Steam baths use moist heat, while a sauna offers up a dry heat session. Steam rooms generally will have a temperature between 100 and 114 degrees Fahrenheit. A sauna however is much hotter - up to 100 degrees C, or 212 F which is the point which water will boil. Both of these will stimulate blood flow in the body, and encourage the body to have a healthy metabolism. Some may find it harder to breathe though in the dry heat that a sauna produces. If you have a respiratory issue, such as asthma, you may like the moist heat of a steam bath as opposed to a sauna. The heat also helps with joint pain, stiff back, and other pain.
Sauna Room vs. Steam Room:
Sauna | Steam Room | |
Can be utilized for both wet and dry usage. | A steam room is generally constructed for very wet and hot treatments | Bath |
Built with wood | Steam rooms are generally made of glass. | Walls |
A sauna will generally have a stove inside that creates heat. | Steam rooms have a steam generator. | Heat |
Typically between 70?-100? (158 ? - 212 ?) | Typically between 115 to 120? (40?) | Temperature |
Helps with muscle stimulation, reduces stress, lowers blod pressure, and helps with cardiovascular health. | Perspiration causes detoxification, steam will soothe sinus irritation and chest congestion from asthma. | Benefits |
Ensure the room is not too hot, as sometimes if its too hot you can be scalded. | Be wary of following symptoms: dizziness, vertigo, rapid heartbeat or excessive thirst. If you feel these get out as you are overheated. | Risks |
People who don't like moist heat, but may like to have dry heat sessions. | If you cannot endure dry heat you will likely prefer a steam room. | Preferable for... |
Both moist and dry usage | Very high, usually just under 100% | Humidity |
Nudity is common in saunas. Towels can be used however. Be careful of sitting on hot benches - best to sit on a towel. | Towels are usually not used in private steam rooms, but in public areas it is recommended to use a towel. | Use of Towels |