Saunas have become increasingly popular across the world as more people discover their many health and relaxation benefits. There are two main types of saunas – traditional dry saunas and steam rooms. Both provide therapeutic effects, but they work in different ways. This guide will examine the key differences between dry sauna vs steam rooms and help you decide which is better suited for your needs and preferences.
What is a Dry Sauna?
A dry sauna, sometimes referred to as a Finnish sauna, uses dry heat to warm the air inside an enclosed wooden room. Dry saunas heat up to temperatures between 160-195°F. The heat comes from either an electric stove with heating elements or a wood-burning stove filled with heated rocks. As you sit inside the dry sauna, your body is heated through direct contact with the hot air which causes you to sweat profusely. The dry air also allows the sweat to evaporate from your skin.
What is a Steam Room?
Steam rooms, sometimes called steam showers, use moist heat from steam to warm and humidify the interior space. Steam rooms are typically small enclosures made from tile, glass, or other sealed materials designed to contain the steam. A steam generator boils water and releases steam into the room through outlets in the walls or ceiling. This raises both the heat and humidity inside. Steam rooms only reach temperatures between 110-125°F, but the combination of warm moist air makes it feel hotter. As you sit in the steam room, the heat and moisture cause you to perspire while also relaxing your muscles.
Dry Sauna vs Steam Room Comparison
Here is a detailed comparison of the major differences between dry saunas vs steam rooms:
Heating Method
- Dry saunas use either electric heaters for sauna or wood-burning stoves with heated rocks. No steam is generated.
- Steam rooms have an electric steam generator that boils water to produce steam that is released into the room.
Temperature
- Dry saunas typically reach 160-200°F.
- Steam rooms stay around 110-140°F since the steam makes the warmth feel more intense.
Humidity Level
- The humidity in a dry sauna is only 10-20%.
- Steam rooms research close to 100% humidity.
Air Quality
- The dry heat can sometimes cause throat irritation in dry saunas.
- Steam rooms provide moist air which is soothing and does not irritate throats.
Sweating Intensity
- You sweat more gradually and moderately in a dry sauna.
- The steam makes you sweat intensely and profusely during short periods.
Time Spent
- Dry saunas are meant for longer 15-30 minute sessions.
- Steam rooms provide benefits with shorter 10-20 minute sessions.
Health Benefits
- Both types provide detoxification, stress relief, circulation enhancement, pain relief and other wellness benefits.
- Steam rooms offer additional benefits for congestion relief and skin hydration.
Sensation
- Dry saunas feel hot with dry radiant heat on your skin.
- Steam rooms feel humid and balmy, like a tropical environment.
Safety Precautions
- Stay hydrated and don’t overheat in either type.
- Steam rooms require a few extra safety precautions due to the moist heat.
Cost to Build
- Dry cedar or hemlock saunas are simpler and cheaper to construct.
- Steam rooms require plumbing and a steam generator which increases costs.
Both types of saunas promote health, relaxation, stress relief and detoxification. Choose based on your preferences for a drier vs more tropical, humid environment.
Dry Sauna Usage Tips
Here are some helpful usage tips for getting the most out of dry sauna sessions:
- Pre-heat the dry sauna to 180°F or your preferred temperature before entering.
- Sit on a towel and wear lightweight clothing so your skin can absorb the heat.
- Begin with 10-15 minutes and work your way up to 20-30 minute sessions.
- Throw water on the heated rocks periodically to create bursts of dry steam.
- Cool down gradually after use and rehydrate by drinking water.
- Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to hot rocks for congestion relief.
- Use a sand timer so you don’t forget track of time when inside.
- Allow your body to air dry completely before dressing to prevent trapped sweat.
Steam Room Usage Tips
Here are some tips for safely enjoying all the benefits of steam room use:
- Shower before use to wash off lotions, creams or dirt that can clog pores.
- Sit on a towel for comfort and hygiene.
- Start with 5-10 minutes and slowly build up to 15-20 minute sessions.
- Keep hydrated by drinking water before, during and after use.
- Allow your body to cool down and air dry fully before dressing after use.
- Add a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus into the steam generator.
- Avoid pouring water directly on the heating elements.
- Set a timer as it’s easy to lose track of time inside the steam room.
- Take a cool shower after your steam room session to lower your core temp.
Safety Precautions for Saunas
Both dry saunas and steam rooms provide great benefits, but they also come with some basic safety precautions:
General Safety Tips
- Stay hydrated before, during and after use.
- Avoid alcohol before using saunas or steam rooms.
- Start with shorter sessions and work your way up gradually.
- Check with your doctor if you have health conditions.
- Allow your body to cool down completely between sessions.
- Never use a sauna or steam room if you are ill, dizzy or nauseous.
Dry Sauna Precautions
- Use caution handling the hot rocks and heating elements.
- Avoid pouring water directly on electric heating elements.
- The dry heat can be harsh for some people – listen to your body.
Steam Room Precautions
- Do not use if you have heart disease, high blood pressure or varicose veins.
- Pregnant women should avoid steam rooms.
- The moist heat makes the temperature feel hotter than it is.
- Avoid direct contact with steam outlets in walls.
FAQs about Dry Saunas vs. Steam Rooms
Which is better – dry sauna or steam room?
This depends on personal preferences. Dry saunas allow longer heat exposure for sweating toxins out. Steam rooms provide moist heat that is gentler and beneficial for skin hydration.
What feels hotter – a steam room or dry sauna?
Most people report steam rooms feel hotter than dry saunas, even though dry saunas are set to higher temperatures. The combination of heat plus humidity makes steam rooms feel more intense.
Can you use a sauna or steam room every day?
No, daily use is not recommended as it can lead to overheating. Limit use of either type to 2-3 times per week, allowing 1-2 days between sessions for your body to recover and rehydrate.
Is a steam room or sauna better for sinus congestion?
Both can help provide sinus relief, but steam rooms tend to provide greater congestion relief from the moist heat which loosens mucus and opens airways.
How long should you stay in a dry sauna or steam room?
Beginners should spend 10-15 minutes in dry saunas and only 5-10 minutes in steam rooms. Work up to 15-20 minutes as your body adapts. Listen to your body and don’t overdo it.
Can you wear a bathing suit in a public sauna or steam room?
Yes, bathing suits are fine, however lightweight shorts and tank tops allow the most heat absorption and sweat evaporation. Many public facilities require bathing suits.
Can you use eucalyptus oil in a sauna or steam room?
Yes, adding a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to the water or steam is safe and provides soothing decongestant effects as you inhale the vapors.
Summary: Choosing Between Dry Sauna vs Steam Room
In conclusion, both dry saunas and steam rooms offer an array of physical and mental health benefits. Dry saunas provide soothing dry heat, induce sweating, and aid relaxation over 15-30 minute sessions. Steam rooms surround you with moist tropical heat around 110-140°F which provides congestion relief and hydrates skin over 10-20 minutes. Choose according to your preferences and health goals, or alternate between the two to experience the varying benefits. Be sure to take proper safety precautions and not overdo your sauna or steam room sessions. Used correctly alongside a healthy lifestyle, they are an excellent way to detox, unwind and feel rejuvenated.
Professional sauna steam room building companies construct custom installations with ventilation, generators, waterproofing, lighting, and accessories for safe therapeutic moist heat therapy.
