Red Light Therapy Buyers Guide – Avoid THESE Mistakes!

Red light therapy has become increasingly popular in recent years. We’ve spent extensive time testing and reviewing various panels to help you make an informed decision. There are many options available, from small devices for targeted treatment to large full-body systems.
When choosing a red light therapy panel, it’s important to consider your specific needs and budget.
Some key factors to evaluate include the treatment area size, wavelengths offered, ease of use, and the reputation of the manufacturer. We’ll explore these aspects to guide you towards finding the right device for your wellness goals.
Key Takeaways
- Match the panel size to your treatment needs and budget
- Look for devices with research-backed wavelengths
- Choose a reputable company with good warranty and support
Choose Your Treatment Area
Targeted or Full Body Therapy
When buying a red light therapy panel, think about what you want to treat.
For a small area like a sore shoulder, a compact device works well. But if you’re aiming for full-body treatment to boost all your cells, you’ll need a bigger panel or multiple panels.
The true treatment area matches up with where the LEDs are on the panel. A wider panel with more LEDs gives you more coverage. Don’t worry too much about beam angles or light coverage claims. The light is strongest right in front of the LEDs.
Finding the Right Size
To get head-to-toe coverage, pick a panel tall enough to reach from your head to your feet. Some panels offer this full coverage.
If you can’t afford a big panel now, look for one that lets you add more panels later.
Some brands have systems where you can link panels together and control them all from one spot.
Remember, a higher price doesn’t always mean a better product. Some very expensive panels aren’t worth the cost, even at half price. Do your research and compare options to find the best value for your needs and budget.
Set Your Budget
Plan for Future Upgrades
When buying a red light therapy panel, think about your long-term needs.
Some brands let you start with one panel and add more later. This way, you can spread out the cost over time.
For example, certain models have wireless connections that link multiple panels. You could buy one now and expand your setup as your budget allows.
How Much Should You Spend?
Your budget matters, but spending more doesn’t always mean better quality. Some expensive brands aren’t worth the high price.
If you’re on a tight budget, look for smaller panels or tabletop models. These can be good for treating specific areas.
For full-body treatment, you’ll need a larger panel or multiple panels, which cost more.
Remember, the actual treatment area is usually just where the LEDs are. Don’t get too caught up in claims about beam angles or light coverage.
Light Waves And Their Effects
Different Types of Light Waves
Red light therapy panels use various wavelengths of light.
The most common are 660 nanometer red light and 850 nanometer near-infrared light. But there are other options too. Some panels now include 630nm red, 810nm near-infrared, and even blue light. Each wavelength may have unique benefits.
We’ve seen more research on 810nm light than 850nm. Panels with multiple wavelengths give us more options. The Biomax uses 6 different wavelengths. The Mito Pro has 4, with a focus on 810nm. Other panels stick to just 660nm and 850nm.
It’s worth looking into the research on different wavelengths. This can help us pick the best panel for our needs.
We prefer panels with more wavelength options, but it’s a personal choice.
Why Light Variety Matters
Having multiple light wavelengths in one panel can be helpful. Different wavelengths may affect our bodies in unique ways. More options means we can target various health goals.
But some people prefer simpler panels with just one or two wavelengths. These can still be effective for many uses. The key is matching the panel to our specific needs.
We should think about what we want to treat. Full-body effects may need more wavelengths. Targeting a specific area might work fine with fewer options. It’s smart to read up on wavelength research before buying a panel.
How To Use Red Light Therapy Devices
Working the Controls
Red light therapy devices come with different control options.
Some have simple on/off switches, while others have more advanced features. Many panels include remotes for easy operation.
Touch screens and LCD displays allow adjusting settings like timer and light intensity.
When choosing a device, think about what controls you prefer. Do you want a basic switch or more customization?
Getting Started with Your Device
Using a red light therapy device is pretty straightforward.
First, decide what area you want to treat. For a sore shoulder, a small panel works fine. Full-body treatment needs a bigger setup.
The effective area matches where the LEDs are located. Wider panels cover more area. Don’t worry too much about beam angles – the light mostly shines right in front of the LEDs.
Start with short sessions and gradually increase time. Most devices have built-in timers to help.
Stand about 6-12 inches away from the panel. Treat the target area for 5-15 minutes per session, 3-5 times a week. Be consistent for best results.
Picking The Right Vendor
Company Track Record and Dependability
When buying a red light therapy panel, make sure to pick a vendor with a solid history.
We suggest only buying from companies that have been around for at least 1-2 years, if not longer.
New companies pop up all the time, and while they may offer great deals, there’s a risk they might not stick around.
If a new company gets a bad batch of products and can’t handle returns, they could go out of business. This would leave you with a faulty panel and no way to get your money back.
Looking at Warranties
A good warranty is key when choosing a red light therapy panel.
We recommend looking for warranties that last at least 2-3 years. But remember, a warranty is only as good as the company behind it.
Make sure the company has been around long enough that their warranty will still be valid if you need it. Some top brands offer great warranties, giving you peace of mind with your purchase.
Safety And Certification
Safety is key when buying a red light therapy panel. We recommend only purchasing from companies that have been in business for at least 1-2 years. This helps ensure the company will be around to honor warranties and handle any issues.
Look for panels with 2-3 year warranties at minimum. Longer warranties offer more protection for your investment.
Make sure to buy from established brands that can stand behind their products long-term.
Most red light panels are safe to use, but it’s smart to check for certifications. Look for panels that are FDA-cleared or have other safety certifications. This shows the product has been tested and meets safety standards.
When using your panel, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Start with shorter sessions and work your way up.
Stop use and talk to a doctor if you experience any concerning side effects.