Long-term or recurring physical discomfort can make daily activities, exercise, and even relaxation more difficult. For those exploring non-invasive health care options, red light therapy has gained increasing attention in recent years. Through photobiomodulation, red and near-infrared light have been studied as adjunctive treatments for a variety of pain-related conditions, and many users are incorporating it into their at-home wellness routines.
But when it comes time to actually make a purchase, many people are left confused: the market is flooded with face masks, handheld devices, panels, therapy mats, full-body systems… With so many different forms and a multitude of specifications, which device is right for your specific situation? If you’re experiencing chronic discomfort, should you choose a red light panel or a red light therapy mat?
This guide won’t tell you that “a certain device can cure chronic pain”—that would be an irresponsible claim. Instead, we aim to help you sort through your options: based on your primary areas of discomfort, usage habits, and the extent of body coverage you need, we’ll help you choose between the two most practical types of at-home red light devices—full-body red light panels and red light therapy mats—to find the one that best suits your needs.