After a long day of work, it can feel great to relax in the sauna—if your gym has one, that is. But not everyone has access to a sauna, and even for those who do, it’s not always convenient to head to the gym. That’s where portable saunas come in.
There are numerous home saunas now available, both indoor and outdoor sauna options. Curious to try a portable home sauna that fits in small spaces, we looked at the Saunabox Pulse PRO and asked our testing team to give it a try. Here’s our Saunabox review.
Saunabox
| Fortune score | 3.75/5 |
at Saunabox
- Our thoughts: We liked how well it held heat, but it felt cramped
- Who it’s for: Those with limited space who need something smaller
- What makes it different: It also includes red light therapy
Pros
- Maintains heat well
- Includes a wooden stool
- OEKO-TEX® certified materials
Cons
- Feels cramped
- Controls located lower in the sauna, near your feet
- Dark if not using red lights
Saunabox Specs
Our Experience with Saunabox
The Saunabox Pulse PRO is an infrared sauna with red light therapy that comfortably fits one adult. It uses infrared heating panels to reach up to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the company, and offers red light therapy as well, at 660 nanometers to 850 nanometers.
The sauna is foldable, doesn’t require any tools for setup, and comes with a wooden stool, floor mat, and storage bag. The company also notes that the sauna cover is made from OEKO-TEX-certified materials.
As for the supposed benefits, the company notes that using Saunabox’s Pulse PRO may help with stress relief, improved sleep, cardiovascular support, skin health, muscle recovery, detoxification, and more.
Our tester, Rachel, tried this product. Here’s her take on what Saunabox offers.
What We Liked
Here’s what Rachel liked about Saunabox.
- Appearance (4 out of 5): “This sauna looks very appealing and would fit perfectly in anyone’s home,” noted Rachel. She added, “From the look and amount of space this product takes up, I feel like most people would consider this to be something they’d put in their homes.”
- Temperature control (4 out of 5): “I feel like the sauna held the temperature very well while I was using it,” said Rachel, adding, “Getting in and out of the sauna would bring in some cold air but then it would go back to the original heat.”
What We Would Change
Rachel observed that this sauna was mostly comfortable but condensed, with little room to move around. Here’s what else she noted as drawbacks.
- Seating (2 out of 5): “The seating would be comfortable if you were in there for a small session, but past that, the seating was cramped and uncomfortable,” said Rachel. “You’re sitting in a box for one person in a lawn chair! I fit perfectly in the sauna (I am 5’5”), but anyone who is taller would be cramped while using it.”
- Controls (3 out of 5): “The controls in this sauna were all in one box at your feet in the sauna, so it did make it more complicated to adjust, but easier than most saunas,” explained Rachel.
- Overall experience (3 out of 5): “I personally like it less because it’s a one-person, tent-like structure, and it’s uncomfortably dark once you start using it. This sauna wasn’t the worst thing you could ever use, but also not the most comfortable,” said Rachel. She added, “I would personally not use this product again, because I would want more comfortable seating and room to move around for a better heat exposure experience.”
Who It’s For & Who It’s Not For
While sauna use can be beneficial, it’s not for everyone. Research shows:
- Avoiding sauna use during pregnancy is currently considered best practice, and pregnant women interested in sauna use should consult with a healthcare provider.
- Men experiencing infertility may be advised to reduce exposure to heat, such as with regular sauna use, which has been shown to significantly reduce sperm motility and sperm count.
- Alcohol consumption should always be avoided when using a sauna, and any individual taking medication should consult with a healthcare provider before adding sauna bathing to their routine.
We recommend speaking with a healthcare provider before beginning a new sauna routine, as the high-heat environment may prompt adverse reactions in some individuals—including those who are more prone to getting dizzy or lightheaded and people on certain medications.
Comparing Saunabox to Other Saunas
Frequently asked questions
How much does the SaunaBox cost?
The retail price for Saunabox is $900 as of this writing, though at the time of writing, the company was offering a promotion that lowered the price to $799. As for usage costs, the company’s website says a 60-minute session costs less than 25 cents in electricity in most U.S. regions.
What is the 200 rule for saunas?
According to Divine Saunas, a U.S.-based sauna company, the so-called “Rule of 200” says that to achieve the ideal level of comfort when using a sauna, the sauna temperature and humidity level combined should equal 200. So, if your sauna temperature is set to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, for example, then the humidity level should be set at 40%.
Is a dry sauna good for the lungs?
It does seem that there are some respiratory benefits resulting from sauna usage. For example, a 2017 study concluded that, “Frequent sauna baths may be associated with a reduced risk of acute and chronic respiratory conditions in a middle-aged male Caucasian population.”
