Red Light Beds: The Cost of Cutting Costs

The old adage – you get what you pay for – is often true when considering photobiomodulation technology, commonly referred to as Red Light Therapy. “It glows red so it must be good” is a sales pitch that oversimplifies the differences in equipment quality, and a great price may only save some short-term cash. If you’re in business, inconsistent performance or limited device features may lead to customer dissatisfaction. Don’t be forced to put the bed up for sale to recoup your investment.

The best light beds on the market don’t even require the red lights to be on to operate across many of their core settings. Yes, they can be used with the red lights off—unless the visible red wavelengths are specifically desired for surface-level skin illumination. It’s worth noting that red light alone (typically around the 635nm wavelength) generally reaches only the outer layers of the skin, such as the hypodermis. For applications involving areas beyond the surface, such as deeper tissue exposure, devices often include at least one near-infrared wavelength—an invisible light that can reach below the top layers. A well-designed system for light-based sessions typically includes both red and near-infrared light options for greater flexibility.

For light to reach beyond the surface of the skin, exposure to near-infrared wavelengths is generally required. Among these, 810nm is one of the wavelengths known for deeper penetration. However, many light beds and LED panels do not include 810nm due to its higher production cost—sometimes up to 10 times more than visible red light. A device that includes both 635nm (visible red) and 810nm, along with additional near-infrared wavelengths such as 850nm or 940nm, may offer a broader range of light exposure compared to models with fewer wavelengths. This combination is often found in devices designed for professional or advanced use

Many light beds on the market are relatively inexpensive and feature the familiar red glow, but often lack near-infrared wavelength LEDs. It’s uncommon to find a system equipped with both red and multiple near-infrared wavelengths, such as those used in the TheraLight bed. The TheraLight 360, for example, contains 45,000 diodes.

When evaluating a light therapy device for professional use, it’s important to consider factors such as diode composition, power output (irradiance), and reflection—elements that may influence how light interacts with the body’s surface.

You might find a less expensive red light bed on the market, but the overall value may not align with your expectations if the technology doesn’t meet the performance standards your clients anticipate. This can impact client satisfaction and potentially influence long-term retention and reputation.

Summary:
A. Make sure the light bed you’re buying includes red and 810nm wavelengths, along with at least one other near-infrared (e.g., 940nm). Ideally, look for 635nm, 810nm, 850nm, and 940nm—all commonly used in light-based wellness technologies.

B. The company should also manufacture clinical-use handheld light devices—not the inexpensive consumer versions found on Amazon or QVC, but high-end systems that often start around $20,000 due to their advanced engineering and build quality.

C. Make sure the LEDs are warranted for life. If not, the manufacturer may be using low-grade diodes and cutting corners on quality.

D. Choose beds that allow adjustability of irradiance (mW/cm²) and frequency (Hz), as these features offer broader configuration options to accommodate varying user needs and session preferences.