Frequently asked questions: What types of heaters are there and what are the differences?
In infrared saunas, many different types of infrared heaters are installed, which can be divided into two main groups: rod heaters and panel heaters. The types of heaters differ in their principle of operation, construction, and materials.
Panel heaters
Panel heaters have only been installed in heat cabins for a few years, as they fill the niche between saunas and infrared saunas. Due to the high demand for wellness products, heat cabins with panel heaters are becoming increasingly popular. State-of-the-art panel heaters consist of a carrier material onto which carbon sheets are applied. Carbon has the advantage that when a voltage is applied, it converts part of the energy into heat, thus emitting heat rays. It is also malleable.
The radiated temperatures range between 80°C - 120°C, depending on the density and thickness of the carbon sheets, which is definitely in the infrared-C range. The panel heaters are flexible and durable, but in addition to heat radiation, they also emit electromagnetic waves. One way to prevent this electrosmog is to apply a second layer of carbon sheets with opposite polarity to the carrier material. This patented technology is used in ATROPA infrared saunas with CarboSense® panel heaters. Several sensors on the heater monitor the temperature to prevent the formation of hotspots and to ensure the most uniform radiation possible.
Pure IR-C heaters are particularly suitable for stimulating circulation, warming up, relaxing, and recovering.
Rod heaters or Tube heaters
This type of infrared heater was already installed in the first infrared saunas, although at that time heating rods were used as a makeshift solution, as special infrared heaters had not yet been developed. The production of high-quality infrared rod heaters according to today's state of the art is a very complex process that requires a lot of precision and know-how. Rod or tube heaters generally consist of a tube that emits infrared radiation. There are heater rods that operate in the infrared A, B, and C ranges, so-called full-spectrum heaters. These are used in particular in professional facilities, usually under the supervision of doctors or therapists.
The most popular infrared heaters in private infrared saunas are so-called deep heat heaters. They operate in the infrared B and C range, as this allows for an effective deep heat effect without exposing the skin to the risk of energetic overload. Since IR-B radiation is often perceived as too intense by beginners, good infrared saunas offer the option of regulating the intensity. This is done by dimming the infrared heaters. Infrared rays in the IR-B range are primarily used for the relief of pain and tension, but can also be used for other therapeutic purposes with proper application.
