Are Infrared Saunas Safe? A Comprehensive Look at Benefits, Risks, and Common Concerns

The Definitive Answer: Yes—When Engineered Properly

Are infrared saunas safe? This is the most common question we receive from prospective sauna buyers, and it deserves a thorough, science-backed answer. After manufacturing over 3,000 custom infrared saunas since 2014 and reviewing decades of clinical research, we can confidently say: infrared saunas are safe for most healthy adults when built with proper EMF shielding, medical-grade components, and non-toxic materials.

However, safety isn’t universal across all infrared saunas. The difference between a safe therapeutic tool and a potential health concern hinges on engineering quality, material selection, and proper usage protocols. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about infrared sauna safety—from electromagnetic field exposure to medical contraindications to safe usage guidelines.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• How infrared technology works and why it’s different (and safer) than traditional saunas
• The truth about EMF/ELF exposure and how to verify low levels
• Material safety concerns (wood treatments, off-gassing, and chemical exposure)
• Medical conditions that require caution or physician clearance
• Safe usage protocols for different age groups and fitness levels
• Red light therapy safety when integrated with infrared heat
• How to identify quality manufacturers vs. corner-cutting companies
• Step-by-step safety checklist before your first session

For an in-depth engineering perspective on this topic, read our founder’s detailed analysis: Are Infrared Saunas Safe? An Engineer’s Honest Answer After 3,000 Custom Builds.

Quick Safety Summary (TL;DR)

✅ Safe for most healthy adults when:

• EMF/ELF levels are below three mG (WHO guidelines)
• Materials are non-toxic (solid cedar, no chemical treatments)
• Electrical systems are NEC-compliant with proper safety shutoffs
• Users stay hydrated and follow recommended session lengths (20-45 minutes)
• Core body temperature doesn’t exceed 103°F

⚠️ Use caution or consult a physician if you have:

• Cardiovascular conditions (heart disease, recent heart attack, unstable angina)
• Pregnancy (any trimester)
• Heat-sensitive medications (blood pressure drugs, diuretics, antihistamines)
• Chronic conditions (MS, diabetes, hemophilia)
• Recent surgery or acute illness

❌ Avoid entirely if:

• Under puberty age (children can’t regulate temperature effectively)
• Severely immunocompromised without medical supervision
• Experiencing fever or acute infection
• Recent hemorrhagic stroke or severe aortic stenosis

Now let’s dive into the detailed science behind these recommendations.

How Infrared Saunas Work: Understanding the Safety Profile

Before addressing specific safety concerns, it’s essential to understand how infrared saunas differ from traditional saunas—because this fundamental difference is what makes them safer for many people.

Traditional vs. Infrared: A Safety Comparison

Traditional Finnish Saunas:

• Heat the air to 180-220°F using rocks, wood stoves, or electric heaters
• Work through convection (hot air heats your body)
• Require extremely high ambient temperatures
• It can be uncomfortable for those with respiratory sensitivity or heat intolerance
• Cardiovascular stress is higher due to extreme environmental heat

Infrared Saunas:

• Use radiant heat that penetrates skin directly (1.5 inches deep)
• Air temperature stays moderate (120-150°F)
• Work through direct tissue heating via far-infrared wavelengths (7-14 microns)
• More comfortable breathing environment
• Lower cardiovascular stress while achieving similar core temperature elevation

The key safety advantage: infrared saunas raise your core body temperature efficiently without requiring dangerous ambient air temperatures. This makes them safer for people with respiratory conditions, heat sensitivity, or cardiovascular concerns who find traditional saunas overwhelming.

What Makes Far-Infrared Heat Safe

Far-infrared energy (FIR) represents 53% of the sun’s total energy output. It’s the wavelength you feel as warmth when sunlight hits your skin on a fabulous day—without the harmful UV radiation. This same wavelength has been used safely for decades in:

• Neonatal incubators for premature infants
• Physical therapy heat lamps
• Medical warming devices
• Agricultural applications

Far-infrared radiation is non-ionizing, meaning it lacks sufficient energy to damage DNA or cellular structures (unlike X-rays or gamma rays). It simply causes water molecules in your tissue to vibrate, generating therapeutic heat through molecular friction.

Your body absorbs approximately 93% of far-infrared energy, making it one of the most efficient methods of heat delivery available. This efficiency enables infrared saunas to operate at lower ambient temperatures while still delivering therapeutic benefits.

For a comprehensive comparison of different infrared heater types and their safety profiles, see our infrared sauna heater comparison.

The EMF Question: Separating Fact from Fear

When people ask, “Are infrared saunas safe?” they’re often concerned about electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure. This is a legitimate safety consideration that deserves a thorough, science-based answer.

Understanding EMF and ELF Exposure

Every electrical device creates electromagnetic fields when current flows through it—from your cell phone to your refrigerator to infrared sauna heaters. The safety question isn’t whether EMF exists (it always does), but whether the levels exceed established safety thresholds.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting EMF exposure to 3 milligauss (mG) or less for extended periods. Additionally, extremely low frequency (ELF) fields—which emanate from power supplies and control electronics—should remain below 1,000 millivolts (mV) according to WHO guidelines.

Here’s where most sauna manufacturers fail:

• Many “low EMF” saunas test at 5-60 mG at seated distance
• Budget models from overseas can exceed 100 mG
• ELF levels are often ignored entirely (some saunas exceed 20,000 mV—20x the threshold)
• Testing is done without a person inside (bodies conduct electricity differently than air)

How SaunaCloud Achieves Ultra-Low EMF/ELF

At SaunaCloud, our VantaWave heaters consistently test below 0.5 mG at seated positions—more than six times safer than the WHO guidelines. We achieve this through:

1. Advanced heater design – Graphite-ceramic composite distributes current evenly
2. Shielded wiring – All electrical runs are grounded and enclosed in metal conduit
3. Strategic placement – Heaters positioned to maximize heat while minimizing field concentration
4. In-house power supply engineering – We design and manufacture our own power systems to ensure ultra-low ELF

We test every production run with professional EMF meters at multiple seated positions with a person actually inside the sauna. This comprehensive testing protocol is expensive and time-consuming, which is why most manufacturers skip it.

How to Verify EMF Safety When Shopping

If you’re researching infrared saunas, demand actual test results—not marketing claims:

Red flags:

• Claims of “low EMF” without published numbers
• No mention of ELF testing at all
• Testing was done only at one location in an empty sauna
• Vague statements like “meets safety standards” without specifics

What to look for:

• Published EMF results showing <3 mG (preferably <1 mG)
• ELF measurements below 1,000 mV
• Independent third-party verification
• Testing protocol that includes a person seated inside
• Measurements at all seated positions, not just one location

For more on this critical topic, please read our article on radiation and EMF concerns in infrared saunas.

Material Safety: The Toxic Truth About Cheap Saunas

Here’s something most buyers don’t consider: when you heat wood to 150°F repeatedly, any chemical treatments, adhesives, or finishes begin releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) directly into the air you’re breathing. In an enclosed sauna cabin, you’re creating a concentration chamber for whatever was used to treat or assemble the wood.

The Cedar Standard: Why Material Selection Matters

We exclusively use clear-grade Western Red Canadian Cedar for several critical safety reasons:

Natural antimicrobial properties:

• Contains natural oils (plicatic acid) that resist bacteria, mold, and fungi
• Requires no chemical preservatives or treatments
• Maintains these properties through repeated heating cycles

Thermal stability:

• Withstands temperature fluctuations without warping or cracking
• Doesn’t release harmful compounds when heated
• Dimensional stability prevents structural issues

Zero off-gassing:

• No stains, varnishes, or chemical treatments applied
• No formaldehyde-based adhesives (we avoid all plywood and engineered wood)
• No painted or zinc-coated hardware (stainless steel only)

For more on why wood choice matters for safety, see our article on whether cedar wood is safe for infrared saunas.

What to Avoid in Sauna Construction

Dangerous materials commonly used in cheap saunas:

❌ Plywood or OSB – Bonded with formaldehyde-based glues that off-gas when heated. ❌ Chemically treated wood – Stains and preservatives release VOCs. ❌ Painted metal components – Release metallic vapors at high temperatures. ❌ Vinyl or PVC interior panels – Extremely toxic when heated. ❌ Generic adhesives – Many contain VOCs that vaporize in heat

These cost-cutting measures defeat the entire purpose of using an infrared sauna for detoxification. You can’t purify your body while simultaneously breathing in formaldehyde and VOCs.

Questions to Ask Manufacturers

Before purchasing any infrared sauna, get clear answers to:

• What species and grade of wood is used? (Solid clear-grade cedar is ideal)
• Are any chemical treatments, stains, or varnishes applied? (Answer must be no)
• What type of adhesive is used in assembly? (Should be non-toxic, low-VOC)
• Are there any plywood or engineered wood components used in the construction? (Should be none)
• What material are metal fasteners made of? (Stainless steel only)

Companies that understand material science will answer transparently. Companies that cut corners will give vague responses or change the subject.

Medical Safety: When to Use Caution or Avoid Entirely

While infrared saunas are safe for most healthy adults, certain medical conditions require special consideration. This section provides detailed guidance for various health scenarios.

Cardiovascular Conditions: Exercise Equivalent

Infrared sauna sessions create cardiovascular demands similar to those of moderate exercise—your heart rate increases by 20-40 beats per minute, blood flow increases by 50-70%, and your cardiovascular system works harder to dissipate heat. This is why infrared therapy can be beneficial for heart health—but it also means those with cardiac conditions need clearance from their cardiologist.

Requires physician approval before use:

• Coronary artery disease or atherosclerosis
• History of heart attack (recent or past)
• Unstable angina or chest pain
• Severe aortic stenosis
• Heart failure or cardiomyopathy
• Recent cardiac surgery or stent placement
• Arrhythmias or pacemaker use

Important note: Many cardiologists recommend infrared sauna therapy for heart health, as studies have shown improved endothelial function, reduced blood pressure, and better cardiovascular outcomes. However, protocols need to be adjusted based on the severity of individual conditions. Never start sauna therapy without medical clearance if you have any heart conditions.

For more on cardiovascular benefits and safety, see our article on reducing blood pressure naturally with infrared saunas.

Pregnancy: The Conservative Approach

The medical consensus is clear: pregnant women should avoid activities that raise core body temperature above 102°F, especially during the first trimester when neural tube development is occurring. While research specifically on infrared saunas during pregnancy is limited, the general precautionary principle applies.

Our recommendation: Avoid using an infrared sauna during all trimesters. The potential risks—however small—outweigh any benefits during this critical developmental period. Resume sauna therapy after delivery and breastfeeding if desired.

Why core temperature matters:

• First trimester: Neural tube defects risk increases with hyperthermia
• Second/third trimester: Placental blood flow may be affected
• Any trimester: Fetal heat stress cannot be directly monitored

Medications That Affect Thermoregulation

Certain medications alter your body’s ability to regulate temperature or cardiovascular response to heat stress. If you take any of the following, consult your physician before beginning infrared sauna therapy:

Cardiovascular medications:

• Beta-blockers (atenolol, metoprolol)
• ACE inhibitors (lisinopril, enalapril)
• Calcium channel blockers (amlodipine, diltiazem)
• Diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide)

Psychiatric medications:

• Tricyclic antidepressants
• SSRIs (in some cases)
• Antipsychotics
• Benzodiazepines

Other medications:

• Antihistamines
• Stimulants (ADHD medications)
• Thyroid medications
• Immunosuppressants

Why this matters: These medications can alter sweating response, blood pressure regulation, or heat perception, making it harder to gauge when you’ve reached your limit.

For comprehensive information on medication interactions, please refer to our guide on using infrared saunas while taking medication.

Age-Related Considerations

Children (under puberty age): ❌ Not recommended. Children have not yet fully developed thermoregulation through sweating, making them prone to overheating. Additionally, heat stress may affect growth hormone production during critical developmental periods.

Adolescents (13-17 years): ⚠️ Use with supervision. Teens can use infrared saunas for shorter sessions (15-20 minutes) under adult supervision, provided they can communicate clearly how they’re feeling. Start conservatively and monitor closely.

Elderly adults (65+): ✅ Generally safe with precautions. Many older adults use saunas regularly well into their 80s. However, watch for:

• Dehydration risk (thirst sensation decreases with age)
• Cardiovascular stability
• Medication interactions (more common in the elderly)
• Ability to exit safely if dizzy

Practical tip: Keep sessions shorter (20-30 minutes), maintain lower temperatures (120-130°F), and ensure someone is nearby for the first several sessions.

Chronic Conditions Requiring Special Protocols

Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Heat can temporarily worsen MS symptoms (Uhthoff’s phenomenon). However, some MS patients find benefits from short infrared sessions. If you have MS:

• Start with 10-minute sessions at 115-120°F
• Monitor symptom response carefully
• Stop immediately if symptoms worsen
• Consider morning sessions (heat sensitivity often decreases after nighttime cooling)

Diabetes: Heat affects insulin sensitivity and blood glucose regulation. If you have diabetes:

• Monitor blood sugar before and after sessions
• Stay well-hydrated (dehydration affects blood glucose)
• Be aware that insulin absorption rates may change with increased circulation
• Adjust medication timing if needed (consult your endocrinologist)

Hemophilia or bleeding disorders: Increased circulation and blood flow may increase the risk of bleeding. Consult your hematologist before use.

Recent surgery or healing wounds: Wait until fully healed. Heat increases blood flow to the surgical site, which can disrupt healing or increase bleeding.

For specific condition guidance, see our article on infrared sauna safety tips and health risks.

Safe Usage Protocols: How to Use Infrared Saunas Correctly

Even the safest, best-engineered infrared sauna requires proper usage protocols. Here’s precisely how to use infrared therapy safely and effectively.

First-Time User Protocol

Week 1-2: Building Heat Tolerance

• Temperature: 120-130°F
• Duration: 15-20 minutes
• Frequency: Every other day
• Goal: Allow cardiovascular adaptation

Week 3-4: Increasing Intensity

• Temperature: 130-140°F
• Duration: 20-30 minutes
• Frequency: 4-5 times per week
• Goal: Build toward therapeutic dosage

Week 5+: Maintenance Protocol

• Temperature: 135-150°F
• Duration: 30-45 minutes
• Frequency: 3-7 times per week (based on goals)
• Goal: Consistent therapeutic benefit

Never jump straight to long, hot sessions. Your cardiovascular system needs time to adapt to heat stress. Rushing this process increases the risk of dizziness, dehydration, or excessive fatigue.

Hydration: The Most Critical Safety Factor

Dehydration is the single most common cause of adverse reactions to infrared saunas. You can lose 1-2 pounds of water weight per 30-minute session through sweat.

Before Session:

• Drink 16-20 oz of water 30-60 minutes before
• Avoid alcohol for at least 4 hours prior
• Eat a light meal or snack (don’t sauna on an empty stomach)

During Session:

• Keep water inside the sauna
• Sip 8-16 oz throughout (more if session exceeds 30 minutes)
• Add electrolytes if the session exceeds 40 minutes

After Session:

• Drink 20-32 oz within 30 minutes post-session
• Include electrolyte replacement (coconut water, electrolyte drink, or salt)
• Avoid alcohol for 2-3 hours after
• Monitor urine color (should be light yellow—dark urine indicates dehydration)

Warning signs of dehydration during the session:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Headache
• Excessive fatigue
• Confusion
• Rapid heart rate beyond the expected range

If you experience any of these, exit immediately, cool down gradually, and rehydrate.

Core Temperature Monitoring

Your core body temperature should rise 2-3 degrees during a session, from approximately 98.6°F to 100.5°F to 101.5°F. This is the therapeutic range that triggers beneficial physiological responses without causing heat stress.

Safe core temperature range: 100-102°F Approaching upper limit: 102-103°F (monitor closely) Dangerous territory: Above 103°F (exit immediately)

How to monitor: While most people don’t need to measure core temperature directly, you can use:

• Wearable devices (some track core temp estimates)
• Oral thermometer after the session
• Body awareness (you should feel warm but not distressed)

Listen to your body: If you feel dizzy, nauseated, or excessively uncomfortable, your core temperature is likely too high. Exit the sauna, cool down gradually, and reduce the intensity for your next session.

Session Timing and Frequency

Optimal timing for different goals:

Morning sessions (6-10 AM):

• Energizing effect
• Prepares body for daily activity
• Suitable for those who exercise later in the day

Pre-workout (30-60 min before):

• Warms muscles and increases flexibility
• Improves performance for some athletes
• Keep the session shorter (15-20 minutes)

Post-workout (immediately after or 2-4 hours later):

• Enhances recovery
• Reduces muscle soreness
• Promotes relaxation
• Most popular timing among athletes

Evening sessions (6-10 PM):

• Promotes relaxation and sleep
• Reduces stress from the day
• Allow 2-3 hours between sessions and bedtime for body temperature to normalize

Frequency recommendations:

• General wellness: 3-4 times per week
• Athletic recovery: 5-7 times per week
• Detoxification protocols: Daily for 2-4 weeks, then reduce to 3-4x weekly
• Chronic pain management: 4-6 times per week

For more information on optimal usage patterns, refer to our guide on how often to use your infrared sauna.

Red Light Therapy Integration: Additional Safety Considerations

At SaunaCloud, we integrate medical-grade red light therapy (660nm) and near-infrared (850nm) directly into our bench and backrest systems. This combination amplifies therapeutic benefits—but it also introduces additional safety considerations.

Eye Protection with Red Light Therapy

Red and near-infrared light at therapeutic intensities can be uncomfortable for the eyes at close range. While not harmful to eye tissue at these wavelengths (unlike UV light), the brightness can cause temporary discomfort or afterimages.

Our recommendations:

• Close your eyes during red light therapy sessions
• Consider protective eyewear for extended sessions
• Position your face away from direct LED exposure
• Use the dual-mode feature to separate red light and infrared sessions if desired

Skin Photosensitivity Considerations

Certain medications and conditions increase skin sensitivity to light therapy:

Photosensitizing medications:

• Tetracycline antibiotics
• Some NSAIDs (ibuprofen in high doses)
• Certain diuretics
• St. John’s Wort
• Some chemotherapy drugs

Skin conditions requiring caution:

• Active lupus
• Porphyria
• Albinism
• Recent dermabrasion or chemical peel
• Active cold sores (herpes simplex)

If you’re taking photosensitizing medications, start with short red light exposures (5-10 minutes) and monitor skin response.

Optimal Red Light Positioning

The biggest safety concern with red light therapy is actually ineffectiveness rather than danger—most sauna manufacturers mount LEDs too far from your body to deliver therapeutic dosages.

Therapeutic distance requirements:

• 660nm red light: Within 6 inches of skin for optimal effect
• 850nm near-infrared: Within 4 inches for deep tissue penetration
• Beyond 12 inches: Intensity drops below therapeutic threshold

At SaunaCloud, we embed red light arrays 2-4 inches from the skin by integrating them into benches and backrests. This close positioning requires careful thermal management to prevent hot spots, which is why we engineer custom PCBs with heat dissipation systems.

For complete information on red light safety and integration, read our comprehensive guide on red light infrared saunas.

Electrical Safety: The Hidden Risk Factor

Here’s something most sauna buyers never consider: the leading cause of sauna failures and safety issues isn’t the heating elements—it’s the power supply and electrical control systems.

Why Electrical Components Matter for Safety

Most sauna manufacturers import generic power supplies from overseas. These components often:

• Use the cheapest available components
• Have minimal safety testing or certification
• Lacks proper thermal shutoffs
• Fail within 3-5 years (sometimes catastrophically)

When a power supply fails, the best-case scenario is that your sauna stops working. The worst-case scenario is an electrical fire in your home.

SaunaCloud’s Electrical Safety Engineering

We design and manufacture our own power supplies, printed circuit boards (PCBs), and Wi-Fi-enabled control systems in California. Every component is:

NEC (National Electrical Code) Compliant:

• Meets all residential and commercial electrical safety standards
• Designed for licensed electrician installation
• Includes detailed electrical drawings and specifications

UL-Certified Components:

• Where applicable, components carry UL certification
• Third-party verified safety standards
• Rigorous testing protocols

Multiple Safety Shutoffs:

• Thermal cutoffs (automatic shutdown if temperature exceeds safe limits)
• Ground fault protection (detects electrical leaks)
• Overvoltage protection (prevents surge damage)
• Current limiting (stops excessive draw)

Lifetime Reliability:

• Medical-grade component selection
• 3-5x the cost of generic overseas alternatives
• Designed for 20+ years of daily operation
• Zero power supply failures in 11 years and 3,000 installations

Questions to Ask About Electrical Safety

When researching infrared saunas, demand clear answers on:

• Where are power supplies manufactured?
• What safety certifications do electrical components carry?
• What happens if the control system fails? (Backup shutoffs?)
• Please provide the electrical specifications for my electrician to review.
• What is the warranty on electrical components?

Quality manufacturers will answer these questions confidently with detailed documentation. Companies that use generic, imported components will struggle to provide specific details.

How to Identify Safe vs. Unsafe Infrared Saunas

After building 3,000+ custom saunas and reviewing hundreds of competitors, here’s how to separate quality manufacturers from companies that cut corners:

Safety Red Flags to Avoid

❌ Vague or missing EMF specifications

• Claims of “low EMF” without published numbers
• No mention of ELF testing
• Measurements done only in empty saunas

❌ Cheap wood or chemical treatments

• Plywood or engineered wood components
• Stained or varnished interiors
• “Rustic” appearance (often covers cheap materials)
• No specification of wood grade or species

❌ Generic overseas components

• Won’t specify the power supply manufacturer
• No electrical certifications
• Vague warranty terms (“limited” without specifics)

❌ Pressure sales tactics

• “Sale ends tonight” urgency
• Inflated “original” pricing
• Resistance to providing detailed specifications
• No real technical support

❌ Poor customer reviews mentioning:

• Component failures within 2-3 years
• Unresponsive customer service
• Hidden fees or costs
• Complex assembly or missing parts

Quality Indicators to Look For

✅ Published EMF/ELF test results

• Specific numbers (not just “low”)
• Testing protocol described
• Third-party verification
• Measurements at all seated positions

✅ Premium material specifications

• Clear-grade Western Red Cedar specified
• No chemical treatments documented
• Stainless steel hardware
• Medical-grade electrical components

✅ Transparent manufacturing

• Know where components are made
• Willing to discuss design decisions
• Provide detailed electrical drawings
• Offer factory tours or showroom visits

✅ Meaningful warranties

• Lifetime coverage on heaters and structure
• 5-7 year coverage on electrical systems
• 3+ year coverage on red light systems
• Clear terms (not buried in fine print)

✅ Engineering-focused marketing

• Explains how things work, not just what they do
• Discusses trade-offs honestly
• Provides technical documentation
• The founder of the engineering team is accessible

For guidance on evaluating different options, see our article on how to spot a cheap infrared sauna.

Pre-Session Safety Checklist

Before every infrared sauna session, run through this quick safety checklist:

Before Entering the Sauna

☑ Hydration check

• Consumed 16-20 oz of water in the past hour
• Urine color is light yellow (well-hydrated)
• No alcohol consumed in the past 4 hours

☑ Physical readiness

• Feel generally healthy (no fever, acute illness)
• Not experiencing cardiovascular symptoms
• Had a light meal or snack (not on an empty stomach)

☑ Medication timing

• Aware of any heat-sensitive medications
• Timed medications appropriately around the session
• Blood pressure/glucose stable if applicable

☑ Equipment check

• Sauna preheated to the desired temperature
• Water bottle inside and accessible
• Towels available for the seat/backrest
• Phone/communication device nearby (outside sauna)
• Timer set for planned session length

During the Session

☑ Monitor comfort level

• Breathing feels comfortable
• Heart rate elevated but not racing
• Sweating actively but not dizzy
• Can think clearly and communicate

☑ Hydration maintenance

• Sipping water throughout
• Not waiting until thirsty

☑ Time awareness

• Tracking session length
• Not exceeding planned duration
• Building time gradually if it’s a new user

After the Session

☑ Cool down properly

• Exit slowly (stand up gradually)
• Sit or lie down for 5-10 minutes
• Let heart rate return to near baseline
• Don’t immediately shower (allow gradual cooling)

☑ Rehydration

• Drink 20-32 oz of water within 30 minutes
• Include electrolytes if the session exceeded 30 minutes
• Monitor urine color in the next 2-4 hours

☑ Recovery check

• Feel energized or pleasantly relaxed (not exhausted)
• No dizziness or lightheadedness
• Able to resume normal activities
• Skin feels healthy (no unusual reactions)

If anything feels wrong at any point, exit the sauna immediately, cool down gradually, rehydrate, and reduce the intensity for your next session.

The Bottom Line: Are Infrared Saunas Safe?

After 11 years of engineering custom infrared saunas and reviewing decades of medical research, the answer is clear: yes, infrared saunas are safe for most healthy adults when properly designed, manufactured, and used.

The key qualifiers are:

“Properly designed” means:

• EMF/ELF levels below WHO guidelines (<3 mG, <1000 mV)
• Medical-grade electrical components with multiple safety shutoffs
• Strategic heater placement for even heat distribution
• NEC-compliant electrical systems

“Properly manufactured” means:

• Clear-grade solid cedar with no chemical treatments
• No plywood, veneers, or engineered wood
• Stainless steel hardware throughout
• In-house or verified power supply engineering
• Comprehensive quality control and testing

“Properly used” means:

• Gradual adaptation (start with shorter, cooler sessions)
• Proper hydration before, during, and after
• Listening to your body and adjusting accordingly
• Medical clearance if you have chronic conditions
• Following age-appropriate protocols

When these three factors align, infrared saunas are one of the safest and most effective wellness tools available. The therapeutic benefits—improved cardiovascular health, enhanced detoxification, reduced inflammation, better sleep, and stress reduction—far outweigh any risks for the vast majority of users.

However, safety is not universal across all infrared saunas. The difference between a therapeutic tool and a potential concern hinges on the integrity of the manufacturer, the quality of engineering, and the user’s responsibility.

At SaunaCloud, we’ve built our entire company around these three principles. Every sauna we design undergoes rigorous EMF testing, utilizes only Premium, non-toxic materials, and features electrical systems engineered to meet medical-device standards. After 3,000 installations and zero heater or power supply failures, we stand behind the safety of our engineering.

If you’re ready to explore what a properly engineered infrared sauna looks like, we invite you to start your custom design consultation. We’ll discuss your health goals, space requirements, and any safety considerations specific to your situation—and show you exactly how we engineer safety into every aspect of our designs.

For ongoing education about infrared sauna technology and safety, explore our comprehensive resources:

• The Complete Guide to Far-Infrared Health Benefits
• Understanding Different Infrared Wavelengths
• Custom Infrared Sauna Design Process
• Safety Tips for Using Traditional Saunas

Frequently Asked Questions About Infrared Sauna Safety

Can you use an infrared sauna every day?

Yes, daily use is generally safe for most healthy adults once heat tolerance has been built (typically after 2-3 weeks of regular use). Many users enjoy daily sessions of 30 to 45 minutes. However, listen to your body—if you feel fatigued or over-trained, take rest days as needed. For athletic recovery or therapeutic protocols, daily use is often recommended.

Are there any adverse side effects of infrared saunas?

When used correctly, adverse side effects are rare. The most common issues are related to dehydration (dizziness, headache, fatigue) or overheating (nausea, lightheadedness). These are easily prevented with proper hydration and gradual session progression. Some users may experience temporary detoxification symptoms (mild headache, skin breakouts) in the first 1-2 weeks as the body eliminates stored toxins.

How hot is too hot in an infrared sauna?

Most infrared saunas operate safely at an ambient temperature of 120-150°F. Your personal tolerance depends on heat adaptation, but most users find 135-145°F comfortable for 30-45 minute sessions. If the air temperature feels uncomfortably hot or breathing becomes difficult, reduce the temperature or session length.

Can infrared saunas cause cancer?

No. Far-infrared energy is non-ionizing radiation, meaning it lacks sufficient energy to damage DNA or cause cellular mutations. Unlike UV radiation (which can cause skin cancer) or X-rays (which can damage tissue), far-infrared radiation causes gentle molecular vibration, creating therapeutic heat. Multiple studies have found no carcinogenic effects from far-infrared exposure.

Is it safe to use an infrared sauna with breast implants?

Generally, yes, but consult with your plastic surgeon for confirmation. Most modern breast implants (silicone or saline) are designed to withstand body temperatures of up to 104-105°F, which falls within the range of typical infrared sauna use. However, some older silicone implants may have lower heat tolerance. Start conservatively and monitor for any unusual sensations.

Can children use infrared saunas?

Children under the age of puberty should not use infrared saunas—they haven’t fully developed thermoregulation through sweat and are more prone to overheating. Adolescents (13+) can use infrared saunas under adult supervision for shorter sessions (15-20 minutes) at lower temperatures (120-130°F), provided they can communicate clearly how they’re feeling.

Do infrared saunas emit harmful radiation?

No. Far-infrared radiation is non-ionizing radiation on the same spectrum as visible light, just beyond the red end of the spectrum in wavelength. It’s the same wavelength emitted by the sun (without UV), used in neonatal incubators, and naturally radiated by your own body heat. The electromagnetic fields (EMF) from electrical components are the concern, which is why proper EMF shielding is essential in quality saunas.

How long should a beginner stay in an infrared sauna?

Start with 15-20 minute sessions at 120-130°F for the first 1-2 weeks. Gradually increase to 20-30 minutes over weeks 3-4, then build toward therapeutic dosages of 30-45 minutes as your cardiovascular system adapts. Never jump straight to long, hot sessions—your body needs time to develop a safe level of heat tolerance.

Should I shower before or after using an infrared sauna?

Shower before to remove lotions, oils, or sunscreen that can block pores and interfere with sweating. Wait 10-15 minutes after your session before showering—this allows your body to continue sweating and cooling naturally, maximizing detoxification benefits. When you shower, start with warm water and gradually cool it to let your cardiovascular system adjust.

Can I use my phone or read in an infrared sauna?

While technically possible, we don’t recommend it. The heat can damage electronics (especially phone batteries), and bringing devices inside introduces EMF exposure from the phone itself. Use sauna time for meditation, breathwork, or simply relaxing—this enhances the stress-reduction benefits and allows you to monitor your feelings more closely.

Final Thoughts from Our Founder

When people ask me, “Are infrared saunas safe?” I understand the concern. You’re considering investing $10,000-$ 20,000 in a wellness tool for your home, and you want to ensure it won’t harm your family.

After engineering 3,000+ custom saunas, reviewing decades of research, and personally using infrared therapy for 11 years, I can tell you with confidence: when infrared saunas are built correctly—with ultra-low EMF shielding, medical-grade components, and premium non-toxic materials—they’re not just safe. They’re transformative.

I’ve seen clients reverse cardiovascular disease markers, eliminate chronic pain, overcome insomnia, and reclaim energy they thought was gone forever. I’ve watched athletes cut recovery time in half and executives reduce stress to manageable levels.

However, I’ve also seen inexpensive saunas with EMF levels 100 times higher than ours. I’ve seen beautiful cabins that off-gas formaldehyde. I’ve seen power supplies catch fire after three years. And it makes me angry—because it doesn’t have to be that way.

This is why we engineer every component ourselves, test every production run, and stand behind our work with meaningful warranties. This is why I give every client my direct phone number. This is why we’ve never had a heater or power supply fail in our 11 years of operation.

Because when something goes into your home—where your family relaxes, recovers, and restores—it better be engineered right.

If you have questions about safety considerations specific to your situation, book a consultation with me or our design team. We’ll discuss your health history, goals, and concerns honestly—and show you exactly how we build safety into every sauna we manufacture.

— Chris Kiggins Founder & Lead Designer, SaunaCloud Direct: 800-370-0820

Ready to explore a safely-engineered custom sauna? Start your design consultation here or download our free comprehensive guide: The Definitive Guide to Infrared Saunas.