Demand for cold recovery is at an all-time high, with more people seeking the invigorating benefits of the cold than ever before. However, for most facility operators, the reality of installing traditional cold plunges and ice baths is more chilling than chill. Between sanitation challenges, slip-and-fall liability from wet floors and the need for private changing rooms, offering these highly sought-after recovery amenities can feel like more hassle than it’s worth.
At WellnessSpace Brands, we create modern recovery solutions – clean, dry, and designed to run themselves, making them effortless for members and easy for staff to support. We offer two distinct solutions, PolarWave Dry Plunge and CryoLounge+, that deliver the power of cold exposure without the mess. But how do you choose between them? The answer lies in understanding the difference between full-body immersion and targeted recovery.
The Shared Advantage: Accessible, Dry and Efficient
Before diving into the differences, it’s important to note why both units are revolutionizing high-traffic wellness spaces. Whether you choose the PolarWave or the CryoLounge+, you are solving the biggest operational hurdles associated with cold recovery:
- Stay Fully Clothed: Unlike traditional methods, users can remain fully clothed during treatments in both units. This removes the barrier of undressing or needing a shower post-session, making recovery easy to incorporate into regular routines.
- Hassle-Free Operations: Both units are self-contained. There is no plumbing, no draining or refilling tanks and no complex maintenance required.
- Minimal Supervision: Both products are designed for self-guided use with minimal setup, meaning no staff clean-up is required between users.
- Speed: Both are designed for quick turnover. Recommended durations of 15 minutes or less make it easy to fit a refreshing session between workouts or appointments.
PolarWave: The Dry Cold Plunge Experience
If your goal is to offer a true alternative to the ice bath, the PolarWave Dry Plunge is your answer. It’s designed to simulate the effects of full-body cold immersion in a completely dry environment.
The PolarWave delivers an invigorating, rejuvenating effect similar to a traditional cold plunge. Users lie inside the unit, experiencing a unique float-like sensation without ever getting wet. With temperatures ranging from 25-35°F (-4 to 2°C), it provides the intense, full-body chill that plunge enthusiasts crave.
With a footprint of just 43″ x 82″ and no undressing required, the PolarWave requires no private room. It’s the perfect solution for facilities that want to bring the “plunge” experience to the gym floor without the dripping floors or sanitation concerns.
CryoLounge+: The Targeted Recovery with Cold-to-Heat Contrast
While PolarWave focuses on full-body immersion, the CryoLounge+ is an advanced recovery chair designed for targeted relief and dynamic contrast through alternating cold and heat. It’s the ideal solution for users who want to soothe specific soreness and achy muscles after a workout.
The CryoLounge+ takes a balanced approach to recovery. It applies targeted cold (28–40°F / -2 to +4°C) to specific areas while simultaneously applying heat (95–115°F / 35 to 46°C) to other parts of the body. This keeps the user comfortable and reduces the discomfort often associated with cold recovery.
The CryoLounge+ also includes advanced features for a premium experience:
- Compression: Leg compression offers a calf massage to further relax muscles.
- Contrast Mode: Users can instantly switch between cold and heat in each zone for contrast recovery.
- Auxiliary Pads: A separate pad is included to treat hard-to-reach areas such as shoulders and knees.
Which Is Right for Your Space?
If you have to choose just one, it ultimately comes down to the experience you want to provide:
- Choose PolarWave Dry Plunge if you want to replace traditional cold plunge tubs and ice baths. It’s for members seeking full-body rejuvenation and the mental and physical “wake-up” call of a cold plunge.
- Choose CryoLounge+ if you want to offer a comfortable post-workout amenity for targeted recovery. It’s perfect for members focused on relaxing specific muscle groups and incorporating cold-to-heat contrast without full-body exposure.
For many innovative wellness spaces, the best answer is both. By pairing the PolarWave and the CryoLounge+, you provide a complete recovery ecosystem: one for the intense chill, and one for the targeted cool-down. On a high-intensity training day, a member might crave the total system shock and invigoration of the PolarWave to wake up their body and mind. On a rest day, or after a specific leg workout, that same member might prefer the CryoLounge+ for targeted cold and compression to their sore hamstrings.
Offering both units helps you capture the full spectrum of recovery seekers, from cold-plunge die-hards to those who simply want a comfortable way to manage aches. It turns your space into a versatile wellness hub that adapts to your members’ changing daily needs.
Ready To Upgrade Your Recovery Zone?
Whether you are looking to bring the benefits of a dry cold plunge to your members with PolarWave or offer targeted relief with cold-to-heat contrast with CryoLounge+, WellnessSpace Brands has the solution. Contact us today to request a quote and get started!
