You’ve seen them. Those massive, futuristic-looking machines in the corner of the salon that look more like a cockpit than a sunbed. Most people walk right past the open sun tanning bed because it looks intimidating or, honestly, because the price tag for a single session is usually double what you’d pay for a standard bed. But if you’re tired of that cramped, coffin-like feeling or the "stale" smell of a traditional tan, there is a legitimate reason these machines exist. It isn’t just about the open-air design, though not feeling like you’re trapped in a plastic sandwich is a huge plus.
The real secret is the glass.
What is an Open Sun Tanning Bed Anyway?
Basically, an open sun tanning bed uses high-pressure metal halide lamps instead of the long, glowing fluorescent tubes you see in entry-level beds. These lamps are tucked behind specialized cobalt blue glass filters. If you look at a brand like the Ergoline Open Sun 1050—which is pretty much the gold standard in this category—you'll notice it doesn't even have a canopy that touches the base. It’s wide. It’s airy. You can breathe.
Standard beds emit a mix of UVA and UVB rays. UVB is what reddens the skin; it’s the "burn" ray. It’s also what kickstarts melanin production. UVA is the "bronzing" ray that darkens the melanin you already have. High-pressure systems in an open sun tanning bed filter out most of the UVB, hitting you with a massive dose of pure UVA.
This changes the game.
Because the UVB is so low, you aren't as likely to get that immediate "I stayed at the beach too long" pinkness. Instead, the UVA penetrates deeper to oxidize the melanin. The result is a tan that looks "brown" rather than "orange" or "red." It also lasts way longer. Since you aren't burning the top layer of your skin, your body doesn't rush to shed those dead skin cells. You keep your color for weeks instead of days.
The Science of the "Base Tan" Myth
We’ve all heard it. "I need to get a base tan before I go to Mexico so I don't burn."
Here is the nuance most salons won't tell you: an open sun tanning bed is actually terrible for building a "protective" base tan. Since these beds filter out the UVB, and UVB is what thickens the epidermis to protect you from the sun, a high-pressure tan offers almost zero SPF value. You’ll look like a bronze goddess, but if you hit the Caribbean without sunscreen, you will still fry.
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Expert tanners usually rotate. They use a standard Level 2 or 3 bed to get the melanin moving, then jump into the open sun tanning bed to lock in that deep, dark chocolate hue. It’s a strategy. It's about knowing how your skin's biology actually reacts to different wavelengths of light.
Why the Price is So High
It's expensive. A single session can run $35 to $60 depending on your zip code.
Why?
The bulbs. Metal halide lamps are pricey to buy and even pricier to run. They pull a massive amount of electricity. Also, the filters—that blue glass—have to be meticulously maintained. If a filter cracks, the bed is useless because raw high-pressure light is dangerous. You’re paying for the engineering that allows you to get dark in 10 or 12 minutes without feeling like you're in an oven.
Comfort and the Claustrophobia Factor
Let’s be real: some of us just hate the "lid."
The open sun tanning bed solves the biggest psychological barrier to indoor tanning. If you’ve ever had a panic attack in a traditional bed, you know the vibe. In an open system, there is no "closed" position. You have 360-degree airflow. Most of these units, like the Matrix or the Open Sun 550, have massive fans that actually work. You don't leave the session dripping in sweat.
You also don't get those annoying "pressure points." You know what I mean—those white spots on your shoulder blades or tailbone where your body weight pressed against the acrylic and stopped blood flow. Because the air circulation is so intense and the bed surface is often contoured or utilizes different glass tech, the tan ends up significantly more even.
Safety and Skin Health Realities
No one should tell you tanning is "healthy." It’s UV exposure.
However, if you are going to tan, the open sun tanning bed is often viewed by enthusiasts as the "gentler" option for the skin's surface. By stripping away the burning rays (UVB), you reduce the acute inflammatory response of the skin. You’re still getting UVA, which contributes to long-term aging and wrinkles, so don't throw caution to the wind.
Always wear your goggles. High-pressure lamps are intensely bright. Closing your eyes isn't enough; the skin on your eyelids is the thinnest on your body and won't stop the UVA from hitting your retinas.
Maxing Out Your Session
If you’re going to drop fifty bucks on a 12-minute session, don't waste it.
- Exfoliate 24 hours before. Get the dead skin off so the UVA hits the fresh cells.
- Use a high-quality intensifier. Since there’s no "tingle" or bronzer needed in these high-end beds, use a lotion specifically designed for high-pressure tanning. They usually contain ingredients that help the UVA oxidize melanin faster.
- Don't shower immediately. Give the "browning" process time to settle. Wait at least 4-6 hours.
- Moisturize like it's your job. High-pressure tanning can be drying despite the lack of heat. Use a hemp-based extender.
The Verdict on High-Pressure Tanning
Is it worth it?
If you have a wedding in three days and you’re currently pale, yes. If you hate the feeling of being trapped, absolutely. If you want a tan that lasts through a ten-day vacation without needing a touch-up, it’s the only way to go.
But if you’re just trying to get some Vitamin D, stick to the low-pressure beds. The filters in an open sun tanning bed are so effective at blocking UVB that you won't get the Vitamin D synthesis you're looking for. It’s a cosmetic tool, not a wellness tool.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
- Check the Equipment: Ask the salon manager if they use the Ergoline 1050 or the Italian-made Matrix. These are the true high-pressure kings.
- Skin Type Audit: If you are a Skin Type I (fair skin, red hair, always burns), even an open sun bed might be too much. Start with the lowest time setting, usually around 5-6 minutes, even if the max is 12.
- The "Rotation" Method: Use the open sun bed once for every three sessions in a regular bed. This balances melanin stimulation with deep oxidation.
- Check the Filters: Give the blue glass a quick glance. It should be pristine. Any cracks or heavy debris can affect the quality of the UV output.
- Skip the Bronzer: You don't need a heavy DHA (fake tan) lotion in these beds. The light does the work. Use a clear "accelerator" to keep the bed clean and your tan natural.