Our infrared cabin runs at 55°C to 60°C, against 80°C to 90°C in a traditional Finnish sauna. The air is much cooler, but you still warm through properly. You set the temperature yourself from the panel inside the cabin.
Why the number is lower
A traditional sauna heats the air, and the air heats you — so the air has to get very hot indeed for your core temperature to rise. Infrared skips that step. The panels emit radiation your body absorbs directly, so the same warming happens with the air 30 or 40 degrees cooler.
The sensation is closer to strong sunshine on your back than to standing in an oven. Most people find they can breathe easily and stay in for the full session rather than counting down.
Infrared Sauna is one of five treatments at Floatwell Cambridge, 500 m from the station — about infrared sauna →
Cooler air, same sweat
A lower temperature does not mean a lesser session. People routinely sweat as much in an infrared cabin at 55°C as in a traditional sauna at 85°C, because the heat is reaching them directly rather than through the air. If you have tried a conventional sauna and found it unbearable, this is the one to try.
How long at that temperature
A session is 30 minutes at £35, with about 45 minutes on site. That is long enough at these temperatures; there is nothing to gain from staying longer, and plenty of reason not to.
If it feels too warm
Come out. Sit down, drink water, go back in if you want to. Nobody is timing you, and there is no benefit in enduring a session.
Who should check first
Pregnancy, heart conditions, uncontrolled high or low blood pressure, and any medication affecting heat regulation all warrant a word with your GP before booking. Do not use the sauna after drinking alcohol.