Infrared cabin
Infrared heat cabins and infrared cabins have been an alternative to saunas that have been on the market for several years . They do not heat the body through hot room air, such as B. in a Finnish sauna, but via infrared radiation , which is generated by infrared heaters. The first infrared cabin was built by Harvey Kellogg in 1891. With his so-called "Electric Light Bath" he made countless individual studies, which he published in his book "Light Therapy" in 1910. The red light lamp was used as a small version for home applications. The large version of the red light lamp is available in the form of red light emitters in infrared cabins. They produce more so-called deep heat (infrared-A and infrared-B) than ceramic heaters, surface heaters and the like.
construction
Infrared cabins usually have a rectangular structure, but are also available in corner versions and with curves. The basic shape is enclosed by panels on all sides, on the ceiling and on the floor. Depending on the product, these panels are single or double-walled. Each cabin has a controller with which you can control factors such as time, temperature, reading lamp or outside light. Additional programs such as B. the color light therapy are also part of many infrared heat cabins. Most of the cabins have integrated safety systems that automatically switch off after the set time has elapsed. Depending on the manufacturer and model, the recommended internal temperature is between 25 and 65 ° C.
Cabins with reclining seat (relief of the spine)
The infrared cabin with reclining seat is constructed in a frame construction and is therefore very versatile in its design options and can be designed in a wide variety of wood variants, in contrast to conventional infrared heat cabins that are produced in one type of wood.
The seat can also be made in different types of leather (real or artificial leather), whereby special attention must be paid to the acid resistance and moisture resistance of the leather. Infrared cabins with reclining seats are designed to be more spacious and enable better sitting and lying comfort. Execution in panel or frame construction with different panel designs. Control unit through touch screen operation for light, music, sitting / lying position and spotlight intensity. The recommended internal temperature is approx. 45 ° C.
Effect of infrared radiation on the human body
| Infrared type | Penetration depth | wavelength |
|---|---|---|
| IR-A: | approx. 4 to 5 mm | 780 to 1400 nm |
| IR-B: | approx. 2 mm | 1400 to 3000 nm |
| IR-C: | 1 mm | over 3000 nm |
The vast majority of the rays that hit the body are converted into heat when they hit the body (i.e. not already in the room air) and are partially absorbed. The penetration of heat into the body creates a cozy feeling of warmth ( deep warmth ). One advantage is that, in contrast to the Finnish sauna, the room does not have to be preheated for a long time and energy can be saved.
Security aspects
In principle, effects on the eyes and skin must be observed with IR emitters. Incorrect use or use that is too long can result in consequential damage.
skin
The limit values according to ICNIRP are designed to avoid burns to the skin. The defined limit value of 3550 W / m² applies for an irradiation time of up to 10 s. This is based on the assumption that the person moves out of the danger area within this period of time due to the pain sensation. This limit value is not exceeded in heated cabins. When approaching the radiator z. B. With the knee, our pain sensation automatically causes it to move away.
Various projects are currently researching the extent to which IR irradiation contributes to skin aging, since this frequency component, in contrast to UV light, has not yet been researched so extensively. Current results show that irradiation of human skin cells with IR-A radiation leads to an increased expression of the enzyme collagenase , which in turn can be an indication of an involvement in skin aging. The combination of sun (71% UV, 29% IR) is taken into account in the latest sun protection creams (e.g. Ladival ). It seems to be proven that infrared-A protects against the damage caused by UV-A radiation.
eye
Depending on the frequency-dependent penetration depth of the radiation, different parts of the eye can be damaged:
- Retina : Rays from the IR-A frequency range penetrate to the retina. Damage could occur due to an increase in temperature (retinal detachment). However, the irradiance of IR-A emitters is far below the ICNIRP limit values. Even long stare into the radiation source does not damage the cornea.
- Cataracts (clouding of the lens or clouding of the cornea): IR-B and IR-C rays are responsible for this damage. For a clouding of the cornea, such high radiation strengths would be necessary that cannot be achieved with IR emitters. The limit values are based on cataracts. For irradiation times of more than 15 minutes, the limit value is 100 W / m² (cf. 500 W / m² solar radiation at noon in southern latitudes). The limit is correspondingly higher for periods of less than 15 minutes. In infrared cabins with IR-C radiators, the permanent exposure limit of 100 W / m² is usually not exceeded in a normal sitting position. With IR-B and IR-A emitters, the limit values may be exceeded slightly, even in a normal sitting position. Eye protection is therefore recommended. However, the irradiance levels are still comparable to a campfire in a range.
scope of application
Infrared heat cabins are used in the private, commercial and medical sectors. In the commercial sector, infrared cabins are used in particular in the hotel and wellness sector. In the medical sector, infrared cabins are also used to transfer the selective effects of heating lamps to entire body regions or the entire body. In addition, infrared heat cabins are used in medical centers such as rehabilitation facilities.
hygiene
As usual with the Finnish sauna, an infrared cabin should only be used with a towel for reasons of hygiene.
Due to the lower ambient temperature compared to the sauna, odor and bacteria can develop. Regular cleaning of the wood is therefore extremely important in infrared heat cabins. Cleaning can be done with a damp cloth. Additional cleaning agents can attack the wood in the infrared cabin. Even with proper cleaning, stains can form over time. Any stains that may have arisen can be removed with a fine-grain sandpaper.
See also
Individual evidence
- ↑ Information brochure: The infrared sauna (PDF file; 180kb) Status: July 15, 2011 (accessed on September 14, 2011)
- ↑ Matthias Morfeld: cross section rehabilitation, physical medicine and naturopathy: a case-oriented textbook . Elsevier, Urban & FischerVerlag, 2007, ISBN 978-3-437-41178-6 ( limited preview in the Google book search).
- ↑ a b Christian Raulin, Bärbel Greve: Laser and IPL technology in dermatology and aesthetic medicine . Schattauer Verlag, 2003, ISBN 978-3-7945-2236-1 ( limited preview in Google book search).