Circadian Optics Luxy Review: SAD Light Pocket Rocket!

Circadian Optics Luxy

In Short


Product Name: Circadian Optics Luxy
Latest Review Date: 30 November 2019
Price Guideline: $

The Circadian Optics Luxy takes portable light therapy units into unchartered territory! Small but perfectly formed.

MY RATING: 92%

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Editor’s Note

Editor's note photo

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Features


  • 10,000 lux of light – the recommended intensity to treat SAD effectively
  • Three brightness settings
  • Adjustable stand
  • USB powered
  • One touch operation
  • LED lights with 50,000 hour lifespan
  • Full spectrum light
  • UV Free

Product Information


  • Maximum Lux: 10,000 at 6 to 8 inches
  • Color Temperature: 5,500k
  • Weight: 0.35 pounds
  • Lamp Type: LED
  • Product Dimensions: 3.25 x 3.5 x 1.25 inches 
  • Power Source: Corded-Electric, USB
  • Two Year Warranty

In the Box


  • 1 x Luxy Lamp 
  • 1 x Micro USB Cable
  • 1 x Adapter 
  • 1 x User Guide

So How Does the Circadian Optics Luxy Work?


A move from a sunny climate to the long, dark winters of Minneapolis ultimately led to the creation of Circadian Optics and with it their wonderful range of SAD lamps.

Founder Amber Leong (pictured below) was born in Malaysia but moved to Minneapolis in 2005 to go to University and then to work. Struggling with days without any sunlight in the winter months she invested in a SAD light.

It made a difference, but by her own admission – “The problem was that it didn’t look very good.” She decided to pursue a career in the field of light therapy.

Amber Leong

And the rest, as they say, is history…

The Luxy is a relatively compact SAD light measuring 3.25 by 3.5 by 1.25 inches. It has an adjustable stand that, when closed, becomes a cover. It also has can be run off of USB power or from a regular wall socket.

It has a single touch sensitive button that turns the Luxy on at full power, cycles through the three brightness options and then turns it off.

Digging deeper:

It uses LEDs bulbs that are recommended to last 50,000 hours and the colour of the light is 5,500k – the same as the color of the midday sun. It is full spectrum and UV free.

The light and the adaptor are covered by a two year warranty.


The Good


“We realized that there was a market for light therapy lamps that looked good and had a designer touch.”

That was Circadian Optics owner Amber Leong talking to Minnesota newspaper the Bemidji Pioneer.

The Circadian Optics Luxy is another cleverly designed, nice looking SAD lamp by Circadian Optics.

It is small, simple and stylish – in keeping with Circadian Optics approach of blending top quality SAD lights with top quality design.

Circadian Optics Luxy

Think I am exaggerating?

I am really not. Architectural Digest has already given this an award, and I love the way the light folds into itself so the adjustable stand, becomes a sturdy cover protecting the light from damage.

This really is very portable and because of the folding base you have a multiplicity of angles you can use it at to make it easier for your eyes to be in the field of light.

Even better.

This has a tiny footprint, so not only does it not take up much space on your desk, it is also incredibly easy to move from room-to-room or to slip into your bag/purse to take away with you.

Size wise it is only marginally bigger than a pack of cards – so you can literally take it with you anywhere.

But don’t be fooled…

This might be small, but it still packs a punch powerwise. It kicks out the recommended 10,000 lux, with a wonderful 5,500k temperature color – the color of the midday sun. 

The light is not too harsh, it seems smooth and well diffused and even though it is bright it doesn’t hurt your eyes. It is also full-spectrum and UV free.

It uses LED bulbs, which last much longer (around 50,000 hours) than fluorescent bulbs and the light and adapter are covered by a two year warranty.

Circadian Optics Luxy

The silver lining is:

This has plenty of other nice touches, notably the fact that it is the world’s only SAD lamp that can run off of USB power (as well as standard power). 

This of course makes it much more versatile and gives you much more flexibility in how you use it – you can plug directly into a laptop for example.

The standard power is nice and long and the USB cable is a sleek, flat design – that means it is less likely to tangle – and also really long.

The clever design is enhanced by a touch activated power button – so it makes the device appear sleeker and means there is less chance of it breaking as a physical press button might.

So all in all it is pretty good!

This couldn’t be simpler to use. Once it is powered, there is just the one button. The first press turns it on at full brightness, the second switches it to medium brightness and the third to the lowest brightness level. The fourth press turns the light off.

Circadian Optics Luxy

Because the stand converts into a cover it feels sturdy and unlikely to break and the user guide is simple, but well written and informative, including plenty of details on light therapy and the ideal usage of the light.

Here’s the kicker.

I love Circadian Optics customer service – it is great. They are accommodating and helpful – willing and wanting to solve problems and help the customer.

On top of all that this is excellent value for money – a high end product at a low end cost.

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The Bad


Believe it or not…

There is very little not to like about the Luxy.

Of course whilst the compact size of the SAD light has its benefits and means it is really easy to transport and doesn’t take up much space, it does mean the light area is slightly smaller – so this is worth remembering.

And:

It doesn’t have a timer. I presume this was to keep the sleek, simplistic look, but a timer would be a nice addition.

The power button is indeed very sensitive. Once you get used to this I am sure you will like it as you can literally slide your hand gently over the surface without looking and turn the light off.

Circadian Optics Luxy

However:

At first you may find yourself accidentally turning the light on without meaning to and temporarily being blinded!

The plastic casing has a tendency to attract dust as well, and as it is white it doesn’t take long to look dirty.

And if I was being really picky…

The USB cord feels slightly pinched when you have this fully open – I feel that the USB input hole could do with being marginally higher.


The Beautiful


This doesn’t quite match up to the aesthetics of the Circadian Optics Lampu, but it is still really nice.

Plenty of attention to detail but small and unobtrusive whilst still being stylish. You wouldn’t be ashamed to have this on view in your home.

Circadian Optics Luxy

And Does it Work?


Of course it does! There is plenty of feedback on this and nearly all of it is positive, with users going as far as saying it is a miracle and has transformed their lives. 

Plenty of others report increased energy and alertness and much more stable sleeping patterns as well.

SAD charity SADA have released figures showing that light therapy is effective in up to 85% of diagnosed cases of Seasonal Affective Disorder. This is backed up by study after study that show light therapy makes a difference to those suffering with SAD:

In short – the chances are it will make a difference for you!


✔ Pros

✘ Cons


  • Clever design
  • Looks stylish
  • Adjustable stand
  • Very portable
  • Tiny footprint
  • Lovely light
  • LED bulbs
  • USB power option
  • Great USB cable
  • Nice touch sensor button
  • Really easy to use
  • Feels durable
  • Nice manual
  • Great customer service
  • Great value for money
  • Light field is quite small
  • No timer
  • Touch sensor takes a little getting used to
  • Casing attracts dust
  • USB input could be slightly higher

Conclusion


My Verdict

My Rating - 92%

92%

Ultimate portable SAD light

I love Circadian Optic lights - that is obvious if you look at my reviews of their other lights - and I like this one AND it offers something different.

This offers light therapy excellence in a hugely compact SAD light that is really easy to transport and can be powered via USB.

It is cleverly designed, easy to use, has a gorgeous tone of light and is very effective.

If you want a portable SAD light that you can take with you anywhere then undoubtedly this is your best choice.

User Rating: 4.6 ( 1 votes)

Other Options


In terms of portable SAD lights this in a class of its own, although if you want something different and even more portable you might want to look at the Deluxe Feel Bright Light, which you literally wear!

My favorite SAD light is also by Circadian Optics and is the Lampu – wonderful design and beautiful field of light. The Circadian Optics Lumine is also brilliant too – they make great SAD lights.

To show that I don’t have an obsession with Circadian Optics the Carex Health Brand SAD lights – the Day Light Classic and the Day Light Sky are also great.

If you would like to leave your personal review or experience of this product, or if you have any questions, please leave them below. I would love to hear your feedback!

Don’t forget you can check out my Site Index for everything on my site on one page, or feel free to look at any of my SAD Light Reviews.

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