Finally purchased Duo Coronet and Coronase, and I'm disappointed

[1LittleWillow]

About a year ago I had posted here looking for opinions about the Coronet and Coronase red light devices because I was considering buying them. I ended up delaying the purchase because of financial issues. I finally purchased them a month ago. Here are the things I wish I'd known before purchasing.

The Duo Coronet helmet:

* Fits strangely. The lights are all at different distances (some very close and some an inch or more away) from my scalp because the shape of the helmet isn't the same as the shape of a head, and the metal arms can't be bent enough to create an even distance all over.

* There's one spot in particular on the back of my head that gets painfully hot, and the whole thing is uncomfortably hot to the touch when I remove it at the end of the cycle because it's metal--it really holds the heat. I've used it twice a day since receiving it, and I'm worried that it's damaging my hair. I know that's pretty low on the list of priorities when trying to combat PD, but it's a concern nonetheless. I have a small red light therapy pad that I've been using on my abdomen and joints for a couple of years (660 and 850nm non-pulsed), and it never gets excessively hot.

The Coronase:

* Doesn't fit my nose. The horseshoe shaped piece is too large. I can't push it in far enough for the little clip to grip my septum because it stretches my nostrils to the point that it hurts.

* The cord that plugs the Coronase into the helmet is too short, so it constantly pulls the insert slightly to the right, which is annoying. You would think they could easily make the cord 2 inches longer to eliminate that problem.

* Since the insert can't be clipped onto my nose, I've ended up holding the lit side of the horseshoe in one nostril (with the unlit side out) until the first cycle is finished, then flipping it around when the second cycle starts, but having to hold it in place the whole time is annoying.

I emailed Well Red, and their response was that they think the helmet fits me just fine (I included a photo), and I should attach some elastic to the Coronase to go around my head in order to hold it against my face. FYI, if I do that, I'll still have to insert only one side of the horseshoe at a time and then try to flip it around halfway through the cycle if I want it to actually shine up and into my nostril.

Having read so many positive reviews of these products, I guess I was expecting something better for $1200.

I'm going to continue to try to get the devices to work for me since Well Red offers no refunds, but just be aware that there are potential issues with this red light system. I realize that it's a one-size-fits-all product and that some people may find that it works brilliantly for them, but... caveat emptor, especially if you're a petite woman.

[DogsWoode]

Just lousy. And their response terrible. Aggravates me to no end to hear this, as if life with PD isn't hard enough already. Thank you for sharing your important experience with the rest of us 1LittleWillow (beautiful descriptive name).

[BeedieBird]

That's very unfortunate. I really like Vielight. I have a Neuronic helmet but the lights do not touch the skull and do not reach the back of my brain, cerebellum, which is crucial. I've been very happy with the Vielight.

[rodov]

Thanks for the information. I won’t be buying anything from them. Unfortunately, there are companies that don’t stand by their products or and don’t really care about our condition. Sorry to hear about your experience.

[rhyspeace12]

My husband used the Vie Light. My sister uses the Vie Light. an old friend uses the vie Light. They are all happy with the results and I really recommend it. My husband died with Parkinson's, but until he could no longer keep the VieLight 810 on, it did help him cognitively.

[1LittleWillow in reply to rhyspeace12]

I'm quickly realizing that that's probably what I should have bought. I couldn't afford it before, but I REALLY can't afford it now that I've spent $1200 on the Coronet. I had waited quite a while to make the purchase because my husband had bypass surgery a year ago and we had a lot of medical bills and reduced income for a while. I had read so many good reviews of the Coronet. Because it was designed specifically for people with Parkinson's, it seemed like a good choice. Ugh.

My condolences on the loss of your husband.

[rhyspeace12 in reply to 1LittleWillow]

The Vie light 810 can be bought for around $400. I haven't checked it out lately. when the headset went out they gave me a new one after the warranty was up. They also gave me a 635 for my mental health. You have 30 days to try it. They are wonderful to work with. don't buy on amazon. It isn't the same thing.

[Jaisi in reply to rhyspeace12]

Which model, thanks,does any of the new devices help with swallowing,my father has atypical Parkinson's, progressive supranuclear palsyThanks

[Curious_in_Houston]

I purchased the Coronet Duo as well. I bent it further than their recommendation so it conforms to the shape of my head. I use daily but can't say that I've seen any benefit but will continue using since I've invested the $1,200. . .

I also purchased the Combo Padlight from redlightman.com out of the UK. I learned about this company on a posting on this sight. Pricing is much more reasonable than the Coronet.

The device folds up which I wanted when traveling rather than trying to pack the Coronet Duo. The Red Light Man Padlight has the option to run off a battery like you use to charge an iphone (via usb-c cord) which is a nice option if needed. It has 4 LED wavelenghts; 620nm, 670nm, 760 ms and 830 mn. It doesn't have a timer to shut off like the Coronet so you need to set a timer.

[1LittleWillow in reply to Curious_in_Houston]

I have tried shaping it, but I don't think I can bend it more without damaging it. It's also really difficult to do, and my left hand dexterity is terrible.

[1LittleWillow in reply to Curious_in_Houston]

Do you have any issues with the helmet getting excessively hot or feeling like it's almost burning you in any spots?

[Jess123dog]

I have the same set as you 1LittleWillow, plus the Therapad. I agree about the Coronase, the lead is far too short and it is difficult to get it to stay in your nose. I don't get a hot spot on the helmet (as far as I know). The connection on the pad has become loose and so the lights flicker on and off. I am going to see if I can get someone local to fix it (I live in the UK).

[pearlette in reply to Jess123dog]

The tiny rather flimsy pin that inserts the Coronase lead has broken on my device. I have given it to a multi scoped gadget repair shop yesterday to see if they can repair or replace that connector. It is a very basic crude pin connector

The control switch on my Therapad has stopped working too. The same guys are looking at it too

I have bought another similar item that is much cheaper and more stable but the ports are not interchangeable .

I live in Birmingham UK

[Jess123dog in reply to pearlette]

Thanks Pearlette, I think I will do same.

[1LittleWillow in reply to pearlette]

Pearlette, I'm glad you mentioned that. I feel like I'm being overly picky and negative, but the Coronase seems incredibly cheap and flimsy. I can't believe they charge $340 for it. It's difficult to tell from the pics on their website, but the connectors for the power on both devices are tiny and easy to damage. I'm trying to be extremely careful when handling them.

[Glenfarclas]

I agree it’s a poor design for the price tag. I can’t comment on its effectiveness since I never tried one. I don’t know if this will help with the hot spot issue because I don’t know how the helmet sits on your head. But operating the lights at lower intensity will make it run less hotter. I pulled this from the website:

Halve the light power:

The Pause and Resume button can also be used to reduce the intensity of both wavelengths to half power.

To do this, hold the button down for at least 4 seconds. This change will only last for the duration of the current session.

To return to normal intensity, repeat this operation or restart the session.

here is a link to a picture of the button location:

static1.squarespace.com/sta...

As for the coronase it looks like the plug they are using is a stereo earphone plug. I can’t be 100% certain since I don’t have one to look at. But something like this stereo extension cord “could”help extend the wire if it matches.

amazon.ca/Stereo-Audio-Head...

Again I don’t have one to look at so it’s a bit of a guess, but I hope it might give you some ideas, a shame not to use the device after all the money spent. Good luck.

[1LittleWillow in reply to Glenfarclas]

Thanks for the suggestions!