BLUEWAVE® Technology : Apollo Health

The specific bandwidth of light that is responsible for suppressing melatonin and shifting circadian rhythms encompasses light in the range of 446 - 477nm (nanometers) and peaks at 464nm. This narrow slice of light is in the upper end of the blue spectrum. Apollo's patented BLUEWAVE® technology is the only method that delivers the effective intensity of this bandwidth of light.

How Effective Is BLUEWAVE®?

Recently, the Journal of Neuroscience reported that this specific bandwidth of light is up to five times more effective than other wavelengths at causing this neurochemical shift. A joint National Institute of Health (NIH) study with Apollo and Thomas Jefferson University was also conducted to determine the antidepressant response of BLUEWAVE® LED technology. This study demonstrated recovery and remission rates equal to or higher than similar studies with standard bright light therapy.

Is BLUEWAVE® More Effective Than Full-Spectrum?

By using this specific light or boosting it in conventional light therapy, researchers hope to be even more effective in eliciting a stronger and quicker response. Until now, light therapy devices have had to produce 10,000-lux intensity in order to produce a therapeutic response. Now Apollo's technology can produce more BLUEWAVE® light than was available with full-spectrum lamps, while greatly reducing the overall intensity of the light.

Is BLUEWAVE® Safe?

The NIH study was conducted in accordance with FDA guidelines for ocular safety. Dr. David Sliney, the NIH physicist responsible for ocular safety testing, reported that BLUEWAVE®was well below Governmental threshold levels for ocular safety. Since the risk of ocular damage diminishes exponentially with increasing wavelength (AACGIH, 2001) BLUEWAVE® poses no risk of ocular damage (Ocular damage occurs in the range of 340 - 390 nm, ultraviolet and near ultraviolet light). Also because BLUEWAVET technology is very targeted, it produces no UV emissions.

How is BLUEWAVE® Measured?

Because BLUEWAVE® represents only a narrow slice of the visible light spectrum, it cannot be measured accurately with a lux meter. Lux meters measure the total spectral energy from all visible wavelengths, not specific bandwidths. This is why BLUEWAVE® intensity is measured in photons/cm 2 instead of in lux.

Who Has BLUEWAVE® Technology?

The specific bandwidth of light was discovered by Thomas Jefferson Medical University, and Apollo owns the patent applications for BLUEWAVE® technology. BLUEWAVE® technology was developed by Apollo to apply TJMU's research. Although a few companies claim to have this or similar technology, they do not. Apollo Health, Inc. is the only light therapy company to have participated with TMJU in these research studies, and only Apollo is authorized to research and manufacture devices with BLUEWAVE® technology.

Caution: Other companies may claim to have "Blue" technology, but their products are not the result of research and may cause over exposure or safety issues. For example, one light therapy device uses a blue fluorescent lamp, which increases light in the low range of 420 nm. Part of this range is considered 'near ultraviolet,' close to the UV range of 340 - 390 nm. Other LED products also claim to benefit from this research, but produce light intensities far in excess of TMU and Apollo's research results without the necessary level of BLUEWAVE® light.

BLUEWAVE® Vs. BRITEWAVE®

BLUEWAVE® is different than BRITEWAVE® in that it provides only the effective bandwidth of light. It is more effective than 10,000 lux full-spectrum light, and because of reduced intensity, it is easier on the eyes and causes fewer side effects. BLUEWAVE® technology is also the most convenient to use.

BRITEWAVE® combines 10,000-lux light with BLUEWAVE® and is ideal for those who prefer bright sunlight, but also want the benefits of BLUEWAVE®. Both technologies are more effective than conventional full-spectrum light therapy, but because BRITEWAVE® products produce larger treatment fields, they may also be considered for children or those with more severe symptoms.