Megelin Laser & LED Light Therapy Bag Review

About the Megelin Laser & LED Light Therapy Bag

• Dimensions: 71 inches L x 31.5 inches W x 12 inches D
• Modes: 10Hz pulse, 40Hz pulse, Continuous
• Wavelengths: 630nm, 660nm, 830nm, 850nm, 940nm, 1064nm

The Megelin Laser & LED Light Therapy Bag is designed to offer the benefits of red-light therapy in a 360-degree wraparound format. A sleeping-bag-style bag that lets you aim light at your whole body, it features 144 hybrid light sources that create LED wavelengths from 630nm to 660nm (red light) and 830nm to 1064nm (near-infrared).

It comes in a 71-inch bag with zippers all around and a detachable Flexible Face Light Pad that can be positioned to direct red light at the head and neck.

How we tested

We’d heard great things about Megelin spa-quality, at-home red light therapy medical devices. We’d heard praise about their effective performance and comfortable design. And while we’ve used many red light therapy masks, we’d never tried—or heard of—a full-body bag. So, before our hands-on experience, we looked at Megelin’s webpage for the Laser & LED Light Therapy Bag to see just what this beauty device could do.

Megelin makes several claims. Some are grounded in fact, while others appear less so and aren’t supported with citations.

Megelin says users will experience "up to 91.4% wrinkle improvement in 1–2 weeks," that the bag "reduces inflammatory markers by up to 89.7%," and that it can ease “muscle tension and joint discomfort with up to 93.5% improvement.” None of these claims are presented with a citation, a study, a sample size, or a methodology, which gives us pause, especially since, under FTC standards, quantified health-benefit claims like these require competent and reliable scientific evidence.

Megelin also celebrates that the bag is FDA-registered. However, the FDA stresses, “When a facility registers its establishment and lists its devices, the resulting entry in the FDA's registration and listing database does not denote approval, clearance, or authorization of that facility or its medical devices. The FDA does not issue any type of device registration certificates to medical device facilities.”

Instead, you generally want to see if a medical device is FDA-approved or FDA-cleared.

Again, according to the FDA, “the FDA approval of a medical product (e.g., drug, device or biologic) means the product’s safety and effectiveness have been reviewed by the FDA and the product’s known and potential benefits outweigh the known and potential risks. If the FDA approves, it means the agency has determined the product is safe and effective for its intended use.”

Likewise, FDA-cleared means “a new medical device is substantially equivalent to devices that are already legally marketed for the same use. Medical device manufacturers are required to submit information if they intend to introduce a device commercially for the first time or reintroduce a device that will be significantly changed to the extent that its safety or effectiveness could be affected.”

While Megelin’s LED Light Therapy Mask, which we also tested and reviewed, is FDA-cleared as a Class II device, the Megelin Laser & LED Light Therapy Bag has not been cleared as of this publication.

Listing that the bag is FDA-registered doesn’t say anything about safety or effectiveness — in fact, the FDA explictly prohibits companies from using FDA registration to imply endorsement. Megelin isn’t being transparent, and it makes us wonder what other marketing copy we need to look past.

Additionally, Megelin makes claims such as "clinically validated," "world's most advanced," or "built to outperform any rival" without providing solid evidence.

What you can bank on is several claims with a real scientific basis. Indeed, photobiomodulation (a real, well-studied field) can modestly support collagen production, skin appearance, local circulation, and short-term relief of muscle/joint pain.

The safety statement "Class 3R low-level lasers and non-UV LEDs… no burns, no UV" is broadly accurate. Class 3R lasers are low-risk (main caution is direct eye exposure), and red/NIR LEDs don't emit UV.

We’re not saying that Megelin’s Laser & LED Light Therapy bag isn’t effective or healing. We’re just flagging that the company advertises claims that haven't been backed up, and you should be careful when spending thousands of dollars on a device that may not perform as advertised.

When I received the Megelin Laser & LED Light Therapy Bag, I set it up in my bedroom and, following the recommended schedule, used it three or four times a week for roughly a month. I started with 15-minute sessions, and after two weeks, bumped them up to 20 minutes. For maximum benefit, I used the "All" setting, which combines both red light and near-infrared light. I set it on level one intensity, the lowest of three available levels and the one the company recommends starting with, before advancing to level two.

What we like

It's easy to use

Setting up and using the therapy bag is as easy as plugging in and laying down.

Using both the top and bottom panels of the bag requires plugging both sides in, but once it's connected, you can adjust the kind of light (red light only, infrared only, or both) and the intensity (1, 2, or 3) with the remote, then input how long you want your session to last (15, 20, 25, or 30 minutes). After that, all you have to do is stay still and let the LEDs and lasers do their work.

It's a great way to wind down

Wriggling myself into the bag felt awkward the first few times, but once the session started, I didn't care: It just felt good.

I liked it best as a pre-bedtime ritual, and I spent 15 (and later 20) minutes with the warm laser and LED light. The weighted-blanket-esque feel of the bag was incredibly relaxing. On the nights I wasn't scheduled to use it, I found myself casting longing glances at the corner of the room where it was stored.

What we don't like

It's large and bulky

There's no getting around it: The Megelin therapy bag is unwieldy.

At 5 feet 9 inches long and 18 pounds, it's large, and the thickness of the bag and the slickness of the exterior material make it both difficult to hold onto and to move around. Given its size and overall look (large, black, and glowing with hundreds of red lights while in use), it doesn't exactly fit seamlessly into most home décors.

Using the bag also requires two large (and heavy) power cords with attached boxes, which limits where it can be plugged in. While the bag unzips all the way—it can be opened up and used side by side by two people laying flat, due to the weight and the cords attached, I preferred to unzip it just enough to get in and then position myself from there.

Unless you have a dedicated space where you can leave it set up all the time, moving it around is cumbersome. (If you do have a space where you can leave it set up, it might improve your experience.)

It's extremely bright

Unsurprisingly, given how many LEDs and lasers the bag packs in, it's bright. If you're using the flexible light pad that surrounds your face and scalp, the light is especially intense, even with the included safety glasses. If you have sensitive eyes, this may be uncomfortable.

Results take time (and may be subtle)

If you're looking for major changes in a hurry, this may not be for you. But that doesn't mean it's not worth it.

In the first month of testing, I didn't notice a major difference in the tone, texture, or overall wrinkles on my arms, legs, back, or stomach—but changes would likely have to be dramatic to be noticeable in those areas, unlike, say, changes to facial skin.

What was more intriguing was the promise of reduced inflammation, joint pain, and overall well-being. I've had two knee surgeries, the most recent less than a year ago. I've also had the common muscle aches and pains that follow working out and, frankly, just general active life, like gardening, wreaking havoc on my shoulders and elbow.

After one month of regular use, I couldn't draw a direct line between how different joints or muscle groups felt. Still, after the heat and pleasant heaviness of the bag during therapy sessions, I always felt better than I had going in.

There's no definitive timeline for when users see results from red-light therapy. Anecdotally, many red-light users report seeing results on their skin within one or two weeks, with pain relief and overall well-being improving within a month or so. By that measure, any long-term joint effects would just be getting started as this review is written.

Warranty

The Laser & LED Light Therapy Bag is covered by a 60-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty that offers free replacement during the first year. After the first year, an inspection fee may be charged for replacement parts.

Megelin offers customer service via email, phone, chat, and real-time WhatsApp messaging.

Should you buy the Megelin Laser & LED Light Therapy Bag?

Yes, if you're playing the long game

Good things take time.

Whether your goal is better skin on your face, less pain in your joints, or anything in between, the Megelin Laser & LED Light Therapy Bag (available at Amazon for $2,549.00) could be a useful tool for healing.

The Laser & LED Light Therapy Bag is an investment. The device is FSA/HSA eligible, which can help. Users committed to regular use over the long term will likely see the greatest benefit and value from the high initial price point.

While the jury is still out on the long-term effects, the overall ease of use and existing science are compelling enough to recommend the Megelin bag. It feels good, and with time, it could be great—as long as you're in it for the long haul.

Read more about our adventures with red light therapy products.

• This multifunctional light therapy mask leaves its competition in the dust
• Is this terrifying red light mask secretly the fountain of youth?
• Say goodbye to turkey neck with this LED neck mask
• Is the HigherDose Red Light Face Mask the secret to better skin?