Updated August 26, 2026 | Reviewed against the Hooga Sauna Series User Manual
Using red light therapy in a sauna takes more than placing a standard panel in a hot room. The panel needs to be built for high heat and humidity, mounted where air can circulate, and positioned so you can use it at a practical distance.
This guide explains how to choose, install, and use a sauna-compatible red light therapy panel. It also compares the Hooga Ember and Hooga Blaze so you can choose the right coverage for your space.
Can you use red light therapy in a sauna?
Yes, but only use a red light therapy panel inside a sauna if the manufacturer specifically rates it for that environment. A normal indoor panel may not be designed for sustained heat, humidity, steam, or water exposure.
Hooga Sauna Series panels use an IP65-sealed aluminum housing, heat-resistant components, and an internal temperature-protection system. Both models are rated for operation up to 194°F / 90°C. If the internal temperature exceeds 90°C, the panel shuts down automatically and restarts after it falls below 140°F / 60°C, with its settings retained.
IP65 does not mean the panel is submersible. Do not immerse it or clean it with high-pressure water. Full operating, installation, and safety details are available in the Hooga Sauna Series User Manual.
Ember or Blaze: which sauna panel should you choose?
Ember and Blaze are both 12 inches wide and 2.2 inches deep. The key difference is height and coverage. Ember is the compact option for smaller sauna walls or more targeted exposure, while Blaze extends farther vertically for more head-to-toe coverage.
| Feature | Ember | Blaze |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Compact saunas and targeted coverage | Taller coverage and larger treatment area |
| Dimensions | 20.1 × 12 × 2.2 in. | 36.6 × 12 × 2.2 in. |
| Weight | 15.4 lb. | 22 lb. |
| LEDs | 384 | 768 |
| Rated power | 180W | 340W |
| Wavelengths | 630, 660, 810, and 850 nm | 630, 660, 810, and 850 nm |
| Heat rating | Up to 194°F / 90°C | Up to 194°F / 90°C |
| Water and dust rating | IP65 | IP65 |
If wall space is your main constraint, start by measuring the open vertical area where the panel will sit. Choose Ember when 20.1 inches of panel height fits the room and your intended treatment area. Choose Blaze when the sauna has room for a 36.6-inch-tall panel and you want more vertical coverage. You can compare both models on the Sauna Series collection page.
Where should a red light panel go inside a sauna?
Placement should balance coverage, heat exposure, access, and airflow. Install the panel where you can comfortably sit or stand 6 to 18 inches from the LEDs during use.
- Do not mount it directly above the sauna heater. Avoid the highest-temperature zone in the room.
- Leave at least four inches of clearance. Open space around the panel allows air to circulate.
- Protect the power cable. Keep it away from the heating element and sharp edges.
- Use a secure structure. Wall mounting should use a stud or anchors rated for at least 30 pounds. Suspended mounting should attach to solid ceiling joists.
- Plan for your normal position. Set the panel height based on where your body will be while seated or standing, not simply where it looks best on the wall.
Three ways to install a Sauna Series panel
Both Ember and Blaze support three installation styles. The right choice depends on whether you want a permanent fixture or the flexibility to move the panel.
Each panel includes hanging-mount hardware and installation instructions, so it can be securely mounted inside the sauna. A separate floor stand with locking wheels is coming soon and will be compatible with both Ember and Blaze.
Wall mount
A wall mount keeps the floor clear and gives the panel a consistent position. Locate a stud or use anchors rated for at least 30 pounds, attach the wall plates to the panel with the specified M5 screws, and make sure the panel sits flush and secure before use. The Ember pilot-hole spacing is 8 1/4 inches; the Blaze spacing is 31 15/16 inches.
Suspended mount
The included hanging hardware can suspend the panel from solid ceiling joists. The four adjustable cables let you level the panel and set its height. Verify every bracket is secured before connecting power.
Mobile stand
The upcoming floor stand will use locking wheels and will fit both Ember and Blaze. It will be sold separately. This option is useful when permanent wall or ceiling mounting is not practical, or when you want to move the panel between a sauna and a normal indoor room.
How to use a sauna red light panel
- Inspect the setup. Confirm the panel is secure, the vents have clearance, and the cable is clear of the heater and sharp edges.
- Connect power and turn on the rear switch. Use the control panel to power the LEDs.
- Select red, near-infrared, or both. Sauna Series panels include 630 and 660 nm red light plus 810 and 850 nm near-infrared light. Red and near-infrared channels can be dimmed independently.
- Choose continuous or pulsed operation. The near-infrared channel supports continuous, 10 Hz, and 40 Hz settings.
- Set the timer. The built-in timer adjusts from one to 20 minutes in one-minute steps.
- Stay hydrated and pay attention to comfort. Heat exposure and light exposure are separate stressors. Stop the session if you feel uncomfortable.
The appropriate distance and session time depend on how you are using the panel. Follow the distance and dosing guidance in the user manual rather than assuming that longer is always better.
Sauna installation and use checklist
- Use only a panel specifically rated for sauna temperatures and humidity.
- Disconnect power before installing, repositioning, or removing the panel.
- Do not touch the metal housing while the panel is operating in a hot sauna.
- Let the panel cool fully before removing it from its mount.
- Do not use a damaged panel or power cord.
- Do not use an extension cord unless it is rated for the device's total wattage.
- Do not submerge the panel or wash it with high-pressure water.
- Keep non-sauna flammable products and vapors away from the device.
- Children should only use the panel with adult supervision.
- Consult a healthcare provider before use if you take photosensitizing medication, believe you are light-sensitive, are pregnant, have a heart condition, have suspicious lesions, or have recently used steroid injections or topical steroids.
How to clean and maintain the panel
Sauna Series panels require basic cleaning rather than scheduled maintenance. Unplug the panel, let it cool completely, and wipe the surface with a damp cloth or paper towel. Avoid bleach and harsh cleaning chemicals, and make sure the panel is dry before reconnecting power.
Can you use the panel outside a sauna?
Yes. Ember and Blaze are designed for a high-temperature, high-humidity sauna environment, but they can also operate in a normal indoor room. A mobile stand makes it easier to use one panel in more than one setting, provided the device is cooled, disconnected, and moved safely.
Frequently asked questions
Are Ember and Blaze different widths?
No. Both are 12 inches wide. Blaze is taller at 36.6 inches, while Ember is 20.1 inches tall.
What happens if the sauna gets too hot?
The Sauna Series temperature-protection system shuts the panel down if its internal temperature exceeds 194°F / 90°C. It restarts after the internal temperature falls below 140°F / 60°C.
Does IP65 mean the panel is waterproof?
IP65 means the enclosure is protected against dust ingress and water jets. It does not mean the panel can be submerged, and it should not be cleaned with high-pressure water.
How far should the panel be from your body?
Install the panel so you can comfortably sit or stand 6 to 18 inches from the LEDs. Refer to the dosing and irradiance charts in the user manual for model-specific guidance.
Do you need a permanent mount?
No. Both models include hanging-mount hardware and instructions for in-sauna installation. A separate floor stand with locking wheels, compatible with both Ember and Blaze, will be available soon.
Build the setup around your sauna
The best panel is the one that fits your available wall height, reaches the areas you want to expose, and can be installed with proper clearance from the heater. Ember offers the same sauna-ready construction and controls in a more compact body. Blaze doubles the LED count and adds vertical coverage without increasing the width.
Compare Ember and Blaze in the Hooga Sauna Series.
Source: Hooga Sauna Series User Manual, 2026. The Sauna Series is a general wellness product and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure a medical condition.