When most people think of a tanning bed, they picture a long shell style structure that is used for tanning purposes. While the majority of these beds are a clam-shell style, there is another type of tanning bed that is slowly gaining preference and popularity: the stand up bed. Just as the name implies, it's a bed that you actually stand up in. Is a stand up tanning bed better? In all honesty, that is a hard question to answer and relies on the opinion of the user. However, there are some advantages that you should be aware of.

Advantages of a Stand Up Tanning Bed

The obvious feature of a stand up bed is that the user is able to physically stand up in the tanning process. To some, this can be an advantage. Usually the stand-up styled tanning beds are larger than their horizontal cousin, which offers more freedom to the user. This can be a welcoming feature to those who are claustrophobic by nature, or for those who just don't want to lie down. Some prefer the freedom of the tanning bed because they don't like the "pressure points" created by a traditional bed. This can not only create discomfort for the user, but in some cases may cause physical "creases" in the skin and produce tanning streaks.

Another benefit is that the quality of the tan is more even in a stand up tanning bed. Not only does the natural open-ness of a stand up bed provide a more thorough tan, the lamps used in them combine with a reflector that helps spread the rays more evenly.

Stand up beds also feature stronger bulbs. The standard 100 watt bulb in a traditional bed is dwarfed by the more potent 160 watt bulb used in the stand up version. Not only does this give you a stronger tan, but it can save on time. A typical tanning session in a stand up bed usually lasts no longer than 10 minutes, while traditional sessions can last up to 30 minutes depending on the bed type and quality of bulbs.

Another advantage has to do with personal hygiene. In stand up tanning beds you aren't required to touch the surface of the bed to get a tan. While most salons have strict disinfectant policies, the UV light in traditional beds coupled with high heat is enough to kill off 99% of bacteria left over from other users. However, many people like the piece of mind from a stand up tanning bed, and the psychological benefits are enough to keep them away from traditional beds.

Disadvantages?

The only real disadvantage of a stand up tanning bed is that you are required to stand up. Obviously enough, this is only considered a disadvantage if you prefer to lie down while tanning. Considering everything else, a stand up tanning bed is a more effective and faster way to tan.