Many people enjoy listening to music or podcasts while relaxing in the sauna, and AirPods—Apple’s popular wireless earbuds—seem like a convenient choice. However, before you bring your AirPods into the intense heat and humidity of a sauna, there are some important factors to consider.
Factors to consider before wearing Airpods in a sauna
1. AirPods and Extreme Heat
The most critical thing to know about using AirPods in a sauna is how they handle high temperatures. A typical sauna operates at temperatures between 150°F to 195°F (65°C to 90°C), while the operating temperature range for AirPods is much lower—32°F to 95°F (0°C to 35°C). Exposing them to sauna-level heat can cause several issues:
- Battery Damage: AirPods contain lithium-ion batteries that aren’t designed for extreme temperatures. Prolonged exposure to heat can cause the batteries to overheat, degrade, or even fail permanently. In worst cases, this could lead to swelling or a total loss of functionality.
- Material Degradation: The plastic and silicone materials in AirPods aren’t made to withstand intense heat. Prolonged sauna exposure can cause these materials to warp, melt, or become brittle over time, reducing their durability and comfort.
2. Humidity and Moisture Concerns
In addition to heat, many saunas, particularly steam saunas, have high levels of humidity. AirPods have some water resistance (the AirPods Pro are rated IPX4, which means they can handle splashes and sweat), but they aren’t waterproof. The high humidity in a sauna can pose several risks:
- Moisture Damage: The internal electronics in AirPods aren’t protected against the accumulation of moisture. In a sauna, steam can infiltrate the earbuds, leading to short circuits, malfunctions, or a reduction in sound quality.
- Condensation: As the AirPods cool down after being exposed to the sauna’s heat, condensation can form inside the device. This trapped moisture can cause long-term damage to the internal components.
3. Sound and Comfort Considerations
- Decreased Comfort: The high heat in a sauna can make wearing AirPods uncomfortable. The plastic casing may heat up, irritating your ears. Additionally, the sweat produced in a sauna can cause the AirPods to become slippery, making them more likely to fall out.
- Sound Quality: Heat and moisture can also affect the performance of your AirPods, potentially degrading the sound quality. Over time, the audio drivers could be damaged by exposure to the sauna environment, leading to distortions or reduced performance.
4. Safety Risks
Using any electronic device in a sauna carries safety risks:
- Overheating: As mentioned, the internal battery can overheat in high temperatures, which may result in the AirPods malfunctioning or even posing a hazard.
- Electric Shock: While the risk is low with wireless AirPods, moisture inside the earbuds could still lead to potential short circuits or malfunctions that may result in injury, especially if the moisture affects the charging contacts.
5. AirPods Pro and Sauna Use
The AirPods Pro are slightly more durable than standard AirPods, thanks to their IPX4 rating (splash and sweat resistance). However, this still doesn’t make them suitable for sauna use. The IPX4 rating only protects against limited exposure to water and sweat, not the prolonged high humidity found in a sauna.
6. Alternatives to Using AirPods in a Sauna
If you’re determined to listen to music or audio while in the sauna, there are safer alternatives to using AirPods:
- Earbuds that you can use in saunas: There are a few earbuds that you can wear in a Sauna.
- Heat-Resistant Bluetooth Speakers: Some speakers are specifically designed to handle heat and humidity. These can be placed outside the sauna to play music or podcasts without risking damage to your AirPods or other personal electronics.
- Sauna-Safe Sound Systems: Some saunas are built with integrated sound systems, allowing you to connect your phone or other devices outside the sauna and enjoy music through built-in speakers.
- Play Music Outside: Another option is to leave your phone and AirPods outside the sauna and play your music from there. If the sauna isn’t soundproof, you may still hear the music without bringing any electronics inside.
Conclusion: Should You Wear AirPods in a Sauna?
In short, it’s not recommended to wear AirPods in a sauna. The extreme heat, high humidity, and risk of moisture damage can all shorten the lifespan of your AirPods or render them completely unusable. If you want to listen to music or audio while relaxing in the sauna, opt for a more heat-resistant sound system or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of your sauna session without electronics.
