A cryosauna is a specialized cold therapy chamber that exposes the body to extremely low temperatures — typically between −110°C and −170°C (−166°F to −274°F) — for a short session of 1 to 3 minutes. Unlike an ice bath, where you submerge in cold water, a cryosauna uses liquid nitrogen vapor or cold air to cool the environment around your body. Your head stays above the chamber opening, so you breathe normal room air throughout the entire session.
Cryosaunas are used in professional sports facilities, wellness centers, medical spas, and rehabilitation clinics worldwide. In this guide, we break down exactly how cryosaunas work, what happens to your body during a session, what types exist, and how to choose the right equipment for your needs.
Vacuactivus Antarctica CryoBarrel — whole-body electric cryotherapy chamber
How Does a Cryosauna Work?
A cryosauna is a single-person chamber designed for cold therapy sessions. During a session, extremely cold air — generated either by liquid nitrogen vapor or an electric compressor — fills the chamber and surrounds your body. Your skin temperature drops by 10–15°C within the first 30 seconds.
This sudden temperature drop triggers a powerful response from your central nervous system. Your body interprets the extreme cold as a survival signal and activates a cascade of physiological reactions: blood vessels constrict, blood is redirected to your core organs, and your body releases endorphins and anti-inflammatory proteins.
Once the session ends and you step out of the cryosauna, your body reheats rapidly. Blood rushes back to your extremities, carrying oxygen and nutrients — this is the key mechanism behind the recovery and wellness benefits cryotherapy is known for.
Key Components of a Modern Cryosauna
Understanding what makes a cryosauna work helps you evaluate equipment quality. Here are the core components found in professional-grade machines like the Vacuactivus CryoStar und Antarktis-Kryofass:
- Kühlsystem — Either liquid nitrogen injection (open-top cryosaunas) or electric compressor (walk-in chambers like Antarctica CryoBarrel). Both achieve effective cold exposure at different temperature ranges.
- Electric lift (nitrogen models) — Raises or lowers the client so their head always stays above the nitrogen vapor zone, regardless of height.
- Oxygen sensor — Monitors oxygen levels in real time. Essential for safety in nitrogen-based cryosaunas.
- Dual exhaust ventilation — Removes used nitrogen vapor from the treatment room. Required by law in most US states and European countries.
- Touchscreen control panel — Allows operators to set temperature, session duration, and choose between automatic or manual programs.
- Thermal imaging camera (Grand models) — Visualizes blood circulation and body temperature changes during the session in real time.
Cryosauna vs. Ice Bath: What’s the Difference?
Both cryosaunas and ice baths use cold exposure for recovery, but they work very differently. An ice bath cools the body through direct water contact at temperatures of 10–15°C. A cryosauna uses cold air at temperatures as low as −170°C (nitrogen) or −140°C (electric), but because it’s a gas — not water — the heat transfer is less aggressive on tissue.
The result is that a 3-minute cryosauna session produces a comparable skin temperature drop to a 15–20 minute ice bath, with significantly less discomfort. Cryosaunas also avoid the risk of waterborne pathogens and allow clients to remain clothed (socks, gloves, underwear), making the experience more accessible for commercial wellness settings.
What Are the Main Types of Cryosaunas?
The cryotherapy market offers several distinct machine types, each with different technology, use cases, and price points:
1. Open-Top Nitrogen Cryosaunas (Partial Body — PBC)
The most common type in the US and Europe. The client stands inside a cylindrical chamber with their head above the opening. Sessions run 1–3 minutes at temperatures between −110°C and −170°C. Example: Vacuactivus CryoStar.
2. Walk-In Electric Cryotherapy Chambers (Whole Body — WBC)
Fully enclosed chambers the client enters completely, including their head. Cooled by an electric compressor — no nitrogen required. Safer, easier to operate, and nitrogen-free. Example: Vacuactivus Antarctica CryoBarrel.
3. Walk-In Nitrogen WBC Chambers
Larger rooms using nitrogen-based cooling that the client enters fully. Require more space and investment but deliver the most extreme temperatures. Example: Vacuactivus Antarctica WBC Nitrogen.
4. Localized Cryotherapy Devices
Target specific body areas — knees, shoulders, face — using a focused cold air stream. Often used alongside whole-body cryosaunas for targeted treatment. Example: Vacuactivus Iceberg local cryo machines.
What Happens During a Cryosauna Session: Step by Step
- Before the session — The client changes into minimal clothing (shorts, socks, gloves, ear protection). The technician checks the oxygen sensor and chamber temperature.
- 0–30 seconds — Cold air fills the chamber. Skin temperature drops rapidly. Most clients feel an intense but manageable cold sensation.
- 30 seconds–2 minutes — The body adapts. Many clients report feeling energized. The technician monitors the session from outside.
- 2–3 Minuten — Session ends. The chamber door opens and the client steps out. The rewarming phase begins immediately.
- After the session — 5–10 minutes of light movement is recommended to stimulate circulation. Most clients notice effects within 30 minutes.
Is a Cryosauna Safe?
When operated correctly with certified equipment, cryotherapy in a professional cryosauna is considered safe for most healthy adults. The most important safety factors are:
- Proper ventilation — In nitrogen models, vapor displaces oxygen. Dual exhaust systems and room oxygen monitors are non-negotiable. Electric models eliminate this risk entirely.
- Indirect cooling technology — Modern chambers use controlled delivery systems to prevent direct contact with extreme cold, reducing frostbite risk.
- Client screening — Cryotherapy is not recommended for people with certain cardiovascular conditions, Raynaud’s disease, or active skin wounds.
- Operator training — Sessions should always be supervised by a trained technician.
How Much Does a Cryosauna Cost?
Cryosauna pricing varies widely based on technology, brand, and configuration. As a general market reference:
- Entry-level nitrogen cryosaunas: 5,000–5,000
- Electric walk-in chambers (Antarctica CryoBarrel): mid-range investment, lower operating costs — no nitrogen needed
- Premium models with thermal imaging (CryoStar Grand M): higher investment, maximum features
- Walk-in nitrogen WBC chambers: 0,000–00,000+
Operating costs for electric chambers are significantly lower — no nitrogen supply needed. Nitrogen cryosaunas average – per session in liquid nitrogen consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a cryosauna session?
A standard session lasts between 1 and 3 minutes. First-time users typically start at 1.5–2 minutes. The session can be customized by the technician based on client tolerance and goals.
How often should you use a cryosauna?
For recovery and general wellness, 2–3 sessions per week is a common starting point. Athletes in heavy training may use cryotherapy daily during high-load periods. Most programs recommend a block of 10 sessions to assess long-term response.
Does a cryosauna help with weight loss?
Cryotherapy increases metabolic rate as the body works to rewarm itself. While it is not a standalone weight loss solution, regular sessions combined with exercise and proper nutrition can support body composition goals. Many wellness clinics position cryosaunas alongside vacuum infrared treadmills for a complete weight management protocol.
What is the difference between a cryosauna and a cryotherapy chamber?
A cryosauna (PBC device) is an open-top cylinder where your head stays outside. A cryotherapy chamber (WBC) is a closed room you enter fully. The Antarktis-Kryofass is a modern walk-in electric WBC — no nitrogen, full body immersion including the head, with breathable cold air inside.
Can I buy a cryosauna for home use?
Most professional cryosaunas require ventilation installation and trained operators. For the most effective and safe results, professional-grade equipment in a supervised commercial setting is always recommended.
Abschluss
A cryosauna is one of the most powerful tools in modern wellness and sports recovery. Vacuactivus offers a full range of solutions — from the nitrogen-based CryoStar to the electric Antarktis-Kryofass — to fit any facility, budget, and business model.
