Talk Nerdy to Me
Fluo Labs uses photobiomodulation, — a form of light technology that influences cellular energy production and biological signaling. Decades of research have explored how targeted light supports tissue health and helps calm inflammatory processes. We've spent years adapting that science to the nose
Light therapy has been shown to be effective in promoting wound healing, reducing inflammation, swelling and pain and now, could be proven to safely temporarily relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergies).
(Phew, that was a mouthful 😅)
How does light help support nasal health?
Let’s break it down.
What Happens In Your Nose
Your nose is constantly responding to what you breathe — dust, pollen, dry air, pollution, temperature swings. When it's working well, you don't notice. When it's irritated and inflamed, you notice everything: stuffiness, sneezing, that heavy, fogged-in feeling. It's a chain reaction that starts at the cellular level."
In·flam·ma·tion / infləˈmāSHən / noun
Your body's response protective — useful in short bursts, uncomfortable when it lingers.
(AKA: The reason your nose feels like that))
When the tissue lining your nose becomes inflamed, it swells, produces more mucus, and irritates the sensitive nerve endings just beneath the surface. That's the stuffiness, the sneezing, the runny nose and the reason your whole head can feel off.
How Light Helps
Light delivered at the right wavelength, dose, and duration is absorbed by structures inside your cells — most notably in the mitochondria, where energy is produced. Researchers have studied how this influences cellular energy, redox signaling, and the pathways involved in inflammation and tissue repair.
Our working hypothesis is straightforward: give the tissue lining your nose a precise, gentle dose of light each day, and you support its capacity to stay calm, resilient, and functioning well — rather than waiting until it isn't and reaching for something to suppress the symptoms.
The Fluo device uses carefully specified parameters — wavelength, fluence, power density, pulse structure, and timing — to deliver a calculated dose of visible light. Getting those parameters right is the hard part.. .
Frequently Asked Questions
Won’t I get the same results by shining a flashlight up my nose?
No. It’s not that simple. The Fluo device is designed to deliver a calculated dosage of visible light with a view to modulate nasal function. Through our research, we believe that we have identified the dose, wavelength, and delivery geometry are precisely specified; a flashlight produces a broad, uncontrolled spectrum at the wrong intensity for any biological purpose. As for flashlights, they deliver a broad basket of light in a totally different spectrum that would be effective for lighting the way but not so much for your allergies.
What are the side effects associated with the use of the Fluo?
No side effects were observed in our proof-of-concept study. It is well recognized that the application of red and near-infrared light with the appropriate parameters can promote wound healing, reduce swelling and inflammation, and relieve pain. Safety and the absence of side effects was also confirmed by numerous studies looking into the application of visible light to diverse medical indications. Source: A pilot study into the effect of low-level laser therapy in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice Informa health care. Naghdi S, Ansari NN, Fathali M, Bartley J, Varedi M, Honarpishe R. (2013). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23521568 Neurological and psychological applications of transcranial lasers and LEDs. Julio C. Rojas, F. Gonzalez-Lima. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23806754
The Fluo device is not yet FDA approved and is not available for sale in the United States. Additional studies are required to make any definitive conclusions about safety and side effects.Is photobiomodulation safe?
Photobiomodulation is well recognized for its ability to promote wound healing, reduce swelling and inflammation, and relieve pain. Safety and the absence of side effects was also confirmed by numerous studies looking into the application of visible light to diverse medical indications.
Source: A pilot study into the effect of low-level laser therapy in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice Informa health care. Naghdi S, Ansari NN, Fathali M, Bartley J, Varedi M, Honarpishe R. (2013). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23521568
Neurological and psychological applications of transcranial lasers and LEDs. Julio C. Rojas, F. Gonzalez-Lima. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23806754Source: Therapeutic Efficacy of Home-Use Photobiomodulation Devices: A Systematic Literature Review. Gavish L, Houreld NN. Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg. 2019 Jan; 37(1):4-16. Doi. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31050938
Fluo is designed with wide safety margins. People with specific medical concerns should consult a professional.
Is the allergy season getting longer and more intense with global warming?
Several studies have demonstrated that allergy seasons are in fact getting longer and more intense due to global warming. A 2014 study by Yong Zhang (link below) showed that climate change is impacting pollen levels by making the pollen season longer, that the annual total of daily airborne pollen counts increased 46% since the ‘90s, and that pollen count is expected to rise in the future.
Source: Allergenic pollen season variations in the past two decades under changing climate in the United States - https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.12755
Is Fluo a medical device?
No. Fluo is a general wellness product designed to support healthy nasal function. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you have a persistent nasal or breathing condition, talk to a healthcare professional.
Does the Fluo use UV (blue) light?
No. The Fluo does not use ultraviolet (UV) light or blue light. UV light has been deemed dangerous for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Moreover, the light sources used by the Fluo device are not capable of producing UV light.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.