Does a Larger Red Light Therapy Mat Mean Better Results?

Medically reviewed by Karen Wolters, RN

When it comes to red light therapy treatment devices, bigger is not always better. You wouldn’t use a large bandage for a small wound, and a similar approach can be taken with red light therapy.

While a mat covers a larger area of your body, if you’re looking for targeted treatment, then a pad would likely provide better results.

Why targeted red light therapy matters

If you have an injury or chronic pain in one specific area, your knee for example, then choosing a device that is able to fit it perfectly can make treatment more effective.

High quality pads are often designed to be used on certain parts of the body and also use flexible materials to allow them to mold to the target area. HealthLight’s pads are made of soft neoprene so that they conform to each bend. This minimizes loss of light, ensuring the maximum amount of light energy is absorbed by the treatment area.

While mats can be flexible, their larger size means that it is very difficult for them to be wrapped around specific body parts without any light loss, reducing efficacy if targeted treatment is the goal.

Red light therapy pads vs large coverage devices

The core technology behind pads and mats are the same, in that they both have LEDs embedded throughout them that emit red and near-infrared wavelengths. They also have the same purpose: to relieve pain, improve circulation and support healing. However, there are several key differences that alter the suitability of these devices for each individual.

Advantages of red light therapy pads vs mats

Both pads and mats come with their own advantages, but it’s important to choose a device that fits your needs rather than trying to find a “one-size-fits-all” solution.

Here’s a comparison of each device type’s advantages to help you to decide what would work best for you:

What actually matters when choosing a red light therapy device?

When deciding between pads and mats, there is one core question that you need to ask yourself: “Am I looking for targeted treatment or a general wellness solution?”

Once you’ve answered that question, it’s time to find a device that will provide you with the results you want.

Key considerations include:

• High quality LEDs – Consistent therapeutic wavelengths are needed for effective treatment. Low quality LEDs often can’t provide this due to rapid fluctuations.
• Power output – Low power output reduces the energy absorbed by the skin per minute, impacting results.
• Flexibility – For effective treatment, the pad must be in close contact with the skin.
• Lens focus – Lack of lens focus causes light dispersion. For the best results, the red light needs to directly target the treatment area. HealthLight pads use a 20-degree focused angle LED that delivers light energy directly where it’s needed.
• Long term efficacy – The body can build up a tolerance to red light over time. HealthLight devices include an LED pulsing function, which stops the body from developing this tolerance and ensures the treatment remains effective.
• FDA-cleared – All red light therapy pads purchased in the US should be FDA-cleared. The FDA requires that LED products do not exceed 105F for safety.

Why HealthLight focuses on targeted red light therapy pads

Pads are a comfortable and easy-to-use option for people who want effective treatment at home. They are particularly good for people with chronic conditions such as arthritis or people with sports injuries, who have localized pain. A 2016 meta-analysis looked at chronic nonspecific lower back pain and found that red light therapy significantly reduced pain levels compared to placebo.

HealthLight has a range of pads, which are each tailored to a specific area, including the feet and ankles, the neck and even the face. To truly benefit from red light therapy, the therapeutic wavelengths need to be absorbed directly by the body part requiring treatment, which can only be achieved via this tailored design.

Our mission is to improve the lives of those who use our devices, and we believe that targeted treatment is the best way to achieve this.

Is a larger red light therapy mat better for you?

If you don’t have a localized condition, such as fibromyalgia, and are looking for general wellness improvements, then a mat may be a better option for you. Mats cover a broader area of the body, enabling whole-body pain reduction and relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a larger red light therapy mat work better than pads?

Not necessarily. It depends on a person’s individual treatment needs.

Does a bigger red light therapy mat mean more powerful treatment?

No. Power is determined by energy output, not the size of the device or number of LEDs.

Are red light therapy pads more targeted than mats?

Yes. Pads are designed for specific treatment areas enabling them to conform to the body part and target therapeutic wavelengths directly to where they’re needed.

Does red light therapy device size affect results?

Yes. If a device is too big or too small for the target area, then it will not absorb the light energy required for effective treatment, due to dispersion or lack of coverage.

What is more important than the size of a red light therapy device?

Wavelength consistency, power output and flexibility.

Are red light therapy mats better for full-body treatment?

Yes. Mats are designed to cover a larger area of the body making them ideal for full-body treatment.

Why does HealthLight use pads instead of mats?

Pads offer a variety of advantages over mats, including more effective targeted treatment, portability and ease of use.