Achieving an even, lasting tan in a tanning bed fundamentally relies on the quality of its lamps; consequently, selecting the best tanning bed lamps is crucial for effective and consistent results.
These specialized fluorescent bulbs emit ultraviolet (UV) light, stimulating melanin production in the skin.
5 Best Tanning Bed Lamps
1. Wolff System Velocity Extreme Tanning Lamps (F71 Bi-Pin)
- Features an accelerated tanning formula, consequently delivering faster, darker results compared to standard lamps.
- Designed with a high UVA output and balanced UVB, actively promoting deep, long-lasting bronzing with minimal reddening.
- Offers a long effective lifespan (typically 800-1000 hours), consequently ensuring consistent performance over many sessions.
- Compatible with most tanning beds requiring F71 Bi-Pin lamps, consequently offering broad applicability.
- Known for its strong bronzing capabilities, making it popular for achieving a rich, dark tan.
- Provides consistent UV output throughout its lifespan.
- Ideal for experienced tanners or those seeking rapid, deep bronzing results.
- Easy to install as a direct replacement for existing F71 lamps.
- Helps minimize overexposure to UV by reducing tanning session times.
- Represents a premium choice for advanced tanning performance in a bed.
2. CosmoLux VHR 160W F71 Tanning Lamps
- Features a Very High Reflective (VHR) design, consequently maximizing UV output and tanning efficiency.
- Designed with a balanced blend of UVA and UVB, actively promoting both immediate bronzing and long-lasting color development.
- Offers a high effective lifespan (typically 800-1000 hours), consequently providing consistent tanning results over many uses.
- Compatible with tanning beds requiring F71 Bi-Pin 160W lamps, ensuring broad compatibility.
- Known for producing a deep, natural-looking tan with good color longevity.
- Provides excellent performance for a wide range of skin types.
- Helps to reduce session times due to its high efficiency.
- Features robust construction for reliable operation.
- Ideal for tanning salons and home tanning bed owners seeking professional results.
- Represents a reliable and powerful choice for effective all-around tanning.
3. Light Sources F71/T12 100W 800-Hour Reflector Tanning Lamps
- Features a built-in reflector coating, consequently directing more UV light towards the user for enhanced tanning efficiency.
- Designed with a balanced UV spectrum for optimal tanning results (UVA for bronzing, UVB for melanin activation).
- Offers a standard 800-hour effective lifespan, consequently providing consistent performance for numerous tanning sessions.
- Compatible with tanning beds requiring F71 T12 100W Bi-Pin lamps, consequently ensuring broad applicability.
- Provides reliable and consistent UV output throughout its operational life.
- Known for producing a natural, even tan with good color development.
- Easy to install as a direct replacement for existing lamps.
- Ideal for general tanning purposes, offering a good balance of speed and bronzing.
- Helps maintain a desired base tan effectively.
- Represents a cost-effective and widely compatible choice for reliable tanning bed performance.
4. Philips Tanning Lamps (e.g., F71 BL38 100W)
- Features renowned Philips quality and reliability, consequently ensuring consistent UV output for effective tanning.
- Designed with a balanced UV spectrum (BL38), actively promoting a golden-brown tan.
- Offers a standard lifespan for consistent performance over many tanning sessions.
- Compatible with tanning beds requiring F71/T12 100W lamps, consequently offering broad applicability.
- Known for producing a smooth, even tan with good color development.
- Provides dependable UV light for melanin stimulation.
- Ideal for general tanning needs, from building a base tan to maintaining color.
- Easy to install as a direct replacement.
- Trusted by both commercial salons and home users.
- Represents a classic and dependable choice for consistent tanning bed results.
5. SunQuest Tanning Bed Lamps (e.g., F71 T12 100W)
- Features lamps specifically designed for SunQuest tanning beds, consequently ensuring optimal compatibility and performance.
- Designed with a balanced UV output, actively promoting effective and even tanning.
- Offers a standard lifespan for consistent tanning sessions.
- Compatible with SunQuest tanning bed models requiring F71 T12 100W lamps.
- Provides reliable UV light, actively stimulating melanin production for bronzing.
- Known for delivering good tanning results from popular home tanning beds.
- Easy to replace in compatible SunQuest units.
- Ideal for homeowners with SunQuest beds seeking direct replacement lamps.
- Helps maintain a consistent base tan.
- Represents a brand-specific choice for reliable tanning performance in SunQuest beds.
Buying Guide
Selecting the ideal tanning bed lamps genuinely requires thoughtful consideration of several crucial factors, consequently ensuring your chosen bulbs provide optimal UV spectrum, performance, and compatibility for effective and safe tanning.
UV Spectrum (UVA vs. UVB Ratio)
The UVA and UVB ratio is critical for tanning results and skin health.
UVA (Ultraviolet A) primarily oxidizes melanin, producing an immediate bronzing effect.
UVB (Ultraviolet B) stimulates new melanin production, leading to a deeper, more lasting tan, but also causes reddening and sunburn.
Lamps with higher UVA offer faster bronzing with less reddening.
Lamps with a balanced ratio provide a more comprehensive tan.
Choose a spectrum that matches your tanning goals and skin type, subsequently optimizing your tanning experience.
Lamp Type and Size (e.g., F71, F59, F73)
Tanning bed lamps come in standard types and sizes, designated by codes like F71, F59, F73 (indicating lamp length) and diameter (e.g., T12).
The “F” indicates fluorescent.
Ensure the lamp type and size precisely match the specifications of your tanning bed model.
Using the wrong type can lead to poor performance or damage to the bed.
Compatibility is paramount for proper installation, subsequently ensuring safe and effective operation.
Wattage
Wattage (e.g., 100W, 160W) indicates the lamp’s power consumption and general UV output.
Higher wattage lamps typically deliver more intense UV light, potentially leading to faster tanning sessions.
However, always ensure the wattage of the replacement lamp precisely matches your tanning bed’s specifications.
Using lamps with incorrect wattage can damage your tanning bed or lead to inefficient tanning, subsequently impacting performance.
Effective Lifespan (Hours)
The effective lifespan of a tanning lamp indicates how many hours it can operate while delivering optimal UV output.
Most quality lamps last between 800 to 1000 hours.
As lamps age, their UV output diminishes, even if they still light up.
Replace lamps when they reach their recommended lifespan to ensure consistent and efficient tanning results, subsequently maximizing effectiveness.
Reflector vs. Non-Reflector
Some tanning bed lamps feature a built-in reflector coating on one side (e.g., “R” or “Reflector” in the name).
This coating directs more UV light towards the tanner, consequently enhancing tanning efficiency.
Non-reflector lamps emit light in all directions.
Reflector lamps are ideal for maximizing the intensity of UV light on the user, subsequently improving tanning speed.
Skin Type Suitability
Different lamps and UV spectra can suit different skin types.
Individuals with sensitive skin or those prone to burning may prefer lamps with a lower UVB output.
Experienced tanners seeking deeper bronzing might opt for higher UVA lamps.
Understand your skin type and tanning goals.
Consult with a tanning professional if unsure, subsequently ensuring safe and effective tanning.
Ease of Installation
Consider the ease of installation.
Tanning bed lamps typically have a bi-pin (two-prong) connector that slides into the lamp holders.
Ensure you can safely replace the lamps yourself following your tanning bed’s instructions.
Proper installation prevents damage to the lamp or the tanning bed, subsequently guaranteeing safe operation.
Tips
Always Wear Eye Protection
- Always wear approved UV-blocking eye protection specifically designed for tanning, consequently safeguarding your eyes from harmful UV radiation.
- Never tan without eye protection; it is crucial for long-term eye health.
Follow Session Times
- Adhere strictly to the recommended tanning session times for your skin type and lamp strength, consequently preventing overexposure and sunburn.
- Gradual exposure is key to building a healthy tan safely.
Clean Bed Regularly
- Clean your tanning bed regularly with an approved acrylic-safe cleaner, consequently ensuring hygiene and proper UV light transmission.
- Dust and lotions on the acrylic can block UV rays.
Rotate Lamps (If Recommended)
- Some manufacturers recommend rotating lamps in your tanning bed periodically, consequently ensuring even wear and consistent UV output across the bed.
- This helps maintain uniform tanning results.
Proper Disposal
- Dispose of old fluorescent tanning lamps properly, following local regulations for fluorescent bulb disposal (they contain mercury), consequently protecting the environment.
- Do not simply throw them in household trash.
Comparison Table
| Product Name | Lamp Type | UVA/UVB Ratio | Wattage (W) | Lifespan (Hours, Effective) | Reflector | Key Performance Feature |
| 1. Wolff System Velocity Extreme | F71 Bi-Pin | High UVA | 100/160 | 800-1000 | No | Accelerated Bronzing |
| 2. CosmoLux VHR 160W | F71 Bi-Pin | Balanced | 160 | 800-1000 | Yes | Very High Reflective |
| 3. Light Sources F71/T12 100W Reflector | F71 T12 | Balanced | 100 | 800 | Yes | Built-in Reflector |
| 4. Philips Tanning Lamps | F71/T12 | Balanced | 100 | Standard | No | Consistent UV Output |
| 5. SunQuest Tanning Bed Lamps | F71 T12 | Balanced | 100 | Standard | No | OEM for SunQuest Beds |
Export to Sheets
FAQ
Q: What is a tanning bed lamp?
A: A tanning bed lamp is a fluorescent bulb. It emits ultraviolet (UV) light. This light stimulates melanin production in your skin for tanning.
Q: How do tanning bed lamps work?
A: They produce UVA and UVB rays. UVA causes immediate bronzing. UVB stimulates new melanin for a deeper tan.
Q: How often should I replace tanning bed lamps?
A: Replace lamps when they reach their effective lifespan, typically 800-1000 hours. UV output decreases as they age, even if they still light up.
Q: What is the difference between UVA and UVB in lamps?
A: UVA causes immediate tan. UVB produces deeper, longer-lasting tan but can cause sunburn. Lamps balance these for optimal results.
Q: Can I use any fluorescent bulb in a tanning bed?
A: No, you cannot use regular fluorescent bulbs. Tanning lamps are specialized to emit specific UV wavelengths. Others are not safe or effective for tanning.
Q: What is an F71 tanning lamp?
A: F71 is a common standard size for tanning bed lamps. It refers to a specific length and bi-pin connection type used in many tanning beds.
Q: Do I need eye protection for tanning beds?
A: Yes, always wear approved UV-blocking eye protection. This is crucial to safeguard your eyes from harmful UV radiation during tanning.
Q: What happens if I use old tanning lamps?
A: Old lamps have reduced UV output. This means less effective tanning results and potentially longer exposure times, which is not ideal.
Q: Are higher wattage tanning lamps better?
A: Higher wattage lamps generally deliver more intense UV light. This may lead to faster tanning. Ensure the wattage matches your bed’s specifications.
Q: How do I dispose of old tanning bed lamps?
A: Dispose of them properly. They are fluorescent bulbs and contain mercury. Follow local regulations for hazardous waste or recycling.
Conclusion
Choosing the 5 best tanning bed lamps genuinely ensures effective and consistent tanning results.
These specialized bulbs provide crucial UV spectrum, appropriate wattage, and reliable compatibility for optimal performance.
By prioritizing UVA/UVB balance, lamp type, and effective lifespan, you select an ideal set.
Ultimately, a good set of lamps guarantees a golden, natural-looking tan and maximizes your tanning bed sessions.