For months now, I’ve been getting the same question: “What do you think of these red light therapy mats, blankets, or sleeping bags?”
Honestly, I’d always brush it off. I figured these products weren’t worth the hype—probably underpowered, uncomfortable, and nowhere near as effective as the panels I was already using. But people's curiosity just kept coming. They wanted to know. So, I finally tried one.
I tested the Hooga full-body red light therapy pod, and my skepticism slowly faded. The pod is massive, like a sleeping bag. You zip it up, enter, and let the therapy session begin. To my surprise, it was pretty cool.
Here’s my detailed review, covering everything from my personal experience to the technical aspects and, of course, the pros and cons.
First Impressions and Setup:
I’ll be honest—even while unboxing it, I wasn’t expecting much. I thought I was going to hate it. I’ve always enjoyed the more traditional red light therapy panels. To me, lying inside what looked like a giant plastic cocoon didn’t seem appealing. I believed it would be sticky, sweaty, and challenging to use.
But I was wrong.
As I tested the numbers, I realized this pod (code ALEX saves) was quite impressive. After my first session, I was blown away.
Size:
The Hooga full-body pod is 63 inches tall (about 5 feet 3 inches or 1.6 meters) and 24 inches wide (2 feet or 60 cm). It weighs about 13 pounds, which is relatively manageable.
If you think it’s a bit too small for your height, Hooga also sells an extra-large version that is 7 feet long, though it will cost a few hundred dollars more.
You get inside the pod like you would a sleeping bag. Light is emitted above and below you to ensure your body gets total exposure. You can also lay it flat on the floor or bed and share it with someone else by having one person lie on each side. This way, two people can receive treatment simultaneously, though it’s important to note that this might not provide the same level of full-body coverage for both individuals.
Features:
Inside the pod (code ALEX saves!), 1,800 LEDs deliver red and near-infrared light. The breakdown is about 80% for the 660nm red light and 20% for the 850nm near-infrared light.
This is a typical combination of red light therapy devices, but the Hooga pod's pulsing feature sets it apart.
There are five different power intensities, and you can also choose between continuous light or pulsing at 10Hz or 40Hz.
There’s also a built-in timer that can last up to 90 minutes. Many red light therapy devices max out at around 20-30 minutes, so the extended time is a significant benefit if you want a longer session.
Wavelengths:
To test the pod’s performance, I used a spectrometer. Hooga claims the LEDs emit 660nm for red light and 850nm for near-infrared light. My tests showed that the red light peaked around 658nm, close to spot on. The near-infrared came in at 845nm, close to the advertised 850nm.
Power:
I was impressed when I tested the power output at full intensity (level 5). The red light measured between 30 and 45 mW/cm² right at the surface of the LEDs, while the near-infrared ranged from 15 to 20 mW/cm².
These numbers were better than expected. I assumed they’d be around 10-15 mW/cm², but the surprise came when I moved away from the LEDs. The light intensity drops dramatically as you move a few millimeters from the surface.
This means you only get the total light intensity directly above the LEDs. The farther you are, the weaker the intensity; if you press up hard against the mat, you might block the light entirely.
Price and Shipping:
The Hooga full-body pod retails for $1,499, which is competitive for a full-body red light therapy device. Using my discount code ALEX, you can save 10%, bringing the price down to $1,349.
For U.S. customers, shipping is free, while international customers should expect to pay around $100.
The pod has a two-year warranty and a 60-day return period with no restocking fees. These are significant policies, especially for a device costing this much money.
Usability: Getting In and Out:
The first time I used the pod (code ALEX saves), getting in and out took some work. You had to unzip the pod and shuffle inside, which can feel cumbersome if you’re new to it. After a few sessions, though, it became more manageable, and I eventually found it straightforward.
Before jumping in, I had the pod running for a few minutes to warm it up. I could feel a gentle warmth radiating from the device. It wasn’t uncomfortably hot, just a mild, soothing heat that enhanced the experience.
I had been worried about sweating a lot, but surprisingly, I didn’t break into a sweat. The pod's material wasn’t sticky or uncomfortable, as I had feared, and I felt relaxed.
Pros:
What I Like About It
Pulsing Feature
Pulsing is a big deal for some people, and it’s something that many cheaper red light therapy devices don’t offer. The Hooga pod lets you switch between continuous or pulsed light at either 10Hz or 40Hz. This is easy to adjust and adds an extra dimension to the therapy.
Extended Timer
Most red light therapy devices have a built-in timer that maxes out at 20-30 minutes. The Hooga pod allows you to run it for up to 90 minutes, which is fantastic if you’re looking for longer sessions or want to relax.
Decent Power Output
The power output was better than I expected. Yes, there’s a bit of a “hotspot” effect where the light intensity is concentrated right above the LEDs, but the output is solid for the price.
Zero EMF and Noise
One of the big selling points for me was that the Hooga pod had no detectable EMF (electromagnetic fields) and was utterly silent. These are significant advantages if you’re sensitive to EMF or prefer a peaceful session environment.
Multi-Person Use
Another unique feature is that you can lay the pod flat and have two people use it simultaneously. You lie side by side and roll over to treat the other side. This is great if you’re looking for a device you and your partner or family can use together.
Travel-Friendly
While the pod is bulky, it’s still much more accessible to travel with than traditional panels. If you have the space, you can fold it and toss it in the back of your car, making it a viable option for athletes or anyone frequently on the go.
My Cons:
Not Ideal for Targeted Treatments
This pod accommodates full-body treatments. However, there may be better options if you have a sprained ankle or a sunburned shoulder. You can’t easily isolate specific treatment areas as you can with a smaller handheld device or even a panel.
Hard to Treat the Face
Treating your face with the pod is awkward. You’d have to be entirely inside the pod, which isn’t comfortable. While possible, it’s not practical if facial treatments are your big priority.
Hygiene Concerns
If you’re using the pod alone, this isn’t much of a problem. However, if you’re sharing it with others, things could get gross. The material can trap sweat, so regular cleaning is essential. Hooga recommends wiping it down with a damp cloth after each session, but to be honest, I didn’t follow this advice every time.
Plastic Cocoon Feeling
The pod is a large plastic mat that you get inside. Being inside could be off-putting if you're uncomfortable with it. This was one of my initial concerns, but I eventually got used to it.
Hotspot Effect
The light output focuses directly above the LEDs, causing a variation in intensity across your entire body. This creates “hotspots,” which might not matter for general treatments but can be a drawback for more targeted therapeutic needs.
Conclusion:
Should you buy it? Well, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a full-body red light therapy solution that you can use while lying down and relaxing and like the idea of a more portable device, this could be a good option.
I’m sticking with my red light panels for now, but I have to admit, I’ve enjoyed using the Hooga pod, especially when I want to lie down and relax. For the price, it offers a lot of value, especially if you’ve been eyeing other full-body therapy solutions like the Novathor bed, which costs a small fortune in comparison.
If you’re looking for an affordable and practical full-body red light therapy device, the Hooga pod is worth considering. It has its downsides—mainly the light hotspots and the size—but overall, it’s a solid option for anyone looking to get into red light therapy without breaking the bank.
Remember to weigh your options, consider how you’ll use the device, and ensure it fits your needs. Whether you’re an athlete looking for recovery or want the relaxation benefits of red light therapy, the Hooga pod might be the perfect fit.
Items Mentioned in this Article:
✅ If you want the Hooga Pod device, then use code ALEX and click HERE
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This blog post was written by Alex Fergus. Alex is a ISSN Sports Nutrition Specialist, Fitness Professional and certified Superhuman Coach who continues to expand his knowledge base and help people across the world with their health and wellness. Alex is recognized as the National Record Holder in Powerlifting and Indoor Rowing and has earned the title of the Australian National Natural Bodybuilding Champion. Having worked as a health coach and personal trainer for over a decade, Alex now researches all things health and wellness and shares his findings on this blog.
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