There is sometimes confusion between the terms 'steam bath''sauna.' Many people think they refer to the same thing. Not so. Even though they both are hot baths, one uses dry heat while the other uses moist heat.

There is confusion among the vast majority of people in the world. So we would like to help clear up the confusion. While both offer many health benefits there is a major differences. health benefits include losing weight, cleansing the body of toxins, lowering cholesterol, relieving the symptoms of arthritistreating respiratory problems like bronchitislaryngitis. Sounds like a miracle cure, doesn't it? Some of these claims may be exaggerated,8ttt8.comothers may have sound scientific foundations. Let's take a closer look

The sauna has very low humidity. This means it can bedddtt.comhotter than a steam bath. Saunas are usually between 80C100C while a steam bath is usually about 40C. If the steam bath was any hotter than this it could scald the skin,8ttt8.comthe dry heat of the sauna is safe.

Saunas are heated with stones placed on some kind of heater -- usually electric or wood-burning. From time to time, water is poured on the stones that produce a thick cloud of steam. This has the effect of raising the temperature in the sauna by several degrees,8ttt8.comthe steam quickly dissipates.

A steam generator, on the other hand, heats steam baths. The steam is fed into the almost airtight room where it builds up to create humidity level of around 100%.

The different type of heat determines the type of materials that each can be made of. Saunas are usually wood-linedhave wooden benches to sit on. They are insulated to retain the heat8ttt8.comthere is no concern about moisture damage to the outside structure.

Steam baths need to be made to contain the moisture created by the steam. They are usually finished in ceramic tilethe ceiling must be slanted so that the steam buildup does not drip from the ceiling onto the bathers.

Advantages / Disadvantages

Both have therapeutic benefits. They are good for blood circulationcan cleanserejuvenate the skin through heavy perspiration. They are good for easing muscle tensionpromoting feelings of relaxationwell-being.

Some people find the dry heat of the sauna to be uncomfortable to breathe. Those with respiratory problems like sinus congestionasthma may prefer the moist heat of the steam bath. Steam inhalation is often used for treating bronchitis, sinusitisallergies so people with these conditions may benefit from steam baths.

If you are thinking of installing either in your Home, there are several considerations to keep in mind. Generally speaking, saunas are easier to buildrequire less materiallabor than a steam bath. You can buy self-enclosed steam baths, however, which can be easily installed in any bathroom. These cut down on constructioninstallation costs.

Both types of bath can be installed in a small space. Pre-built saunas can be placed in a bedroom or basementcan be put together in less than half an hour. Steam bath enclosures are usually installed in a bathroomrequire the services of a plumber to connect the steam generator.

If you plan on converting an existing bathroom into a steam bath, all the wallsceilings of the bathroom must be finished with a material like ceramic tile to prevent moisture from escaping. The room has to be airtight withssbbww.coma small opening at the bottom of the door to allow a fresh air intake.

Maintenance

Both require relatively little maintenance. The steam bath simply needs to be washed with a ceramic tile cleaner once a week or so,the sauna can be vacuumed or swept out occasionally. The natural wood of the sauna can become stained after a while,8ttt8.comthe stains can be removed with light sanding or by washing the wood with an acidic solution.

Copyright 2005. William McNutt. All rights reservedThis article may be freely distributedreprinted as long as the author's informationweb link are included at the bottom of the article.

Authored by:William McNuttSauna or Steam

Bill McNutt is a retired Aerospace Engineer. Retirement got boring so he took up web page building. He spends most of his time working on websiteswriting articles.
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