Infrared saunas are often compared by design, size or price. While these factors all play an important role, one of the key considerations that influences performance, comfort, energy efficiency and long term value is the heater technology inside.
An infrared sauna is typically a long term investment in wellbeing, and engineering integrity, research informed design and reliable support often prove more valuable over time than initial savings.
When comparing options, it is worth considering not only the upfront price, but the quality of the heat, the safety standards, the longevity of components and the level of service behind the product.
In this journal, we’ll explore how Clearlight® has spent more than 25 years perfecting our infrared heater technology - and why this matters for your sauna experience and health goals.
How Does Infrared Therapy Work?
Infrared therapy works by delivering light energy that penetrates the skin and gently raises core body temperature. Research into far infrared therapy suggests that the most beneficial wavelengths fall within the range of 6 to 12 microns, with strong absorption occurring around 9.4 microns. This is significant because the human body naturally absorbs infrared most efficiently at this point.
The effectiveness of a sauna therefore depends on how consistently and efficiently it can produce these wavelengths.
This is where our patented True Wave® technology differs.
Why True Wave® Infrared Heaters Perform Superiorly
Clearlight® True Wave® Far Infrared heaters are engineered with a larger surface area than many conventional panels. A larger surface area results in a lower surface temperature. Lower surface temperature produces a higher proportion of far infrared or long wave infrared heat, which is associated with deeper tissue warming.
Because of this design, True Wave® heaters generate strong performance within the optimal 6 to 12 micron range, with a significant portion concentrated around 9.4 microns. Since the human body absorbs infrared most effectively at 9.4 microns, this wavelength alignment enhances efficiency.
In simple terms, the heat produced is not only abundant, it is delivered in the range your body is best designed to absorb.
Emissivity and Core Body Heating
Emissivity refers to how effectively a surface emits infrared energy. True Wave® heaters are designed with high far infrared emissivity, meaning they deliver substantial infrared output directly toward the body.
Rather than heating the air excessively, the system focuses on warming the body core.
Heater placement is also intentional. Every Clearlight® sauna includes heating panels positioned on the front wall, back wall, side walls, beneath the bench and near the calves. This configuration ensures that the front and back of the body are heated simultaneously, encouraging even warmth and deeper thermal response.
Infrared therapy works best when the body is surrounded by consistent radiant heat rather than exposed from one direction only.
The Balance of Engineering Factors
An effective infrared heater must balance several critical variables:
- Emissivity
- Power output
- Surface temperature
- Micron wavelength distribution
- Energy efficiency
- Heat control settings
- Electromagnetic field levels
True Wave® heaters are engineered to optimise all of these factors together. Many competitors prioritise one feature, such as high temperature output, at the expense of wavelength balance or energy efficiency.
Clearlight® takes a different approach. By balancing material composition, heater size and surface temperature, True Wave® technology delivers high energy heating performance while maintaining efficiency and comfort.
How Clearlight®'s Infrared Technology Outperforms Competitors
Clearlight® saunas are engineered to provide complete coverage of the body core. Heating panels are positioned on the front wall, back wall, side walls, beneath the bench and near the calves. This configuration allows simultaneous exposure across major muscle groups and vital areas of circulation.
When both the anterior and posterior of the body are heated at the same time, the result is more balanced warming, improved comfort and more efficient core temperature elevation.
Many lower cost infrared saunas rely on fewer panels or limited placement, often concentrating heat behind the user only. While this can still produce warmth, it does not provide the same full body infrared immersion.
In practical terms, even distribution means:
- More consistent thermal response
- Reduced hot spots
- Greater comfort during longer sessions
- More efficient heating of large muscle groups
- mproved overall infrared exposure
Ultra Low EMF and ELF Design
Electromagnetic fields are generated by all electrical appliances. In wellness environments, many users prefer lower exposure wherever possible.
Clearlight® developed one of the first infrared systems to achieve virtually no EMF alongside low ELF output, using proprietary wiring design and shielding technology. This engineering focus allows users to benefit from infrared therapy with added reassurance, particularly when sessions are frequent.
Full Spectrum Integration
In addition to True Wave® Far Infrared panels, Clearlight® integrates True Wave™ Full Spectrum heaters in our sauna models. These heaters provide more immediate warmth while complementing the far infrared panels. Our True Wave® heaters reach optimal temperature very quickly so your sauna is ready for you to use in 10 – 15 minutes.
The combination allows users to experience instant heat along with sustained far infrared penetration. Sanctuary models include two heat settings for flexible control and energy management.
True Wave® heaters operate silently, contributing to a calm and uninterrupted sauna experience.
Long Term Reliability
All heaters are backed by a Lifetime Warranty, reflecting long term confidence in material stability and performance consistency.
When assessing price differences between infrared sauna brands, heater engineering is often the determining factor. Larger heater surface area, balanced wavelength output, high emissivity and reduced electromagnetic exposure require significant research and patented development.
What Sets Clearlight® Saunas Apart
Over 25 years of manufacturing and refinement have positioned Clearlight® not simply as a sauna manufacturer, but as a technology leader within the infrared space.
Heater engineering is only part of the difference.
Clearlight® saunas are supported by a UK based customer care team who understand the product inside and out. From initial enquiry through to installation and ongoing use, support is local, knowledgeable and accessible.
Delivery and installation are included for most UK locations, ensuring that your sauna is set up correctly and safely from day one. This reduces uncertainty and ensures optimal performance from your first session.
Every sauna is backed by a comprehensive warranty, including a lifetime warranty on True Wave® heaters. This reflects confidence not only in design, but in long term durability.
It is true that lower priced infrared saunas are available on the market. However, many do not offer patented heater technology, ultra low EMF engineering, clinical input during development, or established after sales support within the UK.
For those seeking performance, safety and longevity rather than entry level pricing, the distinction lies in the science behind the heat. Book a personalised consultation with a sauna expert for support on finding the best infrared sauna for your space and health goals.
