We have created  this page called "Straight Talk" to help you......the consumer.

The statements on this page are guidelines.  We hope it helps you make the best choice given an unbiased assessment of the light units that we have available.

What light box should you choose?

* Choose a light  that fits into your life style.  If you don't use the unit because it is inconvenient, then it cannot help you.
       
* If you sit at a desk during the day and would find it easiest to use the unit during that time,  choose a desk model,  a small light box or the litebook. 
       
* If you need to be at a further distance, for example to use while exercising, choose a light box that will give you the greater intensity. These units typically will have a reflective backing or have more bulbs to boost the distance.  See the lux specifications for each unit to compare intensity.
      
* Is the look of the unit important to you? If so, the litebook or a unit that looks like a desk lamp may be a more fitting choice.
       
* Are your eyes sensitive to glare? Choose a light unit with a white backing. You will loose some distance but reduce glare.
      
* Do you need portability? There are several units that are light weight and compact including the light visor.

Which light box is the best? Now you choose.

Is one better than another? Is 10,000 lux necessary for the best results?

* If you use the light unit at the distance that is recommended, for the suggested time,  you should see results. Our clients have experienced results with all the light units even though research suggests that a downward delivery is more beneficial . The standard light intensity in the industry  is10,000 lux at a specified distance. This intensity will  give you the least amount of recommended usage time.  There are a few products with  usage times of 15 - 30 minutes even though they are not 10,000 lux. Usage time depends upon your body and how it responds to the light.

Is full spectrum important?

* Therapeutic value comes from the brightness of the light. Full spectrum is a better quality of light and research supports the thought  that full spectrum light has health benefits. But here is the confusion......full spectrum is not necessary for bright light therapy for SAD, circadian rhythm disorders, sleep disorders, PMS, fibromyalgia,  etc.  Research has shown that you need at least 2,500 lux intensity of light to be therapeutic. Personally we like the added health benefits but price can be a bit more for full spectrum. If you want full spectrum look for a Kelvin over 4,000.

* Most often in the bright light industry when a manufacturer says "full spectrum" what you get is.....  full spectrum with the UV filtered out by the diffusers. Although there are a few manufacturers that claim UV is beneficial. We prefer to have no UV because of the health risk associated with UV.

* Is full spectrum better for bright light therapy? No.  Is it a closer color of light compared to the sun light? Yes. Has research shown that it is a healthier light? Yes. Full spectrum  is a truer color of light. A non-full spectrum unit will tend to be a more yellow light while a full spectrum will be whiter or bluer. Some feel that full spectrum causes fewer headaches and less eye strain than non full spectrum.

* Is full spectrum important? You now can choose.

Lastly...

* We have selected manufacturers that will stand behind their products if anything ever goes wrong with your light choice.

* Make sure that the unit includes the bulbs with the unit at no extra charge. All of our units include the bulbs.

* All of our light units have a 30 day trial period with no restocking fee. Please read our complete return policy.

* We value you as a potential client. If anything on our site is false or misleading please let us know. Honesty and integrity is what Light Therapy Products is founded on. Please  Contact Us or Send Feedback with any comments.