Sneezing, runny nose, watery and itchy eyes, and coughing – are all the common symptoms of allergic rhinitis, colds, flu, and sinusitis (caused by allergy).
Can intranasal red light therapy be your almost instant, drug-free solution for these disturbing symptoms?
Science and my personal experience say YES.
A small, easy-to-use nasal LED Light therapy device can open your congested nose, and stop the sneezing and itchy eyes – without any side effects.
(Though there is one side effect: your family staring at you while your nose glows red😉)
In this post, you’ll find the scientific evidence behind photobiomodulation for allergy relief, nasal red light therapy devices reviews, and how to use them at home.
👉 In a Hurry? See our comparison table below, or jump to the intranasal allergy relievers reviews.
This post may contain affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.
Overview
How Does Nasal Red Light Therapy Work?
Red light therapy for sinuses involves the simple process of clipping a small red light therapy diode (630nm – 810nm) to the nose – to illuminate the nasal cavity – for a specific amount of time.
Most devices include one or two small LED light-emitting probes, which quickly stimulate the blood capillaries in your nasal cavity.
The result?
- Increased blood circulation in the nasal tissues
- Enhanced local blood oxygen saturation
- Eliminated/reduced nasal obstruction (congestion) caused by nasal swelling
- Improved nasal anti-virus/germs ability
- Repaired local blood capillaries
- Strengthened detoxification ability of the nasal mucosa
The 3 BEST Nasal Red Light Therapy Devices (for Sinuses)
Through my research and personal experience, I found the 4 devices below to be the best ones in 2024.
You’ll discover why and where to find them in my intranasal light therapy reviews below:
1. RubyLux BioNase LED Nasal Therapy Device – Best Value
- Treatment time – 5 minutes twice a day
- Wavelength – 630 nm
✅ $29 at Walmart
For less than $30, the Bionase nasal light therapy device is super simple to use, with 2 nasal probes emitting red light therapy through small LED bulbs, and comes with a free set of replacement LED lights, in case they stop working (in my experience, they don’t).
All you have to do is insert a 9V battery, turn the device on, insert the probes into your nostrils (after removing the small plastic covers), and lay down for 5 minutes.
The auto shut-off will turn the device off after about 15 minutes, but 5 minutes twice a day is enough.
I was amazed by the phenomenal results I got for clearing my sinuses and stopping nose bleeds from allergies. Worked much better than I expected.
Rubilux Bionase Pros
- Low price
- Strong enough to clear sinus congestion when used regularly
- Short treatment time – 5 minutes is enough
Cons
- The spacing of the diodes is a bit too wide for some people, I wish they were adjustable
- Some people complained that the device does not shut off automatically. However, you can easily disconnect the probes from the device and it will shut off
✅ Available at Walmart ($29)
2. Bionette Nasal Light Therapy – Most Adjustable
- Treatment time: 5 minutes (with auto shut-off), 2-3 times a day
- Wavelength: 630 nm, output – 4-8 mW
✅ $99 on Amazon
The Bionette red light nose probe is a small and simple-to-use nasal red light therapy device, the nasal probes are adjustable and it is easy to fit them inside your nostrils comfortably.
It may be small, but it’s powerful:
Some users say they are thrilled to find they can relieve sinus-related headaches, after years of trying just about everything else.
To use the Bionette, you simply squeeze the buttons on both sides of the device. Then you insert a probe into each nostril and relax.
The buttons spread the nasal probes and activate the dual light sensors.
When you feel improvement, you can reduce the frequency of use gradually.
Bionette Pros
- It can be safely used with other treatments/medications.
- Does not heat up your nostrils
- The battery lasts up to 80 treatments
- Comfortable and easy to use
- Safe for children
Cons
- Batteries are not included.
✅ Available on Amazon
3. REDLOOK Red Light Therapy Device – Multipurpose
- Wavelengths – 630-660nm / 850nm-900nm / 460nm
- Treatment time- 3 minutes up to 4 times a day
✅ $79 on Amazon
The REDLOOK wireless Red Light Therapy Device uses red light, near-infrared light, and blue light therapy in 4 modes to choose from – to relieve nasal congestion and improve nasal airflow in conditions such as allergic rhinitis and sinus infections.
The blue light rays can be used to kill bacteria inside your nose, as it acts as a proven disinfectant.
Its special removable tip design allows you to use it for many other things, such as antiaging, ear infections, joint pain, cold sores, and any other localized symptoms.
The only problem is you can only use it inside one nostril at a time, which can double your treatment time if both your nostrils are blocked or you wish for a more holistic treatment.
When you remove the tip it turns into an LED flashlight, the light covers a larger area, such as the knee, or neck, and can be used for pain relief.
REDLOOK Pros
- 4 modes to choose from (only red/red & near-infrared/only blue/only near-infrared)
- The tip fits all nose sizes and shapes
- Simple one-button operation
- wireless, 100% portable
- Multipurpose (skin anti-aging, pain relief, cold sores)
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- One nostril at a time treatment
✅ Available on Amazon ($79)
Benefits of Intranasal Light Therapy
Intranasal red LED light therapy (also known as Rhino Phototherapy) is a 100% natural, non-invasive, painless, and low-cost way to quickly relieve Allergic Rhinitis, Hay Fever, Sinusitis symptoms, and even the cold or the flu.
Why should you use it?
Well, here are more great benefits of using IAT devices for allergy relief at home:
- Treatment is scientifically proven to work and is side-effect-free
- Treatment time is short – 4-5 minutes, 2-3 times a day until symptoms are dramatically reduced
- Intranasal illumination devices are small, easy to carry, compact, and portable
- The best devices are easy to use and have an LCD display screen with easy-operation buttons
- Home devices are not expensive and can be used anytime, anywhere you are – indefinitely.
- You may be able to cut down or even eliminate the use of medication
- Phototherapy stimulates your entire body to heal itself. When you use it you’ll reap other health benefits such as improved cognitive function, neuroprotection effect, reduced blood pressure, and cholesterol, fewer triglycerides, better breathing, insomnia relief, and keeping you in generally good health.
Does Nasal Light Therapy Work for Allergies and Sinus Infections?
Exposing your inner nose to light has many scientifically proven benefits. Researchers have found that it has a systemic effect on your brain and entire body. As for allergies, research has found that yes – it works.
Red light therapy suppresses cells that release histamine, which is responsible for causing allergy symptoms and may help to reduce inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, which can help to improve nasal airflow and reduce congestion.
For example, this clinical trial (double-blind randomized) has reported significant improvement in symptoms by 72% of Allergic Rhinitis patients, and objective improvement was endoscopically seen in 70% of them, as compared with 24% and 3% respectively, in the placebo group.
It’s also proven to help with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cognitive performance, and more.
Intranasal Light Therapy Side Effects
Photobiomodulation is proven to be without any major side effects and has been supported by a large body of scientific evidence for over 30 years.
Low-Level light therapy is categorized by the FDA as a “non-significant risk” product.
However, as with any other treatment, excessive use is not recommended and may create free radicals. It’s important to follow instructions and not overuse the device.
Conclusion
An intranasal light therapy device is a 100% natural and safe treatment for allergy symptoms, is proven to work, and is low-cost and effective.
It’s a pleasant and easy way to reduce your need for allergy medication as well and promote healing in your entire body, by stimulating the body to heal itself.
You can also use an infrared heat lamp for allergy relief.
It is proven to be effective and can be used for many other health conditions involving pain and inflammation.
To your health and happiness,
Meital
Studies
Narrow-Band Red Light Phototherapy in Perennial Allergic Rhinitis and Nasal Polyposis, Neuman, Ittai et al. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Volume 78, Issue 4, 399 – 406
I have severe swelling on the bridge of my nose..from my sinuses. I tried everything to get the swelling down, and nothing seems to work. Do you think red light theropy would help get the swelling down?
Yes, I think you could benefit from an intranasal red light therapy device – see the post to find out more.
What are the effects on the heart? I have HyperPOTS where I have increased blood pressure and BPM, the vasodilation scares me as that’s already an issue for me, looking for better blood flow with some vasoconstriction, but any vasodilation will make it worse. The ideal scenario is lower blood pressure with vasoconstriction. Also have Arrythmia on occasion, any research on these products with reducing arrhythmia?
According to what I’ve found, red light therapy (through LEDs) does not have any negative effects on the heart. And, normally, illumination does not have an effect on the heart’s electrical activity. In fact, some scientists are now convinced that light pulses can be used to replace electric shocks for normalizing heartbeat.
To be on the safe side, consult with your doctor before you start any treatment with light therapy.
Can it increase polyps? Reason I am asking… since one of the reasons light therapy works is stimulations of mitochondria and feeding cells. I read an article about the continued debate regarding cancer about whether it improves or makes it worse due to simulation of that cell feeding process.
I was wondering if then polyps could be made worse due to similar.
That’s a great question. From my knowledge about red and infrared light therapy, these wavelengths, which you are naturally exposed to when you go out to the sun, do feed the cell as you said, and thus make it healthier. Any batch of cells that are not healthy and not supposed to be there (such as tumors or polyps) – become healthier and thus stops growing abnormally or growing at all. That’s why when you expose a tumor to heat (infrared light) – the tumor is damaged but the surrounding, healthy cells are not affected. I hope this helps.
Do you think these devices work for non allergic rhinitis?
Yes, they can work. They do not target the allergy triggers but manage the symptoms of rhinitis – naturally and with no medication. It’s worth a try…
Is it safe to use this device if you get nosebleeds?
I can’t find a science-backed answer for you, unfortunately,but I don’t see why not.
I was looking for the best lamp to buy and what wattage worked best, so was disappointed with your info😞
You simply came to the wrong page Gilian…:) here’s my post about lamps: https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/infrared-heat-lamp-therapy/
I hope it helps.
Hi – I suffer from an iatrogenic condition called Empty Nose Syndrome. In short, I had a turbinate reduction surgery with approximately 20% excised leaving me with one of many side effects, including rhinitis sicca, otherwise known as a dry mucosa. I’ve been investigating these devices for a few months now and ran across this article. If LLLT (redlight therapy) does what it says for mucosal tissues, such as increasing blood flow, enhancing blood oxygen saturation, repairing blood capillaries, improved nasal anti-virus/germs ability, and strengthening detoxification ability of the nasal mucosa, I would think that these improvements should offer a stable environment for improving moisture to the epithelial layer of the nasal mucosa as found on the turbinates. I welcome your thoughts – thank you.
I think you are absolutely right David, I would definitely try it!
Omg Same thing happened to me the stupid doctor did that to me and my nose is always dry now
I bought the hailcare and its really helped me. Combined with saline nasal spray every evening, I have stopped my telfast pills and avymist spray :-) Thank you to this page for sharing this info.
I’m thrilled to hear about your results. Thanks for sharing with us! 😍
I am interested in photobiomudulation for whole body healing. Does the products you sell or tell us about do this? Could one use different color led light diodes for different therapy, like perhaps target different places in the body that may need to be activated if they are not working the way they should? Are these different colored led light diodes available? Could you tell me of where I could read more research? Thanks, Angel33
Yes, different colors treat different conditions and you can use them on various body parts. Different colored LEDs do exist, but mostly not in one device – except for facial masks and one more type of device. If you’ll tell me exactly what you want to treat I can help you find the right device for you.
I have nasal congestion that I cant get rid of for about 7 years.
I am going to buy one of these.
Hope it works.
I think that’s a good idea. I’d love it if you come back to share your results with us 😍
Hi, what’s your feedback about Bionette ? Thanks for sharing.
best regards
Didier