5 CRITERIA TO COMPARE THERAPY LASER DEVICES

By understanding how to compare therapeutic lasers:

You can avoid any technical misunderstandings
Have a complete understanding of the technology being offered to you.

This will allow you to make an informed decision that aligns with your project and professional needs.

Criteria to compare laser devices

The more wavelengths, the more PhotoBioModulation effects
The more power, the more photons delivered
Greater treatment options are available with a wider range of delivery modes
The more comprehensive the support, the greater the productivity of the laser service
Greater satisfaction is achieved with more advanced design

1- The more wavelengths, the more PhotoBioModulation effects

As discussed in Step 1 and Step 2, multiple wavelengths are necessary to target various chromophores and achieve complementary cellular effects at different tissue depths.

Tissue is affected differently by each individual wavelength.
Using more wavelengths can enhance the healing effect.

To compare laser units ask yourself:

How many wavelengths are offered?
Do you need to switch probes for each wavelength or are they delivered simultaneously?
Does the device use LED or laser as the light source?
Is it a hybrid of LED and LASER diodes that is marketed as a "LASER"?
If the light source is a laser, it's important to know if it's a cluster of small laser diodes or a homogeneous large laser spot-size beam.
Are the laser diodes located inside the main unit of the device (laser module), or are they installed on the handpiece?
Can the number of wavelengths being used during treatment be edited and customised to create personal treatment programs?

The following template can be utilised to compare any laser device of interest (provided here as an example with random content):

	Wavelengths & max	Simultaneous	Editable
K-LASER Cube Plus 30	970nm - Laser 905nm - Laser 800nm - Laser 660nm - Laser	YES Diode module merging all wavelengths in 1 homogeneous beam	YES Any combination of wavelengths
BRAND 1 Model 1	905nm - Laser 800nm - Laser	YES 2 distinct diodes mounted on the handpiece	NO
BRAND 2 Model 2	1064nm - Laser 970nm - Laser 810nm - Laser	YES Merged together in 1 homogeneous beam	YES 2 combination of wavelengths

2- The more power, the more photons delivered

Common misunderstanding between average power and peak power

There is often confusion between average power and peak power when it comes to devices that have SuperPulse capabilities:

Average power refers to the true power available on a laser device when used at its maximum power. Average power is used for the laser classification. It represents the maximum quantity of photons delivered per second for any duration of use.
Peak power, on the other hand only refers to the maximum power reached by peaks of light when using the SuperPulse mode. These peaks only last for a few nanoseconds, with a low quantity of photons delivered. Laser manufacturers frequently promote high peak power values (25W, 50W, 75W), while the average power is often only 0.05W to 0.1W, especially on the 905nm wavelength diode.

As demonstrated in Step-2, a Class IV laser with a high average power provides several advantages, such as:

The ability to scan over large areas uniformly in all directions to achieve optimal clinical outcomes,
The treatment time is greatly reduced (typically lasting only 2-5 minutes), which is beneficial for healthcare professionals with limited availability,
High power Class IV therapy lasers can be adapted to suit any power level required. They can even be used at lower power settings for acupuncture points or LLLT on fixed points techniques.

To compare laser units ask yourself:

What is the classification of the laser unit: Class II, Class IIIb, Class IV (>0.5W average power)?
If Class IV: Is it a low power Class IV (<10W average power) or High power Class IV?
What is the type of power advertised: “average power” or “peak power”?
Does the advertised power of the device represent 1 light source or the sum of all diodes (when a cluster is used)?
Is the patient able or feel warmth during treatment of deep tissues?
Is it possible to edit the power level and build your own treatment programs?

The following template can be utilised to compare any laser device of interest (provided here as an example with random content):

	Max average power	Max peak power	Feel warmth?
K-LASER Cube Plus 30	25W - Class IV	30W	YES
BRAND 1 Model 1	1W (800nm) - Class IV 0.1W (905nm) - Class IIIb	25W	NO
BRAND 2 Model 2	15W - Class IV	NO SuperPulse	YES

3- Greater treatment options are available with a wider range of delivery modes

As seen in Step-2 several delivery modes are possible according to the technology available on a specific laser device:

Continuous Waves,
Pulsed Waves,
SuperPulse Waves,
Intense SuperPulse Waves.

Various pulsing types are suitable for different skin tones and tissue types.

Also remember that a multi-phase device which combines all the delivery modes during 1 laser treatment session adapts the laser beam to the skin type, the chronicity of the condition, and the type of tissue.

To compare laser units ask yourself:

What are the delivery modes available on a specific model?
If pulsing mode is available: What is the range of pulsing frequencies?
If SuperPulse is available: Is it SuperPulse or IntenseSuperPulse (high average SuperPulse)?
Is a multi-phase system available or does the practitioner need to repeat the treatment with different pulsing frequencies?
Is it possible to edit the type of delivery modes and build your own treatment programs?

Please use the following template to compare any laser you may be interested in (we have filled with random content as an example).

	Delivery modes	Max pulsing frequency
K-LASER Cube Plus 30	Continuous Wave Pulsing Intense SuperPulse	1Hz-20,000Hz
BRAND 1 Model 1	Continuous Wave SuperPulse	1Hz-2,000Hz
BRAND 2 Model 2	Continuous Wave Pulsing	1Hz-10Hz

4- The more comprehensive the support, the greater the productivity of the laser service

As seen in Step-3 and Step-4, the clinical and technical support provided by the laser company plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective implementation and continued viability of laser services.

To evaluate laser units, consider the following questions:

What kind of training is offered, including laser safety, device operation, and PhotoBioModulation theory?
Are there opportunities for further training for new staff?
How can you acquire more clinical knowledge?
What kind of support and documentation does the laser company offer regarding state regulations?
Where are repair services located in the event of a malfunction, and is a loaner machine available?
What marketing materials and documents are accessible?

5- Greater satisfaction is achieved with more advanced design

Step-3 and Step-4 highlight that the design and dependability of a laser unit have a direct influence on a business's reputation, confidence in the device, and ease of use.

To compare laser units, consider the following questions:

Does the design of the laser unit convey a cutting-edge business image?
Where is the laser unit manufactured?
How many years has the laser company been involved in the industry?
What is the warranty duration and coverage, including parts and labor or parts only?
What is the weight of the laser unit, and is it portable?
Can the unit operate on battery power?
Can multiple individuals share a single unit, or do you need to purchase a unit for each room or clinic?
Are software updates available for the laser unit?
Is the laser unit user-friendly for beginners, or is knowledge of Acupuncture or Trigger-Point Therapy required to operate it effectively?