So, a little while back I discovered that Philips no longer produces the goLITE BLU, and doesn’t have a new product to replace it. This is very unfortunate as we have direct experience with this product and have found it to be a very helpful therapy light with all the features we want, and have no trouble recommending it. You can still find them around (Amazon, Walmart, etc), but it won’t be long before they are extinct, and we’re left scrambling to find another product to recommend. Since Continuum already has the goLITEs, we won’t be buying a new one. This means we won’t have the hands-on experience with a new lamp any time soon.
I’ve done a little bit of research and have found what appears to be a good replacement. Of course, without actually using these lamps, we can’t say any more than the reviews I’ve found online.
Circadian Optics has a few different models, all with Ultra Bright UV free 10,000 Lux Full Spectrum LED Lights. I’ve highlighted below two of these; one desk lamp and one portable. I’ve included the links to Circadian Optics website for you to look them over yourself. You can also check out the other models to see if there is anything that fits your needs better.
Circadian Optics Lumine Light Therapy Lamp (https://circadianoptics.com/products/lumine) is the corded desk lamp, with one-touch operation and 3 levels of brightness.
Weight: 0.88 lbs
Dimensions: 6.6 x 6.6 x 3.75 inches (just smaller than my hand)
Where to buy: Direct from Circadian Optics (follow the link above) it’s $54.99USD
On Amazon.ca I found it for $151.99CDN
I couldn’t find it on Costco.ca or Walmart.ca
Circadian Optics Luxy Light Therapy Lamp (https://circadianoptics.com/products/luxy) is a portable lamp that can be corded, but also runs off a USB power supply. It also has one-touch operation and 3 levels of brightness.
Weight: 0.35 lbs
Dimensions: 3.25 x 3.5 x 1.25 inches (about palm sized)
Where to buy: Direct from Circadian Optics (follow the link above) it’s $49.99USD
On Amazon.ca it’s advertised at $49.99CDN
At Costco.ca it’s listed at $39.99CDN
At Walmart.ca it’s listed at $99.99 and they say it’s almost sold out … pressure sales.
If you want to do your own research, here are a few things to remember:
- Intensity: The typical recommendation is to use a 10,000-lux (or equivalent) light box. A box with a lower lux rating can be used, but the daily use sessions will probably be longer in duration.
- UVB Light: The UVB light produced by light therapy lamps is typically low, but UVB can be very damaging to eyes and skin. Make sure the lamp you are looking at filters out as close to 100% as possible.
- Light Source: There are two main light sources SAD lamps us; Compact fluorescent bulbs and LEDs.
o The compact fluorescent bulbs diminish in intensity over time and normally last only two years before they need to be replaced.
o LED lamps last for approximately 50,000 hours of use before the intensity drops off
Our recommendation is to look for the lamps with the LEDs. You don’t have to keep track of when you need to replace bulbs, and don’t have to second guess whether or not the lamp is fully effective.
- Power Source: When reading the specs of each lamp, keep in mind how you will be using it. It is recommended to use the lamp for 20 to 30 minutes (read the manufacturers suggestion) in the morning to start your day off energized. If you have a busy morning schedule, you will probably want a cordless lamp that you can carry around the house with you. If you typically sit and eat breakfast, that may be an ideal time to use the lamp. Therefore, a corded lamp may be for you.
I hope this post helps all those who are interested in trying light therapy for their seasonal affective disorder! There is a lot of information out there, it’s just scattered and not all of it is easy to read.
If anyone out there has had direct experience with a lamp, please share it here! The best reviews always come from someone who has used the product in their daily life!
** Disclaimer: Continuum Mental Health Services Ltd, nor anyone directly associated with CMHS, benefit in any way (financial or otherwise) from any producer or distributor of light therapy lamps. The information provided here is based on our own research and experience with these lamps.