Sauna Education
Infrared Sauna vs BioMat
A calm, practical guide to choosing between a full infrared sauna cabin and a portable infrared BioMat style device for your home wellness routine.
At Thermal Sanctum we speak with many people who are comparing a home infrared sauna with an infrared BioMat or similar heated mat. Both use gentle far infrared heat, both can support relaxing sessions at home, and both are much easier to live with than a commercial spa schedule. They are, however, very different experiences.
This guide walks through how each option works, what the experience feels like, and which type is usually better for different homes and lifestyles, so you can choose the setup that fits your space, budget and wellness goals.
What is an infrared sauna and what is a BioMat
Infrared sauna cabin
A far infrared sauna is a wood lined cabin that uses wall mounted infrared emitters to warm your body directly rather than heating the air first. Temperatures usually sit in the 110–140°F range, which many people find more comfortable than the higher air temperatures in a traditional sauna. You sit or recline on a bench, enjoy full body warmth, and can stretch, meditate or simply rest in the quiet space.
Infrared BioMat style device
An infrared BioMat is a pad or mat that you place on a bed, massage table or recliner. It often combines far infrared heating elements with crystals such as amethyst or tourmaline inside the mat cover. You lie directly on the surface, cover yourself with a blanket if you wish, and let the gentle heat build over time. There is no surrounding cabin and only the surface area in contact with your body is heated.
Quick comparison: Infrared sauna vs BioMat
| Infrared sauna cabin | Infrared BioMat | |
|---|---|---|
| Heat coverage | Full body 360 degree warmth for seated or lying positions | Localised warmth through the mat surface, strongest where the body touches |
| Experience | Private spa room feeling, space to slow down, stretch and breathe | Similar to a heated massage table or weighted blanket session |
| Typical space needed | Dedicated footprint, usually a closet, corner of a room or small wellness area | Uses an existing bed or couch and stores away when not in use |
| Routine building | Encourages set session times and full immersion in a calm environment | Easy to use for shorter, casual sessions or when time is limited |
| Household sharing | Many 2 to 4 person layouts for couples and family use | Usually a one person experience at a time |
| Wellness feel | Feels like a dedicated spa ritual with light, wood and warm air | Feels more like a targeted heat pad with gentle full length warmth |
Potential wellness benefits and what we know so far
Infrared heat has been studied in both cabin saunas and localised devices. A growing body of research suggests that regular sauna style heat sessions may support cardiovascular health, circulation, relaxation and perceived muscle recovery for many people. These sessions are not a cure or medical treatment, but they can be a helpful complement to an overall healthy lifestyle.
- Heart and circulation support Studies on sauna bathing show increases in heart rate and blood flow that are similar to light aerobic activity, which may support cardiovascular fitness when used safely by suitable individuals.
- Relaxation and stress relief Many people use infrared heat to unwind, calm the nervous system and create a clear boundary between the work day and rest time.
- Perceived muscle recovery Warmth can help muscles feel looser after exercise and may reduce perceived soreness for some users.
Any heat therapy should be used with care. People with cardiovascular concerns, low blood pressure, pregnancy or other medical conditions should speak with a health professional before adding infrared sessions to their routine.
When an infrared sauna is usually the better choice
From a Thermal Sanctum perspective a full infrared sauna cabin makes sense if you:
- Want a full body experience rather than targeted heat under your back
- Have space for a dedicated wellness corner, basement spa or bathroom upgrade
- Prefer a clear ritual with a door that closes, soft lighting and a sense of privacy
- Plan to share sessions with a partner or family member in a 2 to 4 person layout
- Value long term durability, solid wood construction and integrated controls
In short, an infrared sauna is ideal if you want your home to feel more like a private retreat, with a room that invites you to pause, slow your breathing and enjoy consistent heat from every side.
When a BioMat style device can make sense
A BioMat or similar heated mat can be a good fit if you:
- Live in a small apartment where a cabin simply will not fit
- Travel regularly and want a portable source of gentle warmth
- Prefer lying fully flat on a bed or massage table for every session
- Are looking for a lower upfront cost and already have a comfortable room you enjoy
For many people a mat is a first exploration of infrared heat. If you find that you use it often and enjoy the way you feel afterward, a full sauna can be the natural next step when you move home or have more space.
Safety, expectations and listening to your body
Regardless of which option you choose it is important to build your routine gradually. Start with shorter sessions, drink water before and after, and pay attention to how you feel during and after each visit. If you ever feel light headed or unwell, step out of the heat and let your body cool down.
Heat based wellness should never replace advice from your doctor, prescribed treatment or regular movement. Think of your sauna or mat as a supportive ritual that works alongside these foundations.
Choosing the right infrared sauna for your home
Thermal Sanctum curates indoor and outdoor infrared saunas, hybrid infrared and traditional models, and carefully matched sauna heaters and accessories for modern homes. Each collection page includes sizing details, electrical information and practical notes so you can compare options with your electrician or contractor.
If you are moving from a BioMat to a cabin style sauna and are unsure which size or layout will fit your space, our team can help you review room dimensions, lifestyle and budget so you can choose a setup that feels realistic and enjoyable to use week after week.
Have questions about creating a dedicated sauna space at home contact the Thermal Sanctum team for calm, practical guidance.
Whether you continue with a BioMat, step into your first infrared cabin or explore a hybrid sauna that combines traditional stones with infrared panels, the most important part is a routine you look forward to. A few quiet sessions each week in a space you love to be in can make your home feel more like a sanctuary and help you create a simple, sustainable wellness habit.
