Red Light Therapy vs. Infrared Saunas: Understanding the Difference
Red light therapy and infrared saunas are often lumped together but are very different tools with unique purposes. Once people understand these differences, a new question arises: Can you combine the two?
Historically, the answer has been a resounding "no" due to the limitations of red light therapy panels in high-heat, moisture-laden environments like saunas. However, that's all changed with the introduction of the SaunaMax Pro by PlatinumLED.
The SaunaMax Pro represents a breakthrough in red light therapy technology, explicitly designed to operate in the challenging conditions of an infrared sauna. So, how does this panel stack up, and should you consider adding it to your setup if you own an infrared sauna?
Stick around because, by the end of this article, we'll dive into a detailed list of pros and cons — one of the longest I've ever compiled for a red light therapy review.
Let's dive in!
Introducing the SaunaMax Pro
The first thing you'll notice about the SaunaMax Pro is its remote control, a standard product feature. This simple on/off remote gets the job done, but the PlatinumLED app is a game-changer for those who crave more control.
The app lets you quickly turn the panel on or off remotely, adjust its settings, and customize the light spectrum. Whether you want to disable the blue light, turn off the red light, or fine-tune other settings, everything is just a tap away.
The panel's design is also worth highlighting. Unlike anything I've seen in the market, its back is a massive heat sink. This innovation eliminates the need for fans, which are common in traditional panels, to aid airflow.
Why are there no fans? The SaunaMax Pro is built to be watertight and withstand the intense heat of sauna environments. Its IP65 rating means it's moisture—and splash-proof and can tolerate temperatures as high as 150°F (65°C).
Key Specifications
This panel has a total of 320 LEDs:
- 8 blue LEDs
- 156 red LEDs (red spectrum)
- 156 near-infrared LEDs (near-red spectrum)
The unique design prioritizes both functionality and durability. At 17 pounds, the panel feels solid and robust, yet its dimensions make it surprisingly sleek. It measures 10 inches wide, 39 inches tall, and just 3.5 inches deep, making it significantly thinner than models like the BioMax 600.
One of the key features of the SaunaMax Pro is the placement of its control panel. Unlike earlier PlatinumLED panels, which had controls on the side, the SaunaMax Pro has its controls conveniently positioned at the top. This new placement enhances usability, particularly when installing the panel in a sauna.
Built for High-Heat Environments
The SaunaMax Pro's innovative design serves more than aesthetic purposes; it's a crucial element of its functionality. The aluminum framework and a sizable heat sink harmoniously manage and effectively disperse heat.
Traditional panels rely on fans and open spaces for cooling, but those features wouldn't work in the steamy confines of a sauna. PlatinumLED has created a panel ideally suited for high-heat, high-humidity environments by eliminating fans and embracing a fully enclosed design.
This well-considered design ensures the SaunaMax Pro can provide effective red light therapy while maintaining its durability and performance. As we look into its pros and cons later, you'll see how significant these innovations are.
Wavelength Testing and Power Output
Let's get out my spectrometer!
First, I measured all the active lights. You can see the blue, red, and near-infrared lights at work. While capturing precise readings for all wavelengths simultaneously is tricky, this gives a solid breakdown overview.
Let's examine each wavelength individually.
Blue Light
When enabling just the blue LEDs, the spectrometer recorded a peak at 477nm. This differs slightly from other BioMax panels I've tested, edging into the green spectrum. It's worth noting that the SaunaMax Pro has only eight blue LEDs, which minimizes its overall impact.
Red Light
Switching to red, I observed two peaks at 635 and 660 nm. These are the classic red light therapy wavelengths known for their therapeutic benefits.
Near-Infrared Light
The near-infrared spectrum results were more varied. Moving the sensor across the panel revealed multiple wavelengths. While 850 nm dominated, there were also significant readings at 810 and 830 nm.
The SaunaMax Pro offers six wavelengths: two in the red spectrum (635nm and 660nm) and three in the near-infrared (810nm, 830nm, and 850nm), with a slight addition of blue and green light. If preferred, you can disable the blue light using a dedicated button.
Power Output
Next, I measured the irradiance levels. I anticipated lower figures since PlatinumLED uses lower-powered LEDs for this panel than their BioMax series. The peak irradiance was 52 mW/cm² at six inches, averaging 41.1 mW/cm² across the panel.
While the SaunaMax Pro's output is lower than panels such as the BioMax or Mito Red Light models, it's essential to understand the purpose behind this design. Its reduced output is suitable for the longer exposure times typical of sauna sessions, helping to prevent overexposure during 30-minute sessions. In this context, the lower irradiance is not a disadvantage; it is a feature specifically designed for optimal performance in a sauna environment.
Price, Sound, and EMF
One of the most impressive features of the SaunaMax Pro is its sound—or lack thereof. This panel operates completely silently, thanks to its fanless design. Most traditional panels generate some noise due to their cooling fans, but the SaunaMax Pro eliminates that. This makes it an ideal choice for a calming sauna environment.
Regarding electromagnetic fields (EMF), the SaunaMax Pro boasts virtually zero emissions. This is crucial for users worried about EMF exposure, particularly when spending long periods near the device during sauna sessions.
Now, let's talk cost. The SaunaMax Pro retails for USD 959. However, PlatinumLED provides a 5% discount through a specific link, which brings the price down to $911. In the United States, shipping will set you back about $40. For international buyers, shipping costs can soar—expect to pay around $150 to $200, depending on your location.
Value Calculation
Considering its specialized design and performance, this panel offers decent value. At $11.70 per watt of therapeutic red light (excluding blue light), the SaunaMax Pro sits in the mid-range for red light therapy panels. While some newer models have dipped below $10 per watt, it's important to remember that the SaunaMax Pro is a niche product explicitly designed for saunas.
Accessories and Warranty
PlatinumLED offers a wheeled floor mount for $230. This accessory is perfect for larger saunas or those who want to use the panel outside a sauna. The SaunaMax Pro is versatile; it can be easily mounted on a door or wall for traditional red light therapy sessions.
PlatinumLED provides a three-year warranty and a 60-day satisfaction guarantee, ensuring peace of mind with your purchase. There may be a 20% restocking fee; please confirm with PlatiumunLED before purchase.
My Pros:
Pros of the SaunaMax Pro
Let's dive into the pros.
- The first big selling point is the lack of fans. Many people dislike the noise from red light therapy panels, and I've reviewed some that were so loud I couldn't recommend them.
While sound doesn't bother me much, others want a silent panel for yoga, meditation, or ambient light. The SaunaMax Pro delivers this silence beautifully—no fans mean no noise.
- No fans also mean no EMF emissions. If you're sensitive to EMFs, this panel is a game-changer. You can get as close as an inch without worrying about exposure to non-native EMFs.
- Another great feature is the adjustable light intensity. Whether you're doing a long session and want to ease your body into the therapy or you're saving power while using it as background light, this functionality is highly versatile.
- You can control the intensity through the app or directly on the panel. However, sessions are capped at 30 minutes, so restart the device afterward.
- There's the blue light. While some may love or hate it, it's worth noting that the wavelength differs slightly from other BioMax models, so its acne benefits are uncertain. The good news? You can easily switch it off with a single button press; by default, the blue lights aren't even on.
- The SaunaMax Pro has a handy quick-start guide, a detailed manual, and various hanging accessories.
The included hardware offers flexibility whether you're mounting it on a wall, hanging it from a door, or setting it up in a sauna. Thanks to the rubber feet that protect surfaces, I found leaning it in a corner the most effortless setup.
I have this sauna!
Cons of the SaunaMax Pro
Now for the downsides.
- The manual states that the panel is rated for up to 150°F (65°C). Many saunas, like my Sunstream, reach this limit, and some users modify their saunas to go even hotter. You might risk voiding the warranty or damaging the panel if you're one of them.
- Another drawback is that the SaunaMax Pro isn't modular. You can't connect multiple units into an extensive system like other panels. While the app and remote allow you to control several panels, there's no physical bracket system to create a seamless setup.
- Cable management can also be a challenge. In my sauna, I had to run the power cable through the door, leaving it slightly ajar and compromising the heat seal.
Drilling a hole for the cable could solve this, but it's not ideal for everyone.
- Using the panel in a sauna presents another limitation: the reduced treatment area. You may struggle to position yourself for full-body exposure in a small sauna. For optimal results before starting a heat session, I prefer using red light therapy outside the sauna.
- Finally, the control panel, though functional, can be tricky to navigate, especially under bright red light. While the app and remote help, the built-in controls could be refined for easier use.
Alternatives to the SaunaMax Pro
If you’re exploring alternatives, Clearlight saunas offer a red light therapy tower designed exclusively for their models. It’s narrower and thicker than the SaunaMax Pro but limited to Clearlight setups.
Another option is the SaunaSpace bulb, which emits red and near-infrared light. While it’s compact, the treatment area is much smaller than that of the SaunaMax Pro.
Who Should Consider the SaunaMax Pro?
The SaunaMax Pro isn't for everyone.
A traditional panel like the BioMax series might offer better value and features if you're new to red light therapy. However, this panel is one of the best options for integrating red light therapy into your sauna routine.
It stands out for its durability, versatility, and quiet operation. Whether using it in a sauna, as ambient light, or in a high-moisture environment, the SaunaMax Pro offers a unique solution for those seeking high-quality red light therapy.
Items Mentioned In This Article:
🔥 Buy a PlatinumLED SaunaMax or BioMax panel or accessories, and use the following link for a discount: https://aferg.co/redled - a discount code will be generated for you after you click the link
🔥 The Clearlight red light therapy tower: https://aferg.co/clearlight-tower - no discount available
🔥 If you want a Sauna Space sauna, click here: https://aferg.co/sauna-space, code ALEX.
🔥 If you want a SunStream Sauna, click here: - https://aferg.co/sun, code ALEXFERGUS.
Found This Interesting? Look At These Articles:
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- Heat Healer Versus HigherDOSE Comparison: Best Infrared Sauna Blanket Battle
- SaunaSpace Photon Review: Red Light & Sauna Combination!?
- The Power Of Red Light Therapy On Mitochondria
Alex's Bio
This blog post was written by Alex Fergus. Alex is an ISSN Sports Nutrition Specialist, Fitness Professional, and certified Superhuman Coach who continues to expand his knowledge base and help people worldwide with their health and wellness. Alex is recognized as the National Record Holder in Powerlifting and Indoor Rowing and has earned the Australian National Natural Bodybuilding Champion title. Having worked as a health coach and personal trainer for over a decade, Alex now researches health and wellness and shares his findings on this blog.
