Many professionals are hyper-focused on performance—whether at work, the gym, or both—but less so on recovery. Prioritizing recovery is crucial for success, though, as it helps prevent burnout and ensures you’re able to continue functioning at optimal levels. So, if you’re used to excelling in your career, make sure you’re also taking time to recover. And while there are many excellent tools for that, saunas are a favorite because of their purported health benefits. Plus, of course, they feel incredibly relaxing.
But because not everyone has access to a gym with a sauna, at-home sauna—like Sunlighten Solo Sauna—have become more popular. Models like this one are designed to be portable, unlike outdoor saunas that are meant to remain in one place. Curious to see what this portable sauna is like, we asked our testing team to try it. Here’s what our tester liked, and what they thought could be improved.
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Our team of experts, including athletes, personal trainers, and nutritionists, have tested an array of fitness equipment using our comprehensive fitness testing methodology to find the best-performing machines.
Sunlighten Solo
| Fortune score | 3.5/5 |
at Sunlighten
- Our thoughts: A portable option that’s straightforward to use
- Who it’s for: People who want an easy, at-home sauna experience and prefer a lower heat setting
- What makes it different: You lay down instead of sitting, and it’s easy to move around for frequent flyers.
Pros
- Modern aesthetic
- Intuitive controls
- Portable and easy to move
Cons
- Didn’t heat quickly
- Difficult to get in
Sunlighten Solo Sauna Specs
Our Experience with the Sunlighten Solo
The Sunlighten Solo System Portable Sauna is an infrared sauna that, as its name implies, can be moved around as necessary. The website says this sauna aids in effective detoxification and also “releases stress, combats symptoms of depression, revitalizes your mind, bolsters immunity, and enhances circulation.”
We asked Rachel, a member of our testing team, to try the Sunlighten Solo portable sauna. Here’s what she had to say.
What We Liked
Rachel gave high marks in a couple of areas.
- Aesthetic (4 out of 5): Calling this sauna “very modern,” Rachel said it was easy, convenient, and aesthetically pleasing to put in her house. She also liked its compact footprint, noting it didn’t take up much space.
- Controls (4 out of 5): “The controls were easy to use and adjust, and once you got it on it was smooth sailing from there,” said Rachel, adding, “There was a button for temperature and a button for time—so easy and simple!”
What We Would Change
There were also two drawbacks, according to Rachel.
- Comfort (2 out of 5): “This sauna is a one-person sauna and you lay down in it, but it can be cramped when trying to get in,” said Rachel. Instead, if you’re looking to fit multiple people, we recommend the Sun Home Luminar sauna, which suits five people. However, if you’re a busy professional looking to save time driving to a sauna studio (and don’t have too much free space at home), this can be a great fit.
- Heating capability (3 out of 5): Rachel said, “The temperature wasn’t very warm and you could barely tell it was working. The sauna did hold temperature pretty well at my feet, but toward the top of my body it didn’t hold very well.” She also said it took a while to heat up compared to a typical sauna. “Overall, this sauna was easy to use and adjust, but when using it you feel packed in there and it didn’t feel very warm,” she concluded.
Who It’s For & Who It’s Not For
Saunas can be a great way to unwind after a busy day of meetings or a long commute to the office. But before using a sauna, make sure to speak with a healthcare provider about whether it’s right for you. Here are two groups we think this product could be a great fit for, plus a few notes on what some research shows as to when a sauna is best avoided.
People Looking for At-Home Recovery Options
Not everyone has access to a sauna, which can be frustrating if you’re interested in the recovery benefits saunas offer. A portable, at-home sauna is a possible solution in such cases, and you get the added benefit of having a truly private sauna session.
Folks Who Want More Relaxation Time
Saunas can feel incredibly relaxing, which may be beneficial for people in high-stress jobs or who have constantly packed schedules. It’s generally advised that you don’t use your phone during a sauna sessions, so an at-home sauna truly allows you to disconnect and de-stress for a little while.
Drinking Before and During Sauna Use Is Best Avoided
Don’t drink alcohol if you’re planning to use a sauna. To highlight just one of the major issues (though there are others) it can amplify dehydration.
Men Experiencing Infertility Should Exercise Caution
Men who may be experiencing infertility are sometimes advised to reduce heat exposure to heat, including regular sauna use, as it has been shown to significantly reduce both sperm count and motility.
Pregnant People Might Decide to Hold Off
Pregnant women interested in sauna use should consult with a healthcare provider, as it’s typically considered best practice to avoid sauna use during pregnancy.
Those Taking Medication Should Consult with a Healthcare Provider
If you’re taking any kind of medication, check with a healthcare provider to make sure you’re cleared to use a sauna.
Comparing Sunlighten Solo to Other Products
Why The Right Sauna Matters to Professionals
Using a sauna offers myriad benefits, including possible reductions in things like stress, pain, and inflammation. For busy folks who are accustomed to working hard and playing hard, taking time to recover is crucial—and ensures they can continue performing at a high level. It’s kind of like taking rest days when strength training; that recovery time ultimately helps you reach your goals. Plus, if you’re working from home and need a 20-minute reset away from the computer, a sauna is a great way to pause and refocus.
Fortune’s Final Thoughts
The Sunlighten Solo System Portable Sauna is a one-person, portable option that offers a decent experience overall, according to our tester. There were some definite advantages, but also some drawbacks.
We consider it an easy, in-home option that doesn’t put you at risk of getting too hot, but it may actually not get hot enough for some people. Plus, if you’re traveling for work and want to prioritize your recovery, this one can be used on-the-go.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of Sunlighten solo?
The website says this sauna promotes detoxification and also helps reduce stress, combat symptoms of depression, improve immunity, and enhance circulation. In general, infrared saunas have also been shown to have benefits like improving quality of life in people with certain chronic conditions, and other research says infrared sauna usage may lead to reductions in pain and inflammatory markers and improved physical function in people with rheumatic diseases.
What temperature is the Sunlighten solo sauna?
The maximum temperature is 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do Sunlighten saunas have EMFs?
According to Sunlighten’s website, its saunas are third-party tested by Vitatech Electromagnetics and are “completely safe.” The website says, “Vitatech’s testing concluded Sunlighten heater panels measure 0.5 mG or less, which is an EMF level lower than 95 percent of common household devices. This is the most current validation and scientific certification that you can rest assured your Sunlighten infrared sauna is safe to use.”
