A portable steam sauna is a portable and foldable steam sauna tent made of a waterproof fabric supported by a PVC bracket and steel wire skeleton.
This sauna is heated by a small steam generator with a digital temperature display. It also has explosion and leakage proof. It has automatic power protection, temperature regulation, and timing.
A portable steam sauna is a steam bath that can help you enjoy steam therapy privately in the comfort of your home. Being portable means you can place it wherever you want and even carry it from place to place.
Using a steam sauna at home is the best way to unwind after a hard day’s work because it helps with rejuvenation and also removes toxins from the skin.
Since you’ll be sweating extensively in the sauna, it will help flush out toxins from your body.
How to Assemble a Portable Sauna
Nearly all portable steam saunas have instant assembly features. Some can assemble instantly the moment you release it from its package.
Other saunas come with tubes that you simply join together to build a frame to support the waterproof fabric.
You can start with the bottom (horizontal) tubes to provide a foundation before erecting the vertical or supporting tubes. Make sure each joint is properly fixed to make the structure stable.
Fortunately, portable steam saunas come with assembly manuals you can use to assemble them.
Make sure you follow the instructions so each tube fits at the right place. Once you erect the cubicle, you can place the steam generators and a foot warmer on its bottom.
Who Should Buy a Portable Sauna?
Portable saunas can be used by anyone above the age of five. It’s not recommended for younger children because they can’t regulate their body temperatures the way adults do.
Note that every child is different. So before allowing your child into a sauna, consult their pediatrician.
You should buy a portable sauna if you want to enjoy the benefits of a sauna privately or don’t have time to go to a public sauna. You also need a portable sauna if you want to:
- Lower your risk of heart disease
- Reduce your risk of diabetes.
- Reduce inflammation
- Reduce cellulite and lose weight
- Relive your joint or muscle pain
- Boost your immune system
- Improve your sleep
- Detoxify
Portable Sauna vs. Full Size
Both portable and full-size saunas produce the same results. So, the choice between a portable and full-size sauna boils down to your budget and the space you have.
If you are tight on space, you can need a small sauna, but if you have a wide space, a full-size sauna is ideal.
Also, consider the number of people who will use the sauna at the same time. A small sauna can only be used by one person at a time. Finally, remember that full-size saunas cost more than small saunas.
So, if your budget is limited, you can buy a small one. Learn more about different sauna types.
How to use a steam sauna
Always remember to limit the time you spend inside the steam sauna. Overstaying inside a sauna at such a high temperature may also be disastrous. The first step in using your portable steam sauna is to preheat it to your desired temperature.
That means you won’t have to sit in the sauna for long as you wait for it to warm up.
Set the temperature 15-20 minutes before you step into the unit.. This will ensure you don’t get over-dehydrated while inside since you’ll be sweating profusely.
Without proper hydration, you may feel thirsty or even faint inside the sauna.
Portable saunas conveniently allow you to keep your arms out of the sauna, with a couple of pockets, so it’s a good option to have your phone, tv remote or a book handy.
When using the sauna, there are certain safety measures you should take. For example, you aren’t supposed to drink alcohol before entering the sauna.
Alcohol can increase your rate of dehydration and make you faint.
Also, don’t use a steam sauna when you are sick.
Where can you use the portable steam sauna?
Most portable sauna’s are quite compact. They are built for only 1 person and typically don’t take up much more space than a large chair (think the size of a recliner). The standard measurements being 28w x 33.5l x 39h.
It should fit in almost any room of the house, but we would highly suggest a room with concrete or tile if that is an option.
If you do need to put it on wood or carpet we would suggest laying a towel inside to catch moisture and putting the sauna on top of something waterproof just to ensure nothing leaks onto your floors.
A steam sauna does generate a ton of moisture and while the sauna floor should capture it, it may not always get it all.
How to clean a portable steam sauna
The most important part of keeping your sauna clean is just keeping it dry.
Make sure the moisture that may have accumulated in the bottom of the sauna has been mopped up with a towel and that towel isn’t left in the sauna.
Wipe off any remaining moisture and leave open the zipper to ensure it air dies.
If your sauna actually requires real cleaning, just use a moist cloth to spot clean it. Don’t use any harmful cleaning agents on your portable sauna. If by bad luck it gets stained, you can use a mild detergent or stain remover, then wipe the affected area with a damp cloth.
Once you’ve cleaned the sauna, you can air dry it before folding and keeping it.
How long do you stay in a portable steam sauna?
According to an article appearing in the American Journal of Public Health, you should not stay in a sauna for more than 15 minutes, even if you are healthy.
If you have never used a sauna before, start slowly. More advanced users may stay in for 20-30 minute sessions (or more). It’s also common to get out of the sauna to cool down before getting back in for an additional session.
Portable Sauna Health Benefits
Loosening phlegm and mucus
A sauna can help loosen nasal congestion so you can easily breathe and blow your nose. It’s excellent when you’re having a cold, cough, or an allergic reaction.
Steam saunas even work for children and are better than using a bowl of hot water, which may scald them.
It improves the skin
The steam sauna cleanses the skin and opens skin pores. It will remove all the debris and dirt that has built up on your skin, thereby improving its appearance.
Controls blood pressure
If you are getting concerned about your blood pressure, a steam sauna could be your solution. Steam helps with circulation by enlarging or dilating blood vessels, making blood flow freely towards the surface of the skin, thus lowering the blood pressure.
It helps with bronchitis
As already mentioned, steam can loosen phlegm. Since this helps with breathing, it can reduce your breathing problems if you have bronchitis.
Workout recovery
After an intense workout session, you may experience muscle soreness, which can be painful at times, especially if there is some muscle damage.
Sauna steam can help reduce muscle pain by helping the muscles recover. It does this by helping the heart pump more blood to the muscles.
It helps with stiff joints.
Sitting in a sauna can relieve joint stiffness because heat increases blood flow to the joints. Heat has the same effect you get during warming up before you start a full-blast workout.
Sauna heat dilates your blood vessels, which enables more oxygen and nutrients to reach the injured sites. Better circulation also loosens joints and muscles.
It helps with weight loss.
You may not believe it, but using your sauna consistently can help you achieve your weight loss goals, especially if you go in after a workout. A sauna can help you lose both body mass and water weight.
The fact that it eliminates toxins from your body also contributes to weight loss.
It helps in clearing the mind.
Going into a sauna is like putting a heat pack on your entire body. To this end, it has the same effects as meditation. It can help with your mental and physical health.
However, to get this benefit, you have to be strategic about how you use your steam sauna.
Limit your use to two to three times a week, and spend only 10 to 15 minutes in the unit in one session. Feel free to take a break between sessions and go back into the unit for between 3 and 4 cycles.
What temperature does the portable steam sauna reach?
The temperature inside a sauna depends on the heating source you use. The temperature range for portable steam saunas is between 90 °F and 180 °F.
You should set a temperature that allows you to sweat without feeling extremely uncomfortable.
The room temperature is important in determining your sauna’s operating temperature.
For example, if your room temperature is 7064 °F, your sauna’s temperature should range between 122 °F and 140 °F. Temperatures above that can be very dangerous.
FAQs
Question: Are portable saunas dangerous?
Answer: Portable saunas are generally completely safe to use. However, it is important to take precautions such as drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration and wearing the recommended clothing while using the sauna.
Question: Do portable saunas burn calories?
Answer: Using a portable infrared or steam sauna helps your body burn calories, absorb nutrients and stay energized.
Question: Can you use a portable sauna every day?
Answer: You can use your sauna every day, but it is advisable to give your body time to recover between sessions. Using the sauna two to three times a week should be enough to improve your health.
Question: How to clean a portable sauna?
Answer: Wiping the interior surface using an anti-bacterial wipe or a cloth and warm water after every use is recommended. You can also use a homemade solution comprising vinegar with tea tree, thyme essential oil and lavender.
Final Thoughts
While a portable sauna doesn’t provide quite the same experience as a nice, full size version, for those with limited space or limited funds, a portable sauna can be a nice, affordable option for your home fitness and health routine.
If a full size option isn’t in your current budget, we highly recommend a portable unit in the meantime. With it’s convenient size, ability to easily transport, and low cost, there’s really no downside.
Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy a sauna, regardless of their budget or space constraints.
Be sure to check out our buyer’s guide to find the best portable sauna options on the market, as well as our upgrade options for when you are ready for a full size sauna.
