Why a Single Person Sauna is the Best Investment in Your Health

Single Person Sauna: The Smartest Wellness Upgrade for Your Home

A Wellness Retreat Built Just for You

You care about your health, your home, and how you invest your time and energy. But like many busy adults juggling work, family, and wellness goals, it can be hard to carve out time to recharge. That’s where the single person sauna comes in—a compact yet powerful solution for improving your physical and mental well-being without leaving your home.

This guide is built from two decades of hands-on wellness writing and insights from the sauna community. We’ll explore what makes single person saunas a smart choice, how to choose the right one, and how they compare to larger or shared models.

By the end, you’ll not only understand the real benefits but also know exactly how to make this self-care investment work for your lifestyle.

Why Choose a Single Person Sauna?

If you’ve ever dreamed of having your own personal spa retreat at home—without needing a massive space or remodeling your bathroom—a single person sauna might be exactly what you’re looking for.

This compact wellness solution is specifically designed for individual use, offering all the benefits of larger saunas in a smaller, more efficient footprint. From flexibility to affordability, here's why a single person sauna makes an excellent investment in your self-care routine.

1. They Fit Almost Anywhere

One of the biggest advantages of a single person sauna is its space-saving design. Whether you live in a city apartment, a mid-sized family home, or a minimalist-style condo, these saunas are crafted to fit seamlessly into small or awkward spaces. Some models are even slim enough to place in a walk-in closet, garage corner, or beside your home gym setup.

Choose from indoor or outdoor installation options, giving you flexibility based on your available space and lifestyle. Many users place their sauna in a master bathroom, wellness room, or covered patio to create a spa-like escape without giving up square footage.

• No need to knock down walls or expand your home
• Great for renters who want portability without permanent changes
• Minimal clearance required for most infrared models

Tip: Some plug-and-play infrared saunas are fully assembled and can be moved or relocated easily—ideal for those who may move homes in the future.

2. Efficient and Cost-Effective

Unlike traditional multi-person saunas that require complex electrical work or high energy consumption, a single person unit is designed for efficiency and ease of use.

Most infrared models plug into a standard 120V outlet and consume far less electricity than larger saunas or hot tubs. The smaller space also means the sauna heats up quickly—often in under 10 minutes—so you’re not wasting time or energy waiting.

Affordability is another big win. While luxury home wellness can get expensive fast, single person saunas start at a much more accessible price point. You can expect to spend $1,800 to $2,500 for a quality model with essential features, or invest in a premium unit with Bluetooth audio, chromotherapy, or red light therapy for under $4,000.

• Lower upfront cost compared to 2- or 3-person models
• Energy savings that add up month after month
• Maintenance is minimal—just wipe down and ventilate after use

Savings insight: Compared to paying for weekly spa visits or memberships, your single person sauna pays for itself in a matter of months.

3. Focused Wellness Experience

When it’s just you and your sauna, there’s no compromise.

You can tailor each session exactly how you like it—whether that means setting a lower heat level for a gentle detox or cranking it up for post-workout recovery. Want to sit in silence and meditate? Go for it. Prefer calming music, ambient lighting, and aromatherapy? You’re in control.

This customised experience is what sets single person saunas apart from shared options. You don’t have to adjust to someone else’s preferences, timing, or comfort levels. It becomes a sanctuary for your body and mind, available on your schedule, without waiting or interruptions.

• Ideal for mindfulness practices, breathwork, or guided meditations
• Great for those who want privacy, routine, and quiet self-care
• Easy to build into a daily or weekly ritual that improves consistency

Bonus benefit: Regular sauna use can become a habit-stacking trigger for other healthy behaviours, such as hydration, stretching, journaling, or intentional rest.

Types of Single Person Saunas: Which One Fits You Best?

Infrared Saunas

• Use far or near infrared light to penetrate the skin and heat the body directly
• Ideal for deep detox, chronic pain relief, and skin health
• Low-EMF and near-zero EMF options available for safety-conscious users

Traditional Steam Saunas

• Heat rocks and water to produce steam
• Excellent for cardiovascular conditioning and classic sauna feel
• Typically require more space and electrical setup

Full-Spectrum Saunas

• Combine near, mid, and far infrared wavelengths
• Offer complete benefits from skin rejuvenation to core detoxification
• Premium option with the broadest wellness range

Barrel and Cabin Styles

• Barrel saunas: outdoor aesthetic appeal, traditional charm
• Cabin saunas: modern, space-efficient for indoor installation

Need help deciding? Take the InfiniteSauna Quiz to find your perfect match.

Key Health Benefits of a Single Person Sauna

Whether you're recovering from workouts, managing chronic pain, supporting your immune system, or prioritising long-term health, the benefits of using a single person sauna go far beyond relaxation. Below are the most powerful, research-backed advantages that make this compact wellness solution worth the investment.

1. Detoxification and Skin Rejuvenation

One of the most widely known benefits of sauna use is its ability to support the body's natural detox process. During a session, your core temperature rises, stimulating sweat production. This deep sweating helps flush out toxins such as heavy metals, BPA, and environmental pollutants through the skin.

At the same time, the increased blood flow promotes a healthier complexion. Sauna use opens pores, boosts collagen synthesis, and can reduce common skin issues like acne, dryness, and dullness. With consistent use, many users report clearer, softer, and more youthful-looking skin.

Pro tip: For maximum skin benefits, gently exfoliate before your session and rinse off sweat immediately after to avoid reabsorbing toxins.

2. Stress Reduction and Better Sleep

Chronic stress is one of the most damaging health factors for modern adults. Saunas offer a natural, drug-free way to relax your nervous system. The heat triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good hormones, while simultaneously lowering cortisol levels—the primary hormone responsible for stress.

This calming effect on your nervous system can extend well beyond your session. Many users report deeper, more restorative sleep on sauna days. This is especially true when using your sauna in the evening, as it mimics the body’s natural process of temperature drop before sleep.

3. Weight Support and Metabolic Boost

While a sauna is not a replacement for diet or exercise, it can complement a healthy lifestyle by boosting your metabolism. The heat exposure increases your heart rate and mimics the cardiovascular effects of light exercise. Your body works harder to regulate internal temperature, which may result in additional calorie burn.

Some studies suggest a 30-minute infrared sauna session can help you burn between 200 to 600 calories, depending on your body composition and temperature setting. This passive calorie burn can aid in weight management—especially for individuals with mobility limitations or joint pain.

4. Pain Relief and Muscle Recovery

If you deal with chronic pain, stiffness, or frequent soreness from workouts, a single person sauna can become your go-to tool for recovery. Heat therapy helps dilate blood vessels, increase circulation, and reduce inflammation in muscles and joints.

This is especially beneficial for those suffering from conditions such as:\n- Arthritis or osteoarthritis\n- Fibromyalgia\n- Tendonitis or joint pain\n- Muscle tension from stress or overuse\n\nAthletes also use saunas to flush out lactic acid, speed up muscle recovery, and prevent injury after high-intensity workouts. Regular use may help improve flexibility and range of motion by keeping connective tissue supple.

5. Cardiovascular Health and Longevity

Perhaps one of the most compelling reasons to invest in a single person sauna is its long-term impact on heart health. Repeated exposure to sauna heat has been shown to improve blood pressure, enhance circulation, and strengthen the cardiovascular system over time.

Regular sauna users tend to have lower risks of stroke, fatal heart disease, and dementia. This is because the cardiovascular effects of sauna sessions resemble those of moderate exercise, including increased heart rate and vascular flexibility.

Practical Considerations: What to Know Before You Buy

Space and Installation

• Measure your available space carefully
• Check door widths, ventilation, and floor type

Power and Safety

• Most infrared models use a standard 120V outlet
• Traditional saunas may require 240V and should be installed by a licensed electrician
• Look for ETL or CE certifications

Materials and Build Quality

• Canadian Hemlock or Red Cedar are top choices for durability and natural resistance to moisture
• Look for carbon or ceramic heaters for even heat distribution

Budget and Features

• Entry-level models: $1,800–$2,500
• Premium models: $3,000+ with extras like chromotherapy, Bluetooth, or red light therapy

Want to see models side-by-side? Explore InfiniteSauna’s indoor saunas to compare top-rated single seaters.

FAQs About Single Person Saunas

Are single person saunas as effective as larger ones?

Yes, they deliver the same physiological benefits—heat exposure, detox, and circulation—just in a more personal, energy-efficient space.

How often should I use it?

Start with 2–3 sessions per week at 20–30 minutes. Gradually increase based on comfort and health goals.

Do I need a plumber or electrician?

Infrared saunas: usually no. Traditional saunas: yes, you’ll need help with electrical and sometimes plumbing.

Are infrared saunas safe?

Yes, especially low-EMF and near-zero EMF models. Infrared light is non-ionizing and has been shown to be safe in many studies.

Expert Tips for First-Time Owners

If you’ve just purchased your first single person sauna or are considering adding one to your wellness routine, you’re already on the right path. To help you maximise every session and avoid common mistakes, here are tried-and-tested tips from long-time sauna users and wellness experts.

1. Hydrate Before and After Use

This might sound basic, but it’s non-negotiable. Sauna use—especially infrared or traditional models—induces deep sweating that can lead to significant fluid loss.

Drink at least 8 to 16 ounces of water 30 minutes before your session to prepare your body. After your sauna, rehydrate with water, herbal tea, or even electrolyte-infused drinks if you’ve sweat heavily.

Why it matters: Dehydration can lead to headaches, fatigue, and dizziness during or after your sauna session, especially if you’re new to heat exposure.

Bonus tip: Avoid caffeine or alcohol right before your session, as they can increase dehydration and reduce your body's ability to regulate heat effectively.

2. Use a Towel for Hygiene and Comfort

Always bring a clean towel into the sauna. Sit on it to protect the bench from sweat, and use a second towel to wipe down your skin as needed.

This not only keeps your sauna clean and extends the life of the wood, but it also reduces skin irritation and keeps you from slipping on sweaty surfaces.

Pro hygiene tip: Choose towels made of 100% cotton or bamboo for better absorption and comfort. Wash them after every use to prevent bacteria build-up.

3. Experiment With Session Timing

There’s no universal “best time” to use a sauna—it depends on your lifestyle and wellness goals. That said, the timing of your session can change how you feel afterward.

• Morning sessions help increase circulation, loosen stiff muscles, and energise your mind for the day ahead.
• Evening sessions promote relaxation, reduce tension from the day, and prepare your body for deep, restorative sleep.

Pro tip: Keep a journal to note how you feel after morning versus evening use. This can help you create a personalised routine that matches your body’s rhythm.

4. Start at Lower Temperatures

If you’re new to sauna use, resist the urge to go straight to the maximum heat setting. Allow your body to gradually adapt to the experience.

• Infrared saunas: Start with sessions at 100°F to 120°F, then slowly increase up to 130–140°F over a few weeks.
• Traditional steam saunas: Begin around 150°F, gradually working up to 180–190°F if comfortable.

Start with shorter sessions—10 to 15 minutes—and build up to 20 to 30 minutes as your tolerance improves.

Remember: Overheating doesn't lead to more benefits. Consistency, hydration, and comfort yield the best results.

5. Enhance the Experience With Spa-Like Ambience

Your sauna doesn’t have to be a purely functional space—it can also be your sanctuary. Adding calming, sensory elements can elevate your session from routine to ritual.

Try the following:

• Play soft music or nature sounds via built-in Bluetooth speakers or a portable device
• Diffuse essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint using a heat-safe aromatherapy bowl
• Dim the lighting or use chromotherapy settings to match your mood or wellness focus
• Add a cool towel for your neck or forehead to balance the heat and soothe tension

Pro insight: A relaxing environment helps your nervous system shift into parasympathetic mode—also known as “rest and digest”—where healing and recovery naturally occur.

Is a Single Person Sauna Worth It?

Absolutely. A single person sauna is a streamlined way to bring high-impact wellness into your daily routine without the need for a full spa or extra square footage.

You get the privacy, consistency, and health benefits of sauna therapy at home—on your terms. Whether you’re into fitness, managing chronic stress, or simply looking to age gracefully, this compact investment supports your long-term well-being.

Additional Resources:

• Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence
• Infrared Radiation in the Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions and Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review
• Sauna use linked to longer life, fewer fatal heart problems