---
# System prepended metadata

title: Breathing in a sauna
tags: [sauna]

---

# Gigabrain

## [How can I breathe in a sauna at high temperatures?](https://thegigabrain.com/search/How%20can%20I%20breathe%20in%20a%20sauna%20at%20high%20temperatures%3F)

-   Breathe slowly and deeply
-   Breathing through the mouth may be easier
-   Covering the nose and mouth with hands to create space for airflow can help
-   Over time, you may build tolerance and adapt to the high temperatures

## [Breathing inside the finnish sauna : r/Sauna](https://thegigabrain.com/search/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddit.com%2Fr%2FSauna%2Fcomments%2Fyws489%2Fbreathing_inside_the_finnish_sauna%2F)

-   Poor ventilation can result in high CO2 levels and humidity, making it difficult to breathe.
-   Breathing through a partially open mouth is easier than through the nose when it's very hot.
-   Some users suggest using a wet washcloth or a cold wet rag to make breathing easier.
-   Proper ventilation is important for removing excess humidity and maintaining a comfortable sauna environment.

## [How to breathe at high temps around 190+? : r/Sauna](https://thegigabrain.com/search/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddit.com%2Fr%2FSauna%2Fcomments%2Ffjddus%2Fhow_to_breathe_at_high_temps_around_190%2F)

-   Breathe deep and slow
-   Breathing through your mouth may be easier
-   Try covering your nose and mouth with your hands, leaving space for airflow
-   With repeated sauna sessions, you may build a tolerance and adapt to the high temperatures

**Breathing Techniques**

When facing high temperatures in saunas, there are a few breathing techniques that can help:

-   Breathe deeply and slowly to help regulate your body's response to the heat
-   Breathing through your mouth instead of your nose may be more comfortable
-   Some individuals find it helpful to cover their nose and mouth with their hands, creating a small space for airflow

# [Sauna Ventilation](https://localmile.org/proper-ventilation-for-electrically-heated-sauna-part-i/)

- ⚠️ **Stale Air Issue**: Steam added to stale air is not löyly; proper ventilation is needed.
- 🚪 **Ventilation Necessity**: Proper ventilation is crucial for a good sauna experience; lacking in North America due to outdated info.
- 🔄 **Electric vs. Wood Saunas**: Electric saunas need mechanical ventilation; wood fire saunas use combustion air but still need ventilation for humans.
- 🌬️ **North American Problem**: Most North American saunas suffer from poor ventilation, making them less effective.
- 🇫🇮 **European Standards**: Finland and Sweden use fresh air above the heater and mechanical exhaust for effective ventilation.
- 📘 **Reference**: For more detailed info, refer to Trumpkin’s Notes on Building a Sauna and consult Lassi Liikkanen.
- 📊 **Measuring Conditions**: Use thermometers to measure temp, humidity, and CO2 for better sauna outcomes.
- 🔧 **Ventilation Setup for Wood Saunas**:
  - Fresh air above heater
  - Combustion air near floor
  - Natural exhaust in opposite ceiling corner
- 🌡️ **Head-to-Toe Temp Difference**: Aim for even heating with no more than 15°C difference between head and toes.
- 🧯 **UL Standard Changes**: Upcoming UL updates should simplify ventilation and heating standards in North America.
- 💨 **Ventilation Schemes for Electric Saunas**:
  - Preferred: Mechanical downdraft (fresh air above heater, exhaust below bench)
  - Avoid: Natural (convection) updraft (inefficient, poor ventilation)
- 💡 **Key Recommendations**:
  - Use adjustable fresh air supplies
  - Mechanical exhaust below foot bench
  - Ceiling exhaust for post-session humidity removal
- 📅 **Ventilation Timing**: Turn on during use and for 60-90 minutes after to clear moisture.
- 🚫 **Common Issues**: Be cautious of excess CO2 and bacteria; proper ventilation is critical for safety and comfort.
- 🤔 **Troubleshooting**: Ensure exhaust fans and ducts are properly installed to avoid noise and inefficiencies.
- 📏 **Duct Design**: Use larger, round ducts and minimize bends for optimal performance.
- 🚿 **Wood-fired Saunas**: Prefer fresh air from under benches or directly above heater; exhaust in ceiling corner.
Summarized by https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/cbgecfllfhmmnknmamkejadjmnmpfjmp

# [Sauna venting: everyone has an opinion](https://www.saunatimes.com/building-a-sauna/sauna-venting-everyone-has-an-opinion/)

- 🔣 **Introduction to Sauna Venting**
  - Importance of sauna ventilation discussed
  - Jeff C., an electrical engineer and sauna builder, offers insights
  - Poor ventilation leads to stuffy indoor air 

- 🔥 **Electric Heater Issues**
  - Electric saunas pull in less fresh air compared to wood-fired ones
  - Ventilation is critical to avoid stuffiness

- 🌬️ **Ventilation Basics**
  - Convection or fans needed for fresh air flow
  - Factors: vent location, size, obstructions, pressure differentials
  - Venting affects floor-to-ceiling temperature gradient

- 🔄 **Venting Schemes**
  - **Low to High Convection Flow**: 
    - Simple and effective but causes large temperature gradients
  - **Low to Mid Convection Flow**: 
    - Smaller temperature gradient, but air pooling may occur
  - **Exhaust Air "Chimney"**: 
    - Increased flow but possible restrictions
  - **Mechanical Ventilation**: 
    - Best for minimal temperature gradient, noise can be an issue

- 🛠️ **Jeff's Vent Setup**
  - Always open intake near the floor
  - Two adjustable exhaust vents (near ceiling and below upper bench)
  - Balance airflow and temperature via vent adjustments

- ❗ **Key Lessons**
  - Intake/exhaust must vent to the same place
  - Generous vent sizing recommended
  - Balance between fresh air and maintaining temperature is crucial

- 💡 **Experimental Adjustments**
  - Adjustments based on trial and error
  - Vent covers or "chutes" provide control