Red Light Bed vs Panel: Which One Is Right for Your Clinic?
What’s the Difference?
New to red light therapy? Start with our foundational guide: What Is a Red Light Therapy Bed? (And Why It’s Showing Up Everywhere)
If you're expanding your wellness offerings with red light therapy, your biggest decision is this: panel or bed?
Red Light Beds are full-body systems that deliver high-output red and near-infrared light (625–670nm and 830–910nm). Clients lie inside a spa-grade acrylic shell where LEDs surround the body at the optimal distance for therapeutic benefit.
Panels are localized devices for targeted treatment—popular for home use or aesthetic centers. They typically treat one area at a time and require manual repositioning.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Panel System | Full-Body Bed |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment Coverage | Localized (face, joints) | Whole body, 360° |
| Session Time | 20–40 minutes | 8–15 minutes |
| Experience | Manual repositioning | Hands-free, spa-grade |
| Footprint | Wall-mounted | Requires treatment room |
| Price Range | $500–$5,000 | $30,000–$60,000 |
| Efficiency | Slower results | Accelerated outcomes |
Clinical & Technical Specs Compared
| Spec | Red Light Bed | Panel |
|---|---|---|
| Wavelengths | 625–670nm & 830–910nm | Usually 660nm & 850nm |
| Irradiance | Up to 960 mW/cm² | 200–600 mW/cm² |
| LED Count | Over 30,000 | 300–1,200 |
| Session Duration | 8–15 min | 20–40 min |
| Energy Output | Up to 5.8 million joules/session | 300,000–900,000 joules/session |
When to Choose a Panel
Panels are a good fit if:
Your startup budget is under $10K
You operate a home-based or mobile practice
You’re treating small areas like the face, joints, or wounds
You’re offering light therapy as a skin-enhancing service
⚠️ Panels often require more hands-on time and longer treatment cycles to produce change. They're great for support—but not built to scale revenue.
When to Choose a Red Light Bed
A full-body bed is ideal if:
You need to treat pain, inflammation, or systemic conditions
You operate a spa, recovery center, or functional medicine clinic
You want to automate treatment delivery with no operator
You’re ready to charge $40–$80 per session or bundle in monthly memberships
“Switching to a full-body bed allowed us to triple our appointment volume and free up our estheticians.”
Why Red Light Beds Deliver Faster ROI
Want to see the full specs, pricing options, and financing plans? Explore our best-selling commercial beds here.
Top reasons red light beds pay for themselves quickly:
Shorter sessions: Treat 3–4 clients per hour
Faster outcomes: Better results = higher retention
Hands-free delivery: No staff needed during the session
Premium experience: Allows you to charge more
Frequently Asked Questions
Is red light therapy safe?
Yes. It uses non-ionizing wavelengths and is FDA Class II cleared.
How long does a session take?
Beds take 8–15 minutes. Panels can take up to 40 minutes.
Can I offer both?
Yes. Many clinics use panels for spot treatment and beds for full-body care.
Will I need to train staff?
Panels require guidance and positioning. Beds are turnkey systems clients use independently.
Does it help with pain or arthritis?
Yes. Red and near-infrared light are clinically shown to reduce inflammation and joint pain.
Let’s Talk
Schedule a free consultation or browse our commercial red light beds to get started today.
