Everything you want to know about infrared saunas 

Tecoloy® is Health Mate’s exclusive, patented heating technology and forms the core of our infrared saunas. The heating elements are specifically designed to produce long-wave infrared heat at around 6000 nanometres. This type of heat is efficiently absorbed by the body, resulting in a gentle and even warming from within, without making the skin uncomfortably hot.

Compared to standard carbon or ceramic heaters, Tecoloy® elements offer:

• Even heat distribution throughout the body
• Deeper heat penetration into muscles and tissues
• Low electromagnetic fields, supporting the body’s natural processes
• Durable, non-toxic materials, each with a unique serial number for maximum reliability

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The difference between short-, mid- and long-wave infrared lies in the amount of energy they contain and how the heat is experienced and absorbed by the body.

Short-wave infrared contains a high level of energy and can heat the skin surface quickly and intensely. As a result, the heat often feels very strong and sessions are typically short. Due to the high energy density, exposure should be limited to a maximum of 10 minutes. Longer exposure may increase the risk of cellular stress, accelerated skin ageing and potential damage at a cellular level. There is also a risk of superficial overheating, and this type of infrared is generally not recommended for people with implants or prostheses.

Mid-wave infrared also has a relatively high heat intensity and is often used as a heating source, for example in patio heaters. At close range, skin temperature can rise quickly. For this reason, it is less suitable for sauna use, as the heat can become uncomfortably intense after 5 to 10 minutes, limiting session duration.

Long-wave infrared has a lower surface heat intensity and therefore feels softer and more comfortable. Wavelengths around 6000 nanometres allow for a gradual warming process, enabling heat to be distributed more deeply throughout the body via circulation. This allows the core body temperature to rise without overheating the skin.

Health Mate infrared saunas use only long-wave infrared radiation, as it is best suited for comfortable, longer sessions and therapeutic applications such as pain relief, recovery and immune support.

Differences in user experience

A Health Mate infrared sauna uses patented Tecoloy® heating elements. These have been specifically developed to produce long-wave infrared heat at around 6000 nanometres, with low electromagnetic fields that support the body’s natural processes.

Unlike many standard infrared saunas, which use a mix of heating elements and often emit a broader or less controlled spectrum, Tecoloy® elements are designed to provide a consistent and therapeutic build-up of heat.

Infrared radiation is a form of heat energy. When it is absorbed by the body, molecules begin to vibrate slightly, generating warmth. This process is natural and, in itself, safe.

Infrared radiation consists of different wavelengths that transfer heat in different ways. Depending on the wavelength and intensity, the way heat is absorbed by the body can vary. It is therefore important to understand the type of infrared radiation you are exposed to.

• Short-wave infrared contains a high level of energy and can heat the skin surface quickly and intensely. Sessions should be limited to a maximum of 10 minutes, as longer exposure may increase the risk of cellular stress, accelerated skin ageing and potential damage at a cellular level.
• Mid- and long-wave infrared around 3000 nanometres still produce relatively high heat intensity, meaning that skin temperature can rise quickly during prolonged exposure.
• Long-wave infrared above 5000 nanometres feels gentler and more comfortable, gradually warming the body while still transferring sufficient heat to be effective. This form of infrared radiation is generally considered the most suitable for safe, therapeutic use.

For this reason, it is important to follow recommended session durations, listen to your body and ensure adequate hydration.

For general health, 2 to 4 sessions per week are recommended, with each session lasting between 20 and 45 minutes. In the case of specific concerns such as chronic pain, stiffness or fatigue, more frequent use may be beneficial.

For older adults aiming to support overall vitality and mobility, 2 to 3 sessions per week of 20 to 40 minutes is typically a comfortable and effective routine.

Consistency is key: by gently warming the body on a regular basis, you support relaxation, circulation and natural recovery processes.

For practical guidelines and specific applications, we refer you to our user manual.

Yes, a Health Mate infrared sauna can be used daily, provided you stay well hydrated and listen to your body.

The suitability for frequent use depends on the type of infrared radiation and the way the heat is generated. Short-wave infrared can heat the skin intensely and superficially and has been associated with accelerated skin ageing and an increased risk of superficial overheating with prolonged exposure.

Health Mate’s Tecoloy elements use long-wave infrared heat, which provides a gentle and even build-up of warmth without stressing the skin. This makes it possible to use the infrared sauna safely and comfortably on a daily basis, and if desired, even more than once a day.

The ideal duration of a session in your infrared sauna depends on the type of infrared radiation used and the way the heat is generated.

For saunas that use short-wave infrared, it is recommended to limit sessions to a maximum of 10 minutes. Longer exposure may increase the risk of cellular stress, accelerated skin ageing and potential damage at a cellular level.

For infrared saunas using mid- or long-wave infrared below 5000 nanometres, you can remain in the sauna as long as the heat feels comfortable. As some heaters produce a higher heat intensity, skin temperature can rise quickly and may cause discomfort or even superficial overheating. If the heat becomes too intense, it is advisable to increase your distance from the heat source or end the session.

Infrared saunas that use long-wave infrared above 5000 nanometres (such as a Health Mate infrared sauna) provide a gentler and more controlled form of heat. As this wavelength carries less energy, there is no risk of deep tissue overheating. As long as you stay well hydrated, you can remain in the sauna for extended periods, although in practice sessions of 45 to 60 minutes are sufficient to achieve therapeutic benefits.

The ideal temperature for a Health Mate infrared sauna is typically between 45°C and 60°C. The most suitable temperature depends on the desired effect.

These temperatures are significantly lower than those in a traditional Finnish sauna (75–100°C). Instead of strongly heating the air and then the skin, long-wave infrared heat gradually warms the body from within. This keeps the experience comfortable and allows for longer sessions.

Therapeutic effects are activated when you can remain in the sauna long enough to increase your core body temperature by approximately 0.5 to 1°C.

After a session in your infrared sauna, hydration is essential. As you lose fluids through sweating, it is important to drink enough water. With regular use or intense sweating, it may also be beneficial to replenish electrolytes, for example with a sports drink or an oral rehydration solution.

Next, allow your body to cool down gradually. As your core temperature remains elevated, you may continue to sweat for 10 to 15 minutes after the session. It is therefore best to wait a little before showering, so that the natural cooling process can take place.

You may also consider doing some gentle stretching afterwards. This helps to keep the muscles supple and supports mobility and flexibility.

The energy consumption of a Health Mate infrared sauna depends on the model and the size of the cabin. Power output typically ranges between 1,600 and 3,260 watts.

As the sauna does not operate continuously at maximum power, actual consumption is lower. On average, a sauna uses around 70% of its maximum capacity during a session.

This corresponds approximately to:

• Around €0.20 per 30 minutes (1,600 W model)
• Around €0.40 per 30 minutes (larger models)

A session of 30 to 45 minutes therefore generally uses less electricity than a standard washing machine cycle.

The Health Mate Sports Sauna has a higher power output (around 5,900 W) and consumes approximately €0.60 per 30 minutes.

Many users experience a sense of deep relaxation, reduced muscle tension and improved sleep quality after just a few sessions.

Thanks to the long-wave infrared heat used in a Health Mate sauna, your core body temperature can be increased in a safe and manageable way by around 0.5 to 1°C. With consistent and frequent use (3 to 7 sessions per week of approximately 45 minutes at 50–60°C), measurable improvements in cardiovascular health, immune function and metabolism may be experienced within around 30 days.

In certain situations, the use of an infrared sauna is not recommended. If in doubt, always consult your doctor first. Suitability may also depend on the type of infrared radiation: long-wave infrared is generally milder and better tolerated, whereas systems with more intense radiation may be less suitable in specific cases.

Do not use an infrared sauna, or only after medical advice, in the following situations:

• If you have a fever or are unwell. Additional heat may place extra strain on the body.
• In case of bleeding disorders, such as haemophilia. Increased circulation may worsen symptoms.
• In case of serious heart conditions. Always consult your doctor first. With controlled long-wave infrared heat, as used in a Health Mate sauna, heart rate increases gradually, but it is still important to build up usage carefully.
• During pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, due to the risk of overheating.
• After alcohol or drug use. This increases the risk of dehydration and impairs judgement.
• Immediately after surgery, as long as wounds are still open or tissue has not sufficiently healed.
• If you have implants, such as metal pins, screws, artificial joints or other surgical implants (including silicone or breast implants). This mainly applies to saunas using short-wave infrared and does not apply to Health Mate infrared saunas.

Children may use an infrared sauna, but always under adult supervision. Their ability to regulate body temperature is still developing, and they may be less aware of when they need to cool down or hydrate.

From the very first sessions, infrared therapy can help to relieve symptoms: muscles relax and pain may decrease. However, if you want to address underlying causes and achieve lasting results, consistency is essential. By warming the body in a controlled way several times a week, you support processes such as circulation, the reduction of inflammation and recovery.

For chronic conditions, it is generally recommended to have 3 to 4 sessions per week, lasting 30 to 45 minutes. This helps you build a consistent heat therapy routine, with many users noticing improvements within around 30 days.

The main difference lies in how the heat is transferred.

A Finnish sauna heats the air to temperatures of around 75–100°C. This hot air then warms the skin. Due to the high ambient temperature and intensity, most people find this uncomfortable after 10 to 15 minutes, which limits the duration of each session.

An infrared sauna operates at lower, more comfortable temperatures of around 45–60°C. Instead of heating the air, long-wave infrared heat penetrates directly into the body. This allows muscles and tissues to warm up gradually, enabling the core body temperature to rise without the intense heat load of a traditional sauna.

As a result, many users experience infrared heat as more comfortable and easier to tolerate, allowing for longer sessions and supporting therapeutic benefits. It is also a more accessible option for more vulnerable groups, such as older adults, people with chronic conditions or those recovering from surgery, as it provides a gentler way to apply heat therapy.

The price of an infrared sauna depends on several factors, such as the model, size, wood quality, electronic components and overall finish.

At Health Mate, smaller infrared cabins start from around €4,300, while larger models with additional comfort features are priced higher. It is important to note that every Health Mate infrared cabin delivers the same therapeutic effect. The differences mainly lie in warm-up time, maximum temperature and ease of use.

Health Mate uses high-quality electronic components designed for long-term, intensive use. That is why we offer a lifetime warranty on all components. If your sauna requires maintenance or repair after 10 to 15 years (the typical lifespan of quality electronics), we will carry this out at your home and you will not pay for replacement parts.

While a Health Mate infrared sauna may seem more expensive initially, it is designed to last a lifetime. This is also reflected in the experiences of our users, as you can read in our testimonials.

An infrared sauna typically heats up to 45°C to 65°C. That is much lower than the 80–100°C of a traditional Finnish sauna, but it is precisely this lower temperature that makes it more comfortable and easier to endure for longer periods. The heat penetrates directly into your body, raising your core temperature so that you still experience all the therapeutic benefits, from relaxation to pain relief and recovery.

No. Infrared saunas can differ significantly in terms of technology, heat build-up and therapeutic effect.

Brands such as Clearlight, Sunlighten or SuperSauna often focus primarily on relaxation. They typically use infrared elements that create a sensation similar to a Finnish sauna by heating the air inside the cabin. This results in a higher perceived temperature and heat intensity. The skin warms up quickly, but the body is heated from the outside in. As the skin can become too hot after 10 to 15 minutes, sessions are often too short to allow the core body temperature to rise sufficiently.

Health Mate infrared saunas, on the other hand, use patented Tecoloy® technology to produce long-wave infrared heat. This gentle warmth penetrates deeply into the body and gradually heats it from within, without overheating the skin. As a result, sessions remain comfortable and can be sustained long enough to raise the core body temperature and activate therapeutic effects.

Thanks to the Health Mate 3G method - Great Health, Ingenious Design and Guaranteed Quality - you benefit from maximum health support, optimal comfort and a lifetime warranty.

The main difference lies in how the heat is generated and experienced.

A Health Mate infrared sauna primarily uses long-wave infrared radiation (around 6000 nanometres). This heat is gradually absorbed by the body, resulting in a gentle and even warming from within. This makes sessions more comfortable and easier to sustain for longer periods, allowing the core body temperature to rise. This increase is important to achieve deeper therapeutic effects, such as improved circulation, muscle relaxation, pain relief and support for the immune system.

A full spectrum sauna combines short-, mid- and long-wave infrared radiation. This mix produces a faster and more intense heat, particularly at the surface of the skin. The warmth is often perceived as stronger, but may feel less comfortable during longer sessions. A full spectrum sauna is therefore well suited for occasional use, for example to relieve mild muscle or neck discomfort or to enjoy a more wellness-focused experience.

Key differences in how they work:

Health Mate’s therapeutic infrared saunas are generally priced higher than many other brands. This difference is due to the technology and electronic components used, the quality of the wood, and overall durability.

Health Mate develops and manufactures its own patented Tecoloy heating elements. This long-wave infrared technology is specifically designed to warm the body in a comfortable way while supporting maximum therapeutic benefits.

In addition, we deliberately choose high-quality materials such as Canadian cedarwood. This durable type of wood is more resistant to moisture, temperature fluctuations and intensive use, contributing to both the lifespan and hygiene of the infrared cabin.

The electronic components are also of premium quality and designed for long-term, intensive use. That is why Health Mate offers a lifetime warranty on all components. Should your infrared sauna require maintenance or repair after many years, parts are replaced free of charge.

Finally, Health Mate works with an all-in price: including controls, delivery, installation and warranty.

LED colour therapy (light therapy) is an additional feature that uses different light colours to support relaxation, mood and overall well-being. It is not a heat source, but a gentle visual stimulus that enhances the sauna experience.

Effects of the different colours:

• Red: increases physical energy and vitality
• Orange: stimulates creativity, productivity and optimism
• Yellow: enhances cheerfulness, humour and personal strength
• Green: supports balance, love and communication
• Blue: promotes calmness, inner peace and emotional depth
• Purple: stimulates intuition, imagination and meditation

An infrared sauna operates at lower temperatures (45–65 degrees) and is therefore comfortable and safe, even for people who find a traditional sauna too hot.

Yes. Infrared therapy can temporarily raise the body’s core temperature, similar to a natural fever response. This may stimulate the production of white blood cells that help fight infections, supporting the immune system and overall resilience.

In addition, many bacteria and viruses are less able to thrive at higher body temperatures, which may help to weaken them.

Many users also experience relief from common cold symptoms such as muscle tension, fatigue and nasal congestion.

From the age of 40, the risk of cardiovascular diseases, stiffness, and sleep problems increases. Infrared heat helps keep your blood vessels flexible, improves sleep quality, and reduces the risk of premature death.

During sweating, the pores open and waste products are released through the skin. At the same time, infrared heat stimulates blood circulation and supports the natural production of collagen, which may contribute to healthier-looking skin.

In addition, heat can help to moderate inflammatory responses and calm the skin. As a result, some users experience fewer flare-ups of skin conditions such as acne or psoriasis.

Infrared heat can support the skin, but it does not replace medical treatment. In the case of severe or persistent skin problems, it is advisable to consult a doctor or dermatologist.

Yes. Regular use of an infrared sauna reduces pain in muscles and joints, strengthens immunity, and improves circulation. This contributes to increased energy and vitality.

Discover all health benefits for seniors.

Yes. Heat activates the body’s anti-inflammatory response and can therefore support conditions in which low-grade inflammation plays a role, such as rheumatism or certain skin conditions.

Long-wave infrared also works directly on inflammatory processes in the body, helping to moderate them. Combined with improved circulation, this supports the body’s natural recovery and may contribute to reduced pain and tension.

The heat activates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowers cortisol, and increases serotonin and dopamine. As a result, you experience more calm, less stress, and better sleep.

Yes. The deep heat relaxes muscles, improves circulation, and loosens joints. As a result, many elderly people experience less stiffness and greater freedom of movement.

Yes. The heat helps to lower stress hormones and stimulates the production of endorphins and melatonin. This promotes relaxation and can lead to improved sleep quality, something many people, particularly older adults, benefit from.

After a sauna session, your body actively begins to cool down. This cooling process plays an important role in falling asleep, as your core body temperature needs to drop to support sleep onset. A light session around 30 minutes before bedtime can therefore help you fall asleep more easily.

Do allow your body enough time to cool down before getting into bed.

Depending on your training load, using an infrared sauna 3 to 5 times per week is generally recommended. During periods of intensive training, daily use can be beneficial, as infrared therapy does not require additional physical effort but can be a valuable complement to your training routine. It also allows you to incorporate a form of light cardiovascular stimulation through heat therapy, even on strength training days.

With regular use, your body also becomes more efficient at sweating and better adapted to heat, which may contribute to improved performance and endurance.

Yes. A short session before exertion makes muscles more flexible and reduces the risk of injuries.

A bath primarily warms the surface of the skin, while infrared penetrates deeper into muscles and joints. This makes it more effective for muscle recovery and injury prevention.

The deep heat of the infrared sauna stimulates blood circulation, removes lactic acid more quickly, and supports muscle recovery. As a result, muscle soreness (DOMS) decreases and you recover faster between training sessions.

Yes. Research shows that infrared therapy can noticeably reduce pain symptoms in conditions such as fibromyalgia, rheumatism, and arthritis.

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Regular use of an infrared sauna can slow down inflammatory processes and improve joint mobility. As a result, stiffness decreases and daily movements become less painful.

Yes. The deep heat of long-wave infrared helps to relax the muscles, reduce nerve sensitivity and stimulate blood circulation. As a result, many people with fibromyalgia experience less pain and improved sleep quality.

In addition, the heat helps to moderate inflammatory responses in the body. Combined with improved circulation, this supports the body’s natural recovery processes. Inflammation is often at the root of pain and can cause surrounding muscles to tighten, which in turn intensifies discomfort. By addressing these underlying processes, infrared therapy can contribute to a noticeable reduction in symptoms.

This effect also applies to other conditions such as rheumatism and osteoarthritis.