Sweating the Details?
Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that sauna culture can be new and unfamiliar to some, and we want to provide resources to help you navigate this healing and beneficial practice. Whether you are a seasoned sauna-goer or a first-timer, we hope this page will be a valuable source of information to help you make the most of your sauna experience. Please take a moment to review our Selkie Sauna FAQs, and if you have any additional questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly.
Sauna culture is more than just a practice, it's a way of life that promotes wellness, community, and connection to oneself and others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please take a moment to read through these Frequently Asked Questions about the Selkie Sauna. If you still need help, please reach out to us via email!
What are some benefits of using the sauna?
Saunas have numerous benefits for both the body and mind. Firstly, they help to improve circulation by increasing blood flow and opening up blood vessels, which can relieve muscle tension and improve cardiovascular health. They also promote relaxation and stress reduction by triggering the release of endorphins and reducing cortisol levels in the body. Saunas can also aid in detoxification by inducing sweating, which helps to eliminate toxins from the body. Additionally, regular sauna use has been linked to improved skin health, immune system function, and even cognitive function. Overall, incorporating sauna sessions into your wellness routine can provide a range of benefits for your physical and mental health.
Independent - Article on Sauna and Cold Water Treatment
Mayo Clinic Research Paper
Harvard Medical School Paper
BBC - A Sauna a Day to Keep the Doctor Away
Interview with Dr. Rhoda Patrick
How do I prepare for a sauna session?
Please make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your sauna sessions. According to Harvard Medical School, the average person loses about 0.5 liters or 1 pint of fluid during a short sauna session. As a rule of thumb, you should consume about 2 liters of water in total — before, during, and after your sauna session. Do not wear any makeup or scented perfumes. Read and sign our waiver before entering the sauna. Please remove all jewelry before entering the sauna.
What should I bring?
Bring two towels (one to sit on inside the sauna and one to use for drying yourself afterward), swimwear, and a water bottle. Please keep personal items to a minimum.
How do I sauna?
A typical sauna session consists of 2-4 “rounds” (sometimes more) rotating between the hot sauna and cooling down outside/taking a cold rinse or plunge. A “round” consists of 5-15 minutes in the sauna (everyone is different, listen to your body. Exit when you are ready), followed by a cold rinse and an equal amount of time cooling down and letting your heart rate and body temperature return to normal before re-entering the sauna for another “round”. End your sauna session with a cold rinse for maximum benefits.
How hot does the sauna get?
We generally keep our sauna between 160-185°F.
How many people can fit in the sauna?
We can generally seat 6 adults — depending on the size of the humans, maybe more, maybe less.
Are there any restrictions on who should use the sauna?
We ask that you consult with your doctor if you have any doubts about safely using the sauna and/or cold plunge. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult at all times and require waiver sign-off from their parent/guardian before using the sauna. Infants and toddlers should not use the sauna, even with parental supervision. If any of the below apply to you (please note, this is not a comprehensive list), we advise you to consult with your doctor. By booking a session, you are confirming that you, and everyone in your group, have considered this advice and those detailed in our waiver:
If you are pregnant
If you have had a heart attack or stroke
If you are taking any medications
If you have cardiovascular conditions or problems
If you have epilepsy
If you have asthma or breathing conditions
If you have high or low blood pressure
If you have arterial disease
If you have joint or muscle injury
How is the sauna cleaned?
Our saunas are cleaned after each session and with the highest quality products and attention to detail. We follow the CDC guidelines listed here.
Can I put water on the rocks?
Yes absolutely! Water on the rocks is encouraged to create the proper löyly (Finnish word for “steam”). Only use fresh water on the sauna rocks and always ask your sauna mates before adding water or scents.
How much does the sauna cost?
In an attempt to make the mobile sauna experience accessible to all, we have various costs and rental options. A 1-hour community sauna session is $35/person. To rent the entire sauna for 6 people, at one of our community sauna events, the cost is $175 (a $35 savings!). Private mobile sauna rates, at your own location, can be found here. Longer rentals may be available upon request. To request a private mobile sauna rental, please contact us directly.
What is your cancellation policy for community sauna sessions?
More than 72-hours notice = Full refund (minus administrative processing fee); 24-72 hours notice = Fund can be applied to a future sauna session; Less than 24-hours notice = No refund will be given.
What is included in a private mobile sauna rental?
A private rental of the Selkie Sauna includes: access to one of our wood-fired saunas; delivery and pick-up of the sauna; two bundles of dried hardwood (additional bundles available upon request at $10/bundle); essential oils for the steam; a wellness experience right at your doorstep! You can also add a rental of a Solo® smokeless backyard fire pit to the experience, if you choose.
Where can you deliver?
We can deliver our sauna to almost any legal location with solid level ground and decent roads along the route. We just need enough space to navigate our vehicles and park. Free delivery is included anywhere on Mount Desert Island. Extra travel costs, off-island, will be quoted based on location and rental duration. Always contact us to discuss your proposed site.