If you're researching home sauna options, you've likely landed on two very different paths: the traditional outdoor cedar sauna and the modern infrared sauna. Both deliver real heat therapy benefits, improved circulation, muscle recovery, stress reduction, and better sleep, but they get you there in very different ways. Here's how to think through the decision.
How the Heat Works
A traditional cedar sauna, like our Auris line, uses a wood burning or electric stove to heat the air around you, typically to 150 to 195°F. It's the classic Nordic sauna experience: intense, dry heat that heats the room first and your body second.
An infrared sauna, like our Lumin line, uses infrared panels that heat your body directly rather than the air. Cabin temperatures stay lower (120 to 140°F), but the heat penetrates more deeply into tissue, which many users find more tolerable for longer sessions.
Which One Fits Your Goals?
Choose a cedar sauna if you want:
- The authentic, high heat Nordic sauna ritual
- An outdoor focal point for your backyard or wellness space
- A social, multi person experience
- Maximum sweat output per session
Choose an infrared sauna if you want:
- Lower ambient heat with deep tissue benefits
- Indoor installation flexibility (home gym, spa room, garage)
- Longer, more comfortable sessions
- A gentler entry point into heat therapy
Pairing With Cold Plunge Therapy
Increasingly, our customers aren't choosing one or the other, they're building a full contrast therapy setup by pairing either sauna style with a Frost cold plunge unit. The heat cold cycle is where a lot of the research on recovery, inflammation, and mental resilience really shows up, and it's become the standard for serious home wellness setups and boutique studios alike.
Built for the Long Term
Every unit in the Auris and Lumin lines is sourced through our authorized dealer partnership, which means genuine manufacturer warranties, documented build quality, and support that doesn't disappear after the sale. Installation is available as a white glove add on, and our team can walk you through space requirements, electrical needs, and delivery timelines before you buy.
Still Deciding?
Message us through the chat on this site or reach out to support@brightlinewellness.co and we'll help you match a unit to your space, goals, and budget, residential or commercial.