FAQs

Standard daylight full spectrum light bulbs are a different bulb entirely from the Chromalux® line of full spectrum bulbs, which use neodymium glass to filter out yellow and other dulling frequencies of the light spectrum, resulting in a beautifully pure and vivid light with enhanced colors and contrast.

Standard types of full spectrum light bulbs are typically LEDs that emit a full spectrum of daylight white light (between 5000-6500K color temperature). While these bulbs are beneficial in the morning and daytime to help with energy and alertness (thanks to the biologically necessary blue color wavelengths to activate our circadian rhythm), most of these bulbs don't necessarily replicate colors well and can cast a garish appearance to everything. Many people also complain of glare and eye strain.

In a nutshell, our light technology allows you to see and feel better while enhancing your environment and inspiring you in a way standard full spectrum bulbs cannot!

Our bulbs will appear gentler and soothing in comparison, and colors will also be more vivid and true to life.

Ideally, you could both use standard daylight color full spectrum bulbs together with our Chromalux® bulbs for the ultimate lighting environment!

In a nutshell, our bulbs allow you to see better, feel better, and live in an enhanced, more beautiful environment. These bulbs have a color and contrast enhancing effect that makes life more beautiful! Read more about the benefits here.

Yes, all incandescent and halogen bulbs are dimmable. Always check product descriptions though, as there are some exceptions. 

Yes. Chromalux® is available in most standard bulb shapes and sizes. Just check the max wattage your fixture can accept and choose your corresponding Chromalux® bulb accordingly!

Chromalux® does not contain any UVB - the type of UV that causes skin tanning and damage. As is the case with all incandescent and halogen light bulbs, they do contain a minute amount of UVA which extends into the visible light spectrum.

A common earth element, neodymium (pronounced nee-oh-di-mee-um) is compounded into the glass of all Chromalux® light bulbs. Acting as a sort of filter and magnifier, it filters portions of the yellow spectrum - the dulling part of the visual light spectrum that our eyes are most sensitive to - while enhancing reds, blues, and increasing contrasts between colors and tones.

Whereas most light bulbs - no matter the technology - produce dull light and can muddle colors as compared to natural daylight, Chromalux® and its special neodymium technology brings meaning to the phrase "seeing life in full color!"

Please note: despite our European origins,Chromalux® bulbs are currently only available for use at the North/South American standard of 110 - 120 Volts, not 220V - 240V as in Europe or elsewhere.

Incandescence is the purest form of artificial light. If EMF is a concern for you, we highly recommend Chromalux® incandescent light bulbs, or Chromalux® Enhanced™ light bulbs (for slightly whiter light perfect for daytime usage). Remember, the higher the wattage, the lower the EMF.

UVB is necessary for the production of Vitamin D, and only very specified lighting units can provide the light output necessary for Vit.D production in humans. For birds and reptiles, however, this can be achieved through full spectrum fluorescent lighting, usually containing 10% UVB. Chromalux® bulbs do not contain UVB light, which is necessary for the production of Vitamin D. Apart from supplementation, we always recommend some quality time under the sun!

Chromalux® full spectrum incandescent light!Chromalux® uses neodymium glass to filter dull and harsh light, while creating incredible contrast between colors and textures. Not only will you see better, your eyes will feel less fatigued! For these reasons, Chromalux® has been a top recommendation for low vision population since the 1980s, and has been proven to increase visual acuity.

As we define it, full spectrum light contains the full visible light spectrum (all colors of the rainbow). Learn more about full spectrum lighting here.

This is a great question! While full spectrum light bulbs definitely help those suffering from SAD, they are not considered a standalone treatment for seasonal depression. Light therapy boxes provide a much stronger intensity of light and can be used only for about 30 minutes a day, while Chromalux® full spectrum lighting can be used without restrictions (like a normal light bulb). We actually answered this question in more detail. Read the differences between full spectrum light and light therapy.

No, this is a common misconception. Full spectrum light bulbs have enhanced color rendering properties and a balanced visible light spectrum, similar to sunlight. Daylight bulbs do not necessarily mean full spectrum, but instead refer to light bulbs with a color temperature between 5000 and 6500K, the color temperature range of daylight at noon.

A clear glass bulb will usually be a few lumens brighter than its frosted counterpart of the same wattage. A good rule of thumb: think frosted glass for general lighting and clear glass for more striking, ambient lighting. If you have eye sensitivities, we recommend frosted glass. Glass type, whether clear or frosted, does not affect the color temperature or appearance of the light.

Luckily, light bulb shapes are pretty universal. If you currently use an R30 or BR30 type bulb, then you just need the Chromalux® version R30. The type is usually stamped on the neck of the bulb near the socket. Otherwise, general guidelines are to use R20 bulbs for 3'' diameter cans, R30 for 4-5'' cans, and R40 for 6" cans. Remember to always check the max-wattage rating of your fixture (also printed somewhere within the can/fixture).

While both are perfect for use in either recessed can or track lighting, the light beam of flood type light bulbs (R style light bulbs) have a less defined edge than a comparable PAR light bulb. Flood bulbs are great for general illumination and covering large areas with light, while PAR bulbs are more like spot lights, with a defined and focused beam of light.

You can find all the definitions of common technical lighting terms here.

Only through our resellers. Swanson Health has a decent selection of Chromalux® bulbs available.

We have a 30 day return and exchange policy - please refer to this page for more info.

Not to worry! Please send a quick image of the damage to info@healthlighting.com (include your order number!) within 7 days of receiving your order so we can either credit you or send you a replacement free of charge.

We ship primarily via UPS Ground.

We offer free shipping for contiguous US orders over $120. You'll see it as a shipping option at checkout.