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When we talk about a light therapy lamp, we most often refer to fixed light therapy lamps which you must position yourself in front of (generally seated) at a determined distance (30-50cm). However, lots of other light therapy lamps exist, of different styles and forms.
“Panel” style light therapy lamp
This type of lamp is designed as a vertical panel that emits a white light of 10,000 lux at a specified distance. The effective distance can vary depending on the lamp's power, ranging from 50 cm for the most powerful lamps to 20 cm for those that are less powerful. These lamps simulate natural sunlight and can be beneficial for combating seasonal affective disorder and improving mood. If you opt for this type of lamp, it is recommended to choose one that offers 10,000 lux at a comfortable distance, ideally a minimum of 30 cm. This ensures you can enjoy the benefits without having to sit too close, making the light therapy experience more pleasant and convenient. For more guidance, you can consult resources like this guide on choosing a lamp .
Advantages of a “panel” style light therapy lamp :
- Can light up numerous people at the same time
- Can serve as a lighting device for a room
- Important feeling of a “light bath”
Disadvantages of a “panel” style light therapy lamp:
- Necessary to remain immobile during the full duration of the treatment
- Can be inconvenient
- Difficult to transport
- May spoil the surroundings
- Can be overly bright
Light Therapy Lamp Drive is an innovative light therapy lamp designed for busy individuals, allowing you to conveniently conduct your phototherapy session while on the road. This device is ingeniously crafted to attach seamlessly to the sun visor of your vehicle. With a simple flip of a switch, it provides an effective light therapy session as you drive to your destination.
For those who find themselves spending at least 20 minutes behind the wheel each day, Drive is a perfect companion, offering a unique solution to integrate wellness into your daily routine. This is especially advantageous for individuals who embark on long night drives, as it helps to counteract the effects of darkness and fatigue.
Drive emits a safe, bright light into your eyes, meticulously designed to enhance your alertness without interfering with your driving. By doing so, it delivers the full spectrum of light therapy benefits, which include regulating the production of melatonin, the sleep-inducing hormone, thereby promoting a state of wakefulness and heightened alertness. This makes it not only a functional tool but also a valuable ally in maintaining your overall well-being and mental sharpness during your travels.
Compact light therapy lamp
These lamps are a lot smaller than the light therapy panels and are more easily transported. Due to their small size, the light capacity is weaker and the blue part of the spectrum is often enriched in order to reach the same effectivity as white light lamps.
Advantages of a compact light therapy lamp:
- Less disturbance of surroundings
- Compact and transportable
- More convenient
Disadvantages of compact light therapy lamps:
- Necessary to remain immobile during the full duration of the treatment
- Gives the impression of a more focused light. May be bothersome.
- Smaller light section so freedom of movement is reduced.
- No “light bath” effect
Light therapy glasses or visors
These portable light therapy lamps have appeared more recently and are still relatively unrecognized by the public. The main advantage to these lamps is that they enable mobile use. These often use a blue-enriched light and allow a more calibrated treatment. Indeed, except for closing one’s eyes, the treatment conditions remain identical throughout the treatment given that the device remains at the same distance from the eyes and always at the same angle of incidence. To conclude, this type of lamp is made for active people who do not have time to stay immobile in front of a lamp for 30 minutes.
Advantages of light therapy glasses:
- Portable: These glasses are designed to be easily portable, allowing users to benefit from light therapy while on the go, whether traveling or simply moving around the house.
- Compact and transportable: Their compact design makes them easy to pack and carry, fitting conveniently into bags or luggage for effortless transport.
- Do not affect surroundings: Unlike larger light therapy devices, these glasses are designed to focus light directly to the wearer, ensuring that they do not disturb the environment or other people nearby.
Disadvantages of light therapy glasses:
- “Light bath” sensation does not exist: Unlike traditional light therapy lamps that create an immersive experience, these glasses may not provide the same full-body “light bath” sensation, limiting the overall experience.
- Cannot be used by multiple people: These glasses are intended for individual use, meaning that they cannot be shared simultaneously among multiple individuals like a standard light lamp can be.
- Direct contact with the skin: The requirement for direct contact with the skin might be cumbersome or uncomfortable for some users, as they need to be worn like regular glasses during therapy sessions.
| Feature | Professional Light Therapy Lamp | Panel Style Light Therapy Lamp |
| Design | Typically compact and portable, some models designed for specific uses, such as attaching to a sun visor in a vehicle. These lamps are engineered for flexibility and mobility, allowing for various mounting options or handheld use. | Designed as a larger vertical panel that emits light across a wide surface area. The panels are often fixed in place and intended for use in one location, with a sturdy base or wall mounting to support the device. |
| Usage Scenario | Ideal for individuals needing flexible, on-the-go light therapy sessions, such as during daily commutes or while traveling. Commonly used by those with busy schedules who cannot dedicate time to sitting still for therapy. | Best suited for stationary sessions where the user remains seated in front of the lamp. Used for dedicated light therapy sessions in homes or offices, typically requiring a set period of time (e.g., 20-30 minutes). |
| Distance for Optimal Use | Distance can vary based on the design (e.g., if attached to a car visor, it's closer to the user). Generally requires positioning closer than panel-style lamps due to its compact size. | Effective distance ranges from 20 cm (for less powerful models) to 50 cm (for high-power models). Offers optimal performance at around 30 cm, with 10,000 lux of brightness simulating natural sunlight. |
| Light Coverage | Provides a focused, targeted light exposure for individual use. The lamp directs light to a specific area, making it effective for personal light therapy. | Offers broad light coverage that can illuminate a larger area or multiple people at once. This expansive coverage allows for a more immersive experience, often referred to as a "light bath." |
| Mobility | High mobility due to its compact size. Portable and easy to carry, making it suitable for use in different settings, such as at home, in the car, or while traveling. | Low mobility; typically stays in one place due to its larger size and weight. Moving the lamp around frequently can be cumbersome, and it is not intended for portable use. |
| Impact on Surroundings | Minimal impact, as the light is directed towards the user without illuminating the entire space. Suitable for environments where excessive light could be distracting. | May affect the surroundings because of its broad light output, which can make the space brighter than desired. This can be problematic if the lamp is used in shared spaces where others might find it disruptive. |
| Light Sensation | Does not create a "light bath" effect due to the focused light output. It provides a direct and concentrated dose of light therapy, but lacks the immersive feeling of being surrounded by light. | Provides a "light bath" effect because of the broad and expansive light coverage. The large surface area of the panel allows for a more comprehensive light exposure, simulating the experience of natural sunlight. |
| Multiple User Capability | Designed primarily for individual use, as the light is concentrated in a small area. Not suitable for simultaneous use by multiple people. | Can be used by multiple people at the same time because of its large coverage area. The broad light output can accommodate groups or shared therapy sessions. |
| Convenience | High convenience for mobile use. Can be used while performing other activities (e.g., driving, working), making it ideal for people who cannot dedicate time solely to light therapy. | Requires the user to remain stationary and seated for the entire treatment duration, typically 20-30 minutes. This can be inconvenient for individuals with busy schedules who prefer multitasking. |
| Target Audience | Suited for active, busy individuals who need flexibility in their light therapy routine. Ideal for those who can only spare short periods of time or need to integrate light therapy into other activities. | Best for individuals who have time to dedicate to stationary light therapy sessions. Suitable for people experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or who seek regular light therapy at home or in an office setting. |
| Disadvantages | Does not offer a "light bath" effect, and some models require direct skin contact, which may feel cumbersome for some users. Limited to individual use, and the light is less immersive. | Difficult to transport due to the larger size and weight, making it unsuitable for mobile use. May overly brighten the surroundings, disrupting shared spaces or other activities. |
