The sauna thermometer temperature is a major factor that drives the efficacy of the therapy/treatment. The right temperature is effective in bringing optimum results and benefits to the user. The temperature differs in the different type of heating units used. The temperature for a traditional models normally ranges between 150 and 185º F. For infrared systems, the typical temp level ranges between 120-130 degrees Fahrenheit. In the USA, Underwriters Lab recommends that the max level at ceiling level be 194º F (90º C). The hottest point in the cabin, which is at the ceiling directly above the heater is typically between 185 and 190º F. You will most likely need a sauna thermometer for taking the accurate readings.
The Finnish-Sauna society recommends that people with health problems such as hypertension, cardiac disease, respiratory or skin diseases must use it at a temperature less than 90 degrees Celsius, while women who are pregnant must maintain the temp level below 70º C.
In heat competitions, some competitors can bear heat up to 160º C but for very short period only and this should not be tried by normal users. Professional competitors are able to do so under strict professional guidance and various precautions are taken. Furthermore, thus type of competition requires years of training and preparations. Extended exposure to very high heat can make your body too hot which can eventually cause serious injury and/or death. The five time champion Timo Kaukonen at WSC competition died during the event in 2010 after enduring heat at 110 degrees Celsius for 16 minutes. So for a normal user it is best to stick to normal heat level as recommended above or as guidelines and ranges specified by your specific unit's manufacturer.
A hygrometer device is used to measure moisture and humidity level in the air. Such instruments are used along with sauna thermometers. Humidity is the level of vapor in the air caused by evaporation and condensation. The humidity level measurements by hygrometer usually depends on many other readings like heat level, mass and pressure. There are two types of hygrometer instruments; mechanical hygrometer and dry/wet bulb psychrometer
The temp interpretation in the infrared systems is different from the traditional one. The temperature for a far-infrared unit is usually set between 120º F and 140º F; however, unlike the traditional models, the goal in and IR room is not to achieve a high temperature. Instead, in a far-infrared room, the bather wants the emitters to remain active because infrared energy is only being emitted (therefore providing the benefits of the deep penetrating infrared heat) when the emitters are on.
The method of heating is different but profuse sweating results in both sauna types. In an IR unit the user will feel hot and will sweat profusely, but at much lower temperatures. Thus, if the goal is to spend longer periods of time in the cabin, the IR model is a good choice. For a Far-Infrared room, a person may begin bathing when the room is turned on, since the heaters are emitting the infrared energy. However, many bathers would prefer to wait until the room is 110º F or hotter.
For a traditional bath, for example, a bather should allow 30-40 minutes for the room to achieve a desired level and to properly pre-heat the rocks. This heating time is dependent upon the ambient temperature from which the room begins heating, the amount of insulation in the walls, and the ventilation provided in the room. It is a good idea to use a certified sauna thermometer for taking the readings.
A well-constructed system will typically achieve a reading of 150-160º F in about 30-40 minutes. For hotter level, the room may need to heat for a longer period. Once the room achieves the preset hotness, the heater will cycle on and off, typically operating about 50% of the time. The insulated walls and the hot rocks will keep the room hot and at a stable level. Many users enjoy staying in the room after the elements have timed out (a 60 minute timer is standard on all residential models supplied).
The advantage of using a digital controls system is that it provides a more precise reading in terms of degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit. Some digital readers provide both Celsius and Fahrenheit readings and thus it make it more meaningful to different type of users. Digital sensors attached to the system would help in maintaining the desired hotness automatically without frequent user intervention. It is recommended to use a control device which provides both type of readings/temp standards so that it gives accurate interpretation and help in your sauna weight loss programs. There a few devices specially designed for this purpose and have indicators which would alert the user for over heating or abuse. such devices are built using special materials which help them stand humid and hot atmosphere without affecting their ability to give a precise reading.