A red light therapy bed (sometimes called a red light therapy booth or full-body panel) looks similar to a tanning bed but uses LEDs emitting red and near-infrared (NIR) light instead of UV rays. Here’s what to expect:
Key Features of a Red Light Therapy Bed:
Design & Structure:
Horizontal or Vertical:
Horizontal beds (like tanning beds) – You lie down on a flat surface with a canopy of lights overhead.
Vertical booths/panels – You stand inside a tall, enclosed unit with lights surrounding you (common in clinics).
LED Panels – Covered in hundreds of small red/NIR LEDs (often a mix of 660nm red light and 850nm NIR).
Appearance:
Glowing Red Light – When turned on, the bed emits a deep red or reddish-orange glow (NIR is invisible to the eye).
No UV Rays – Unlike tanning beds, there’s no risk of sunburn.
Modern & Minimalist – Many have a sleek, white or metallic frame with clear acrylic covers over the LEDs.
Controls & Settings:
Adjustable Intensity & Time – Some beds allow you to control light intensity or session duration (typically 10-20 minutes).
Built-in Timer – Automatically shuts off when the session ends.
Interior Comforts (Varies by Model):
Cooling Fans – To prevent overheating.
Music or Bluetooth Speakers – For relaxation.
Handheld Devices – Some include smaller wands for targeted treatment.
Examples:
Higher-End Beds (e.g., Joovv, PlatinumLED) – Modular panels, full-body coverage.
Clinic/Commercial Beds – Larger, more powerful (e.g., Merican Red Light Therapy Bed M4N).
Home-Use Beds – Smaller, foldable options (like Merican Red Light therapy panel M1 and M2).
How It Feels:
Warm but Not Hot – Gentle radiant heat (unlike a sauna or infrared bed).
No Pain or Burning – Just a soothing glow.