Light

Testing the NIRA Light Bulbs! And… I’m Very Disappointed.

Testing the NIRA Light Bulbs! And… I’m Very Disappointed.

I think the right word is disappointed, but I could use many others. NIRA isn’t a bad product per se, but its marketing is full of lies and misleading claims. Since I’ve been asked a few times now, let’s examine the science of NIRA in depth. What is NIRA? NIRA is a new lighting company that mainly sells “Near-infrared enhanced” LEDs, but it also sells DC-powered lights. Since NIRA’s main selling point is its light spectrum, I’m going to examine a couple of its normal light bulbs. Let’s Examine NIRA’s Spectrum Let’s start with the biggest lie I’ve ever seen in the lighting industry: NIRA emits full-spectrum light all the way out to 3000nm! Here is their marketing promo, which can be seen on this…

Testing the Chroma Sky Portal 2.1 SAD Light Therapy Lamp

Testing the Chroma Sky Portal 2.1 SAD Light Therapy Lamp

Alright, I finally bought and tested the Sky Portal from Chroma! The 2.1 version, anyway. Let’s dive into the build, spectral testing, and usability, and see how it stacks up. The Overview The Sky Portal 2.1 is a uniquely designed monitor light that stands out for its spectral output, which pairs exceptionally well with screens to reduce eye strain. Its warm amber mode is a standout feature, making evening work much more comfortable without disrupting circadian rhythms. Plus, it’s completely flicker-free, ensuring a smooth and comfortable lighting experience. That said, for the price, it could be a bit brighter, and the build quality leaves some room for improvement. The rear-mounted controls, while functional, can be a bit inconvenient to access. Despite these minor drawbacks, the…

Scientific Review: Testing the Beurer SAD Lamps

Scientific Review: Testing the Beurer SAD Lamps

I finally got my hands on some European SAD lamps from Beurer! In this article, we’ll test their lux output, flicker and how they compare feature-wise. The Lamps Beurer offers some decent SAD lamp options that are widely available in the European market. However a few, like the TL 85, I was not able to get my hands on. Here are the models I was able to get: Let’s jump right into our test results! Testing the Beurer Lamps As usual, we put these lamps through our usual round of testing so you can see exactly what you’re getting and how they’ll compare to each other and other options out there. Testing Lux The first thing I did was place each lamp 1 foot in…

Scientifically Testing the SOLshine PhotoVites and bioBulb!

Scientifically Testing the SOLshine PhotoVites and bioBulb!

Mal-illumination plagues us all, and the folks behind SOLshine want to help solve that. Let’s look at their offerings in-depth to see what we’re getting. The Overview The Photovites lamp and bioBulb use SunLike diodes to provide high-quality, flicker-free, full-spectrum light that supports circadian health and mood, along with healthy infrared light for added sunlight-like benefits. Though pricey, they’re among the few 2-in-1 products available, making SOL a top choice for this category. Use code OYB10 for 10% off! What is SOLshine? The SOLshine founders worked with the late original pioneer of light, John Ott, and have now come full circle to provide some truly excellent full-spectrum light products to help solve some of the issues with current offerings. This is a very small company…

Testing the BlockBlueLight Full Spectrum + Infrared SAD Lamp

Testing the BlockBlueLight Full Spectrum + Infrared SAD Lamp

I’ve been meaning to test this “full spectrum” SAD lamp from BlockBlueLight, and now that I have it, I am not disappointed! In this article, we’ll review all the specs, test results, and my thoughts after using it, so let’s jump in! The Overview This SAD lamp offers outstanding performance and unique specs, combining SunLike full-spectrum visible light with healthy infrared output, making it a versatile SAD lamp and infrared light therapy panel. While it excels in effectiveness and build quality, its high glare and flicker when dimmed may be uncomfortable for those sensitive to bright light. Despite the premium price, it’s a top choice for those seeking unmatched full-spectrum and infrared benefits. Pros Cons Get 10% off through link! The Lamp This is an…

Scientific Review: Testing the MitoLux Vitamin D Lamp

Scientific Review: Testing the MitoLux Vitamin D Lamp

The Better than Sunshine lamp from Mitolux is one of the most exciting new vitamin D lamps to hit the market! Of course, as usual, we checked the UVB and infrared output with our lab-grade spectrometers, so you know exactly what you’re getting! I also tested my vitamin D results, which were not what I expected… jump to those here. Let’s jump right in! The Overview The Mito Lux is designed to mimic natural sunlight exposure, emitting infrared before and after UVB. While it offers a well-thought-out design with a proximity sensor for safety and multiple modes for different skin types, my month-long test only resulted in a modest 1.5 ng/mL increase in vitamin D. It may still provide some benefit for those looking to…

Scientific Review:  Sunrise Sensations SAD Lamps Tested

Scientific Review: Sunrise Sensations SAD Lamps Tested

I just finished testing the Sunrise Sensation SAD lamps, and in this article, we’ll discuss their pros and cons, as well as all the data! The Overview Thanks to the use of wood, these lamps stand out with their unique natural aesthetic. While their light output is on the lower side for the price, they’re still bright enough to be effective. Plus, the lower light output and flicker-free performance make them particularly easy on the eyes. They’re a solid choice if you’re sensitive to light or love their design. However, if you’re after more value for your money, there are better options. Daybright Brightbox The Sunrise Sensation Lamps If you’re looking for a SAD lamp with a certain “natural vibe,” these are your only options,…

Testing Carex’s New Day-Light Elite SAD Lamp

Testing Carex’s New Day-Light Elite SAD Lamp

I just finished testing the new Elite lamp from Carex and am pleased with the results! As usual, we tested the actual lux output and the flicker with our lab-grade spectrometer. In this article, we’ll review all the data and the new features that set this new version apart from its predecessors. Let’s go! The Overview The Elite model has a more modern design and improved build quality compared to previous versions. It delivers over 12,000 lux at 1 foot and is slightly larger than the Classic, making it more comfortable. A standout feature is its flicker-free operation across all dimming levels. It’s versatile, functioning as both a desk lamp and a wall-mounted light. The stand can be removed for a more compact form. Overall,…

Testing the SKYVIEW 2: An Interesting Circadian Lamp

Testing the SKYVIEW 2: An Interesting Circadian Lamp

I recently bought the SKYVIEW 2 lamps to try for myself to run through our usual battery of tests, so if you’re looking for info on this light, you’ve come to the right place! While I was using them, my wife kept on saying “ooo that’s pretty” and she was not wrong! I’ve been using them for a while now both at my desk and as a bedside lamp, and in this article, we’ll go in-depth into the SKYVIEW’s spectral properties, features, and my opinion on their usefulness as a lighting wellness product. At a Glance The SKYVIEW 2 lamps offer a beautiful and effective solution to anyone looking for a more visually comfortable and dynamic SAD lamp. Pros Cons Use code OPTIMIZEYOURBIOLOGY for 10%…