Sauna or Steam Room? What's the Difference

Sauna or Steam Room? What's the Difference

Steam rooms are similar to saunas. Both encourage you to sit in a heated room, and both have health benefits. Let's break down the differences. 

Sauna vs Steam Room 


The main difference is in the type of heat that they provide. A sauna uses dry heat (150°F to 195°F.), usually from hot rocks heated by gas, wood, or electric stove. 


Water can be sprinkled on a pile of hot rocks in the sauna to create some water vapor, but the humidity level may stay around 10% if no water if you don't add any more water and then surpass 60% of humidity if it is.


On the other hand, steam rooms are heated by a generator filled with boiling water, reaching temperatures of 110°F to 120°F with a 100% humidity level. 


Benefits of Dry Saunas



  • Improved cardiovascular
  • Cognitive and pulmonary health
  • Increased endurance
  • Faster muscle recovery
  • Improved mood

Benefits of Steam Rooms



  • Detoxification
  • Respiratory health
  • Allergy relief
  • Decreased asthma symptoms
  • Maintains lung and skin health


So, which one is better for you?


It all comes down to your personal preference and how your body reacts to the thermal stress of a dry sauna or steam room. 

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