Valkee Bright Light Ear Headset for Winter Blues - BLACK

YES, this is a good product if you have a bad case of SAD.Pros:I have SAD. I have used various therapeutic lights over the years. I have had the Valkee a little over a week and I believe it is more effective than the table-top product I have been using all winter, and without the danger to my eyes & skin. The daily dose time is also much shorter -- 6 to 12 min. I noticed a difference with the second use (but I have been using the goLite all winter).CONS:I would have given this product 5 stars BUT one of the reasons I purchased it was, because it's a headset, I assumed portability. Wrong. You must sit very still and in one place for the duration of the treatment. The earplugs are "ok". It comes with various sized ear caps which are somewhat difficult to get off if the size you have selected is wrong. The little bulbs at the ends of the wires seem to be fragile and the ear caps, once on, are on tight. I have left a size cap in place that isn't quite right for fear that in removing it I might damage the bulb. Because the item seems somewhat fragile I have purchased a hard case for it. The case was inexpensive but will protect it for travel etc. You could keep it in the box but the case is more compact. I use a zippered case that fits a 2.5 sized external hard drive & it works great.Summary:I have been concerned about safety. The manufacturers website says it has been tested and is safe. I will continue to seek more independent studies but continue to use it --- it's that good. My case of SAD can be absolutely debilitating and so far this item improves things considerably. The manufacturer warns about over-use which is true of any SAD light product.The item is quite expensive but, and despite it's few limitations, I believe it was money well spent. Therapeutically it is far superior to table top lights alone.

As far as I know, I don't have a serious case of SAD. I don't get much sunlight, but at least I get 5400 IU of supplemental D3 daily which is easy, keeping my serum levels at ~50 ng/ml. All I need is a mood, attention, and energy enhancer, but who doesn't? I have heard that light therapy can make one feel alert, and so this is one of the four light therapy products I have. Yes, the cost is quite prohibitive, but the cost of inattention is much higher.This is basically two very tiny LEDs that emit bluish-white light. The user manual lists them as being 3.5 lumens max each. The spectrum is unknown, but as I said, it's on the blue side, but not UV, as I was reassured by Valkee.The first time I used it, my ears started to ache after one minute, so I removed it to be safe. The pain did not recur later. Nevertheless, there is a sense of warmth in the ear after using the device for a couple of minutes each time. I just go with it.Unfortunately, it's difficult for me to say if it's really doing anything significant for me. I can't really say that I consistently feel any discernible mood enhancement or stimulation, etc. after having used it. In other words, if you don't have a significant case of SAD or at least of a general low-mood, this device will probably do very little if anything for you. I say this after having used this device for a 12m cycle daily for many months. (-1 stars)If you're like me, you're probably asking - can it be used more than once daily? Valkee recommended against this, on the grounds that it hasn't been medically tested as such. Should I volunteer? There is that concern of it frying my ear and/or brain.It's a shame that the earplugs aren't detachable from the device. One can easily break them. Additionally, the rechargeable battery is not user replaceable. It would have to be mailed across the Atlantic for such basic service. (-2 stars)Be sure to clean the extra wax from your ears before using it, but not too aggressively or deeply. You also want to clean any wax off of the LEDs before use.With TrueSun as the seller, it took 14 calendar days (or 9 business days) from the date of the order for the item to be received, being shipped from the UK. It was delivered by USPS, with signature required upon delivery.In summary, I don't use this device anymore. I use a standard blue light instead.

I haven't had it long, about a month, but I do notice a difference in my mood. I live in Oregon and we get a lot of rain and long dark days. I believe this item will make life much easier this winter.

I would definitely recommend the device to anyone with SAD. I normally use a light box when the weather is grey but it just wasn't cutting it. I had to use the Valkee for about 12 days before I noticed a difference in my mood. I was hesitant to buy it because of possible side effects, but I have not experienced any. I like the fact that it is easy to use, small/portable, and that it shuts off automatically. I am very satisfied with my purchase. Highly recommend.

I bought this last year. I am from Canada and had it shipped to family in Italy as my parents went there for vacation last year. I did not find any improvement with my SAD. I've had SAD for 6 years and didn't see any positive effect from this. I think it's a cool idea but I don't think there is enough science backing this up.I'm currently utilizing natural desiccated thyroid for my SAD as I was reading that low thyroid is what is causing SAD. Please google it as it may help you out. There seems to be a relationship between the thyroid and SAD

This really works well. It is simply amazing. From Finland - where they know all to well about the effects of seasonal affect disorder ... a bit spendy, but comes with a built in timer and charges easily ... and can be used anywhere without bothering those around you with a bright light. Check it out.

I was hoping Valkee would work, but it didn't. I tried it for two months without the slightest benefit. Bight light therapy works well. I have used bright lights with much success for several years now.

Having good results and when working in conjunction with a light box even more so. Good product.