FIR vs Infrared Technology - What's the Difference?
Far Infrared Radiation, also known as FIR, is becoming increasingly popular for its medical effects, therapeutic properties and performance-boosting properties during workouts. The technology that delivers it can be found in everything from saunas to heating pads to TRUEENERGY® FAR infrared socks. But what is it, and how does it work? And more importantly, can it help you? Read on to find out the answer to those questions and more.
What is Far Infrared Energy?
Far Infrared is one of the three classes that make up infrared energy. However, it's helpful to understand how infrared energy works before discussing what far infrared energy is and its purpose. Infrared is a type of electromagnetic energy and part of the light spectrum that follows red. It's a wavelength longer than visible light (700 nm to 1mm) but shorter than microwaves. This property makes it invisible to the human eye in most conditions.
How Does Infrared Energy Work?
The energy emitted from infrared causes motion to occur between molecular bonds. When that happens, energy is released. Infrared radiation is emitted by anything that radiates heat, thermal signatures, etc. (even ice cubes have a thermal signature).
Classifications of Infrared Energy are Divided into Three Parts
The International Commission on Illumination (CIE) commonly divides infrared energy into three classifications: near-infrared, mid-infrared, and far-infrared.
- Near-infrared waves are the shortest and have the most energy. Their wavelengths are 0.7– 1.4 μm (700– 1400 nm). They're used in things like TV remote control signals and fiber optics.
- Mid-infrared waves are longer than near-infrared waves and have less energy. Their wavelengths are 1.4– 3.0 μm (1400– 3000 nm). They're used in things like heat-seeking missiles and night vision goggles.
- Far-infrared waves are the longest and have the least energy. Their wavelengths are 3.0 – 100 μm (3000 nm– 0.1 mm). They're used in things like infrared saunas, heating pads and TRUEENERGY® infrared socks. This class of infrared is the only one that "transfers energy purely in the form of heat which can be perceived by the thermoreceptors in human skin as radiant heat." (Quote source: NIH National Library of Medicine).
What's the Difference Between FIR and Infrared?
You may often see FIR and infrared used interchangeably because they both fall under the infrared category. Also, FIR is sometimes abbreviated as FAR. However, FIR specifically refers to the longer wavelengths (far-infrared wavelengths) of infrared radiation as specified above.
So, the answer poised in the title: FIR vs Infrared Technology - What's the Difference? is that they are not exactly the same. FIR is a category of infrared. FAR, on the other hand, is just another common abbreviation of Far Infrared Radiation or Far Infrared.
What is Far Infrared Therapy?
Far Infrared therapy has its beginnings in space travel. In the 1980s, NASA scientists were studying how to grow plants in space. At that time they made an exciting discovery – plants grew faster and healthier when exposed to the Far Infrared wavelengths emitted from light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Upon further research, the scientists found that FIR therapy not only worked on plants but also had positive effects on the human body. In fact, lesions on their skin began to heal more quickly because of their exposure to the light emitted from the LEDs. Thus, Far Infrared light therapy technology was born.
Benefits of FIR Infrared Technology
Many benefits come with using products that emit FIR energy. These benefits help with:
- Increased blood circulation
- Reduction of inflammation
- Stimulation of cell regeneration
- Temporary Pain Relief
The beauty of these effects is that they result in helping to promote faster healing times for injuries, reduce pain and stiffness, and improve overall circulation.
How FIR / FAR is Used in TRUEENERGY® Socks
Our socks are powered by FIR technology, providing innovation that helps our customers ignite their true energy. How does it work? When combined with your body's heat, the FIR technology in TRUEENERGY® socks emits far-infrared light directly onto your skin, reaching depths of about 2-3 cm (appr. an inch) beneath its surface. There, it goes to work and kickstarts beneficial physiological processes.
These processes are made possible because the socks are designed with a comfortable, stretchy yarn with FIR-emitting ceramic particles woven into the fabric. When the sock comes into contact with your skin, the ceramic powder releases FIR energy and negative ions.
The infrared energy formed is then released, allowing it to speed up healing, improve circulation, regenerate tissue and provide temporary pain relief. The result is the delivery of peak performance for anyone who wants to live their life to its fullest.
Use TRUEENERGY® socks for:
- Everyday use
- Exercise & training
- Injury prevention & recovery
- Post-operative care
- Compression & support
Styles Include:
- Infrared No Show Socks
- Infrared Knee Sleeve Socks
- Infrared Crew Socks
- Infrared Liner Socks
- Infrared Knee High Socks
- Infrared Ankle Socks
Other Features of TRUEENERGY®
- Antimicrobial properties are built in to help prevent the growth of bacteria
- Breathable, moisture-wicking material helps keep feet dry
- Designed for mild compression, perfect fit and comfort
- Machine washable & dryer safe
