If you’re seeking a natural way to improve your lung health and breathe more freely, you might be surprised by what science has uncovered about regular sauna use. At Forge, we specialize in premium infrared home saunas that let you experience these powerful benefits right where you live. But beyond the comfort, let’s talk science: could heating up really help your lungs cool down inflammation and open your airways?
The Hidden Connection Between Sauna Use and Respiratory Health
Millions struggle with respiratory challenges—whether it’s asthma, chronic bronchitis, COPD, or simply recurrent coughs and colds. The relaxing heat of a sauna doesn’t just feel good; research shows it can have a real, measurable impact on your respiratory system.
Clinical Proof: Better Lungs, Fewer Infections
Recent large-scale studies from Finland followed thousands of adults over decades. The results? People who enjoyed frequent sauna sessions—4 or more times a week—had up to a 41% lower risk of respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared to those who used saunas just once a week123.
- Lung Function Improvements: In clinical trials, patients with obstructive lung diseases (like COPD or asthma) who attended regular sauna sessions saw significant improvement in lung capacity, including forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)452. For example, one study in patients with obstructive pulmonary disease found their FVC increased from 3.22L to 3.6L after a single sauna program4.
- Better Breathing for Asthma and Bronchitis: Saunas may help keep airways clear and relaxed, decreasing the frequency of asthma attacks and improving respiratory symptoms for chronic bronchitis sufferers26.
- Reduced Risk of Pneumonia: Participants in a 25-year observational study showed those who used saunas at least 2–3 times weekly had a 28% lower risk of being hospitalized with pneumonia versus once-weekly users, with even stronger protection in those bathing 4–7 times per week1.
- Fewer Common Colds: A randomized controlled trial found that regular sauna users cut their incidence of common colds by half during the study period compared to those who didn’t use saunas2.
How Does Sauna Therapy Help the Lungs?
- Heat Expands Airways: The gentle heat from an infrared sauna dilates blood vessels and airways, easing breathing and helping clear mucus or congestion.
- Reduced Inflammation: Sauna use can lower inflammation in the respiratory tract, a key factor in asthma, COPD, and infections.
- Improved Ventilation: Studies show sauna sessions can improve vital capacity and forced expiratory volume—core measures of healthy lung function45.
What Does an Infrared Sauna Routine Look Like?
Scientific protocols often use 15 to 20-minute sessions, three or more times a week, to see the greatest lung benefits. At Forge, we recommend starting slow and gradually building up, always listening to your body and consulting your doctor if you have a chronic respiratory condition.
Who Can Benefit?
- Those with asthma or chronic bronchitis
- People living with COPD
- Anyone prone to frequent colds or chest infections
- Adults wishing to proactively protect their lung health
The Forge Difference
Forge’s state-of-the-art infrared saunas bring hospital-grade research home. We’re dedicated to supporting your wellness journey with technology that is safe, easy to use, and—most importantly—backed by real science.
Key Science-Backed Takeaways:
- Frequent sauna use reduced risk of pneumonia and respiratory disease by up to 41% in large human studies.
- Clinical research shows measurable improvements in lung capacity, function, and airway relaxation after sauna sessions for COPD and asthma patients.
- Regular sauna users get fewer colds, and may feel better breathing all year round.
Ready to breathe deeper and healthier? Discover how Forge infrared saunas can help you achieve better respiratory health and a stronger sense of wellbeing—right from home.
All facts and statistics above are drawn directly from scientific journals and clinical studies for your genuine wellness peace of mind.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28905164/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10989710/
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/eci.13940
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2596966/
- https://www.infraredsaunasau.com.au/saunas-australia-preventing-pneumonia-and-improving-lung-health/
- https://sisulifestyle.com/blogs/resources/your-lungs-could-sauna-help-or-be-good-for-it
- https://wjarr.com/sites/default/files/WJARR-2022-1414.pdf
- https://foundspace.com.au/found-space-living/are-saunas-good-or-bad-for-your-lungs/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0531556521002916
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/sauna-benefits
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/infrared-sauna/faq-20057954
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/are-saunas-good-for-your-lungs-and-respiratory-health-dry-sauna-sauna-bathing-sauna-therapy-thermotherapy-5089063
- https://www.salussaunas.com/blogs/blog/sauna-use-and-improved-lung-function
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229921001394
- https://zoe.com/learn/saunas-health-benefit
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/infrared-sauna-benefits
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