to help you pick the right choice for your needs.
Sauna
Saunas are dry heating room that usually utilizes electric or wood stoves to heat stones or rocks. They release heat into the space. The temperature of saunas is usually between 160 and 200 degrees Celsius with a low level of humidity.
Pros:
- Dry heat can unblock pores and cleanse the body by sweating.
- Might help relieve stiffness and muscle pain.
- Relaxation can help and decrease stress.
- Improve the cardiovascular health by increasing the blood flow and heart rate.
Cons:
- Dehydration can occur, particularly when not enough fluids are consumed prior to and following use.
- Temperatures that are high may not be suitable for all for everyone, particularly those with medical issues or taking certain medicines.
- Saunas aren’t the best option for people suffering from respiratory problems due to the fact that the dry temperature could exacerbate 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:
- The cost of saunas for homes vary from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars.
- Going to a sauna in public 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 by pouring boiling water on heated coils or rocks. Steam rooms usually operate between 110 and 120 degF with high levels of humidity.
Pros:
- The humid environment can moisten the skin and reduce respiratory ailments.
- Steam is a great way to relieve tension and relax muscles.
- Can help improve cardiovascular health and circulation.
Cons:
- A high level of humidity can cause a shortage of oxygen, which makes breathing difficult for some people.
- Steam rooms are not suitable for people with medical conditions, such as hypertension or heart conditions.
- It may not be the same as saunas in detoxifying the body via sweating.
Comparisons:
- Steam rooms typically be more chilly and have humidity levels than saunas.
- The moist environment in steam rooms is beneficial to those suffering from respiratory ailments.
Costs:
- Steam room kits designed for home use range between a few hundred and thousands of dollars.
- A visit to a public steam room usually costs about $15 to $40 per session.
In the end both the sauna and the steam rooms provide similar wellbeing and relaxation benefits, but there are certain distinct distinctions. They run at greater temperatures as well as lower levels of humidity and are more effective in sweating out toxins from your body. However steam rooms are operated with lower temperature and greater humidity levels, which makes them better for people suffering from respiratory problems. When deciding between the two options, take into account your own preferences, medical issues and budget. Talk to a medical professional should you have any questions or concerns.
