Customer Reviews

Verilux VT05FWW1 HappyLight 6000

5 star:		(44)
4 star:		(26)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

Based on Amazon reviews of its predecessor, Verilux Natural Spectrum HappyLite Mini Ultra, Silver, I decided to give this item a try. I've been using it now for a couple of weeks and really like it. It sits at about 2 feet away from me on my computer desk. On the low setting (recommended during the evening), it produces a nice glow that took just a few minutes to get used to. The high setting (recommended during the morning) is pretty intense, but I imagine with time you'll get used to it.

My continuing lack of motivation and incredibly annoying low energy level that I knew was due to the winter blues made me immediately buy this product after a friend recommended it to me. Supposedly another friend bought a HappyLight for his lab area and also used it in the evenings while writing his dissertation. The friend reported the light to be highly effective in maintaining concentration during the evening. In addition to my waning low energy and mood levels, that testimony made me want to purchase this light immediately. As a doctoral student, I'm always at my home computer desk if I'm not in the classroom learning or teaching. And I'll soon be spending all of my hours late into the evening writing my dissertation.

It was incredibly easy to set up. It's nicely packaged and requires no assembly. Just plug it in, switch it to either the half or full setting and enjoy. Again, I've only been using it for two days, but a previous reviewer (from the earlier model) said that he spoke to a Verilux representative, who advised that you'll know within an hour if it's for you. Well, I know it's for me, and if you're interested in adjusting your mood for the better and getting out of that winter funk mode, give this product a try. I hate that I waited this long to research preventative measures and solutions for the winter blues.

I really do like this as a mood enhancing secondary light if you are affected by the darker winters. It works best as something you just put on off to the side and still slightly in your field of vision, and leave it on for 2 hours while you work. I really do feel like my mood is lifted. However if you are in a place that you cannot use a device in your own privacy and don't want to draw attention from having a bright unshaded light, or if you need a more concentrated approach to fit in a short period of time such as during breakfast, you probably need to look into alternatives. Considering the cost compared to some stellar alternatives, you should compare the cost and value of alternatives. Depending on price fluctuation, a little more could buy you a stellar alternative. I personally see this as a great secondary device that I use after I use a better concentrated approach.

You should definitely look into a more concentrated approach like the Philips goLITE BLU Light Therapy Device which is very compact in comparison, more powerful, and does its work in 15 or 30 minutes while eating breakfast. You could easily use the Philips goLite in an office with minimal attention of others unless they come up from behind it or notice the blue glow it might reflect off surfaces. The goLite is directional light that you only see from the front. This light here is pretty much a fluorescent light with a special bulb that you wouldn't know was different by the light it throws, and shines all around like a lamp. So this one is nowhere as discrete as the goLite, and requires a lot longer exposure too. But I think you have to see them as different solutions and apply which one to what you need at which times. If you can have only one, this isn't my first choice. But given I can have a secondary one, I am in fact very happy to have this one.

Quality wise, I have some cosmetic issues with the one I received. The light cover wasn't snapped on correctly out of the box. It left a small opening at the bottom. You just remove the cover, as it is supposed to come off for bulb replacement like any fluorescent light fixture cover, and just snap back on correctly which took me only 30 seconds and is now perfect. Next, there was a spec of dirt on the control switch on the front. When I through it was surface grit, I just tried to dislodge it with my nail, it easily came loose, but turned out it was embedded in the paint and tore away the paint over the plastic switch beneath it. If this happens to you, just return it as defective and get a replacement, so that shouldn't be a problem and is entirely cosmetic. Otherwise it is just fine. It has a bulb, switch, and housing, and not too much goes wrong like any other light, except the bulb will eventually burn out. It should last a while, but not forever, like most other fluorescent lights, and will be more expensive to replace as it supposedly is a special kind of bulb you order from the manufacturer. In comparison, the Philips goLite uses LEDs, which should last a lot longer than fluorescent.

I tried this light to see if it would help improve anxiety and insomnia, the idea being that using it in the morning would help re-set the body's circadian rhythm and that natural sunlight could help alleviate anxiety during the long winter here in Montana. However, I believe it's main use is for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Having used this light for several months, I've actually been really happy with it! Here are some of the pros and cons:

Pros:
-small & lightweight
-user friendly operation (just slide the switch)
-full spectrum mimics natural sunlight
-works great
-high and low brightness settings
-does not get hot with hours of use (just slightly warm)
-plastic filters out harmful UVB
-sturdy construction

Cons:
-a little expensive
-really REALLY bright, even on low setting (my husband hates its brightness!)
-plastic filters out harmful UVB (sometimes you want UVB!)

The UVB issue is both a pro and a con. You want it filtered out as it can cause skin cancer, but it's an important component of sunlight for mammals (like people), birds, and reptiles. So if you are seeking UVB, this will not work.

Having said that, my birds ADORE this light as well! I have medium-sized parrots who thrive on natural daylight for their emotional well-being. They seem to prefer this light over their full-spectrum UVB reptile light this winter, and they love it cuddling with this light when they are hanging out loose in my room. (Just keep the cord out of their reach!) I mentioned that this light has "sturdy construction" because except for having to hide the cord, it has proven parrot-proof, which is saying A LOT. These guys can DESTROY many plastic items, but with the smooth lines and seamless feel, they can't get their beaks in there to damage this light.

So beware that it's really quite bright, and of course it's a little expensive, but in this case, I really think you get what you pay for. This is a solid light that is lightweight, convenient, and easy to use.

It HAS helped with my anxiety and insomnia when I use it in the mornings and during the daytime, and I believe it would likely prove effective if used daily for anyone looking to alleviate SAD-like symptoms. (Whether you have the full disorder or not.) I should also note that I've only ever used it on the "low" brightness setting, and it has still been effective.

Before you buy this product, read this review.

I always get the winter blues, especially living in Cleveland, Ohio. As soon as the sun starts shining more, I feel better.

So, I thought getting this light would be a great way to get some "sunlight" to make me feel better. I figured I'd turn it on in the bathroom while getting ready for work, and again in the evening while working on the computer or watching tv. It was not an easy decision, due to the price, but I thought I would try it.

After I unpacked the light all excited to try it, I read the pamphlet....

You need to sit in front of this light for HOURS--not 30 minutes, not 1 hour--think 4 hours within 3 feet of this light.

And you should not use it in the evening because it will disturb your normal sleep-wake cycle, keeping you awake at night!

So, unless you have a strict desk job, or have the time to sit in front of this light for 4 hours a day before 5pm, don't waste your money on this product!

When I first got this light, I thought, no way it can't work. It's not gonna make me feel any better. But it's winter now and we're getting those short days in Northern Nevada and the skies are cloudy and I tend to stay in all day on the compter, so what the heck.

First off, the bright white light was awful looking, the color is a bright, horrendous refrigerator white, not pleasing at all. And you've got to have the bloody thing close to you to get any of these supposed good results.

Still, I got the light to review, so instead of chucking it straight into the trash, I decided to live with it for awhile. It's been almost a month now and I'm loving this light to death. I do feel better, can work at my computer longer and since I need to do that to make a living, that's a good thing.

And I actually feel better.

But the most amazing thing is, I'm liking the light. That horrible refrigerator white color has grown on me. Now I can't imagine life at the keyboard without it.

I bought the Verilux as a gift for my parents, who live in the dark northern reaches of the Midwest. I'd read good things about the product and knew it had been effective for some people who suffer from SAD. After sitting near the lamp for a few hours on the day after Christmas, I found myself almost craving it. I understand that you're not supposed to feel the full effects of the product for a while, but for me, it was almost instant. If you're looking for a product that is relatively inexpensive and effective, I would highly recommend this lamp. I'm planning to purchase one of my own with my tax refund this year. I'd say the only downside would be the amount of time that is supposedly required for it to achieve its full effect (2.5 hours). I personally didn't find that amount of time necessary, but I would imagine that this would vary with the person. Highly recommended!

I have several Verilux lamps, so I suppose I was pre-disposed to like this unit. That being the case, I really wanted to give it a real test. I have had the product for about a month and have used it daily.

I can honestly say I seem to have more energy, and am calmer. When winter comes along and the daylight is in such short supply, I really notice it-- the notion of going to work frequently in the dim light or dark, and ALWAYS getting home in the dark is rather depressing and annoying, to say the least.

I use it in the following way:

About an hour in the AM- during breakfast, and reading the news on my trusty Kindle. As I have yet to win the lottery (which is in my plans each week....) I then make the rek to work- traffic, crowds - the whole nine yards. Before using the HappyLight, I would frequently arrive at work stressed out-- now, NOT so much. THAT alone is significant, I think.

I also use it for about an hour upon my return home, on it goes!. Again , after a month I noticed that using it seems to provide some energy, and seems to de-stress me, a bit. A miracle has occured - I actually COOK real food (not microwave) and accomplish things after work! Interestingly, I seem to sleep better too.

All in all, this really works - well worth a try. I could tell it was working after about a week, and certainly in 30 days.

I am very pleased, and would not hesitate giving this as a gift. Come to think of it, I can think of SEVERAL people who who could really (REALLY) benifit from a "HappyLight". All kidding aside, this is a great product.

This is a nice quality SAD light. I've had various models over the past 30 years. This unit ranks with the best. It's small, well made and easy to use, and the price is very reasonable.

A few reviews knock the light because one needs to spend so much time in front of it or that it's very bright. Sorry folks, that's the nature of the beast. Therapy for seasonal affective disorder does require up to many hours facing the light. The light is bright. It's suppose to be. The stronger the light the less time you need to spend in front of it. This unit strikes a nice balance between bearable brightness and exposure time.

I don't know if it's helping me combat SAD, but I do know that I love the pure white light that emanates from this lamp. It makes the colors in my room look as wonderful as they look in the natural light of day, when I don't have time to sit down and enjoy them. And that makes me very happy! I also love that it's great for reading in the wee hours of the a.m. If it also helps my winter blahs, that's just a bonus blessing.

I'm a very visual person who loves color. I'm also very energy-conscious, so every lamp in my house has had nothing but energy-efficient bulbs for several years, even though I've always hated how they cast an unappetizing yellow-green color on everything. The light from this lamp is just like natural sunlight and leaves me surrounded by the colors I love. As I use it for reading every morning, I find myself frequently looking up to enjoy my wall color as I intended it to look.

It's the best reading lamp I've ever had, even better then the two floor-lamp reading lights I have from this company. It casts a pure natural light that's bright enough to not produce any shadows. I find it too bright to face, but it's perfect when placed on a table by my reading chair where it sits to my left and just behind my shoulder. My husband sleeps much later than I do and he's also a very light sleeper. That means I often can enjoy quietly reading for as much as a couple of hours each morning. As an early riser, I'm up before the sun, so this natural light that mimics the sun is a great way to start my day. This may become the year that I won't have the winter blahs.

My only complaint is that this lamp is ugly, ugly, ugly. Ugly enough to be marked down a star. Ugly enough that, when I see unexpected company coming up the driveway, I not only rush to hide the clutter, but to hide this ugly lamp. But I'm so glad I have it every morning!

I've only had this lamp for three days, but I'm already noticing a difference in my office and my work. I don't have any windows so this light provides a bright sunshine-y feel to my office. My coworkers have all noticed it and like its effect on the room- it makes colors brighter and eliminates some of the yellowing effect of overhead fluorescent lighting.

Perhaps more important though is the psychological effect. I realize that this could be anecdotal (or even the placebo effect), but in the three days I've used the light I have been more focused and productive. I come into work early and it normally takes me a little while to get going. But not with this light on-- I accomplished more work and got more writing done in the first few hours of the day than normal. And I didn't experience the energy lull that usually comes after a few hours of writing. My energy level has stayed consistent throughout the day. I wasn't experiencing any depression prior to using it, so I don't know whether it will help others with that issue-- but I suspect it might. The brightness is certainly cheery.

The instructions recommend that you use the bright setting (which is quite bright-- I had to move the light about 2 feet away to keep it from glaring too much) in the morning and then switch to the dimmer setting (which is still quite bright) in the afternoon. That seems to work well for me.

I also like that it's simple to use. No assembly needed-- you just pull it out of the box, plug it in and turn it on. Presto-- instant indoor sunlight.

I'll keep using the light and update this review if the effect changes in any way. In the meantime, I highly recommend it particularly if you work in a windowless area and don't get a chance to go outside much. Also- I don't understand some of the negative reviews. The instructions say you should use it for 2 1/2 hours a day-- not 4 hours as someone commented. Also, it is true that since it's a lamp you do need to stay near it for the effect-- it isn't designed to light an entire room--although the light is so bright it does brighten a room.