Description

Most red light panels ask you to stand in front of them. When your back or legs are what hurt, standing still for half an hour isn’t much of a rest. The iReliev FullGlow 180 flips that around: it’s a flat mat you lie on.

The mat

It measures 71 by 31 inches, long enough for most adults to lie along, and weighs 4.75 kg. Its 1,280 LEDs each combine one 660 nm red chip with two 850 nm near-infrared chips. iReliev lists an irradiance of 130 mW/cm², a 120-degree beam angle and 125 W of power from a mains adapter.

Settings

Five brightness levels (P1 to P5)
Three modes: constant, 10 Hz pulse and 40 Hz pulse
A timer from 10 to 90 minutes in 10-minute steps, with automatic shut-off

Using it

Lay the mat on a dry, smooth floor, put on the goggles, and lie down. You can also drape it over your back or legs while you rest. iReliev suggests 3 to 4 sessions a week of about 30 minutes, and no more than 30 minutes on any one area. Some people fit it into an evening wind-down after long days at a desk or on their feet. The research on red and near-infrared light is still developing and people respond differently, so think of it as one possible part of your routine.

Handle with care

It isn’t waterproof. Wipe it with a dry towel only.
Run it from the supplied adapter, not a power bank.
Wear the goggles, don’t stare at the LEDs, and don’t fall asleep on it.
iReliev says it isn’t intended for children or pregnant women.
If you take medicine that makes you light-sensitive, or have a skin or eye condition, ask your doctor first.

The box has the pad, adapter, controller, goggles and manual. You’ll need floor space to use it and somewhere to store it.

Whole-body aches that don’t settle? Take the free Pain Check-Up, and find understanding in the nerve, whole-body and fibromyalgia groups.

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