A high pressure tanning bed is a premium type of indoor tanning equipment that uses specialised quartz lamps and dichroic filters to emit almost entirely UVA rays — typically around 95–99% UVA and as little as 1–5% UVB. That shift in UV ratio is what makes high pressure beds different from everything else on the salon floor.

The practical result? Faster, deeper, longer-lasting tans — with a significantly lower risk of burning. Sessions are shorter, you need fewer of them, and the colour you build tends to stick around for weeks rather than days.

But there’s more to it than just “better tanning.” If you’ve ever wondered whether high pressure beds are actually safer, how they work at a skin level, or whether the extra cost is justified, this guide covers all of it.

Key Takeaways

High pressure tanning beds emit roughly 95–99% UVA rays, compared to around 70–80% UVA in standard low pressure beds.
They use quartz lamps (not fluorescent tubes) with dichroic filters to achieve this UVA-dominant output.
The high UVA ratio means less burning risk, deeper tans, and significantly longer-lasting colour — often 2–4 weeks.
Sessions are typically shorter than regular beds — around 8–20 minutes depending on skin type and the specific equipment.
You need fewer sessions to build and maintain a tan — around 2 per week to build and 1 per week to maintain.
High pressure beds are more expensive per session, but the fewer sessions needed often balances out the cost.
They are not risk-free — UVA exposure still carries skin ageing and health considerations worth understanding.
These are generally considered Level 4, 5, or 6 beds in the tanning bed level system.

How a High Pressure Tanning Bed Actually Works

To understand why high pressure tanning beds produce different results, you need to understand the two types of UV rays involved in tanning — and what each one actually does to your skin.

UVA vs UVB: The Core Difference

Both UVA and UVB rays play a role in how your skin tans, but they work in very different ways.

UVB rays (280–315nm) hit the outer layer of skin (the epidermis) and stimulate your melanocytes to produce new melanin. This is the process that creates a gradual, building tan — but UVB is also what causes redness, burns, and accelerated skin cell turnover. That faster turnover is one reason standard bed tans fade relatively quickly: the top layer of skin that holds the colour sheds faster.

UVA rays (315–400nm) penetrate much deeper — reaching the dermis, not just the surface. Rather than stimulating new melanin production, UVA oxidises the melanin already present in the skin, causing it to darken almost immediately. Crucially, UVA doesn’t drive the same rapid skin cell turnover that UVB does, so the colour develops in the deeper layers and fades much more slowly as those layers gradually shed over time.

The Quartz Lamps and Dichroic Filters

Standard low pressure tanning beds use long fluorescent tubes that emit a broad UV spectrum — typically around 70–80% UVA to 20–30% UVB. High pressure beds use a completely different lamp system.

The quartz lamps in high pressure beds are compact, high-wattage units (commonly 300–2,000 watts) that in their unfiltered state actually produce significant UVC output — the most damaging form of UV radiation. A specialised dichroic filter (typically a distinctive purple glass) sits in front of the lamp and blocks out UVC and most UVB, leaving predominantly UVA to reach the skin. The result is a UV output of approximately 95–99% UVA.

That filter is what makes high pressure tanning both more effective and considerably safer in terms of burn risk. It’s precision engineering, not a marketing gimmick — which is also why the equipment costs more.

High Pressure vs Regular (Low Pressure) Tanning Beds

Understanding the differences between the two types helps you make a smarter decision for your skin and your tanning goals. Here’s how they compare across the key factors:

UVA/UVB Ratio: High pressure beds run at approximately 95–99% UVA, 1–5% UVB. Standard low pressure beds typically sit around 70–80% UVA and 20–30% UVB.

Lamp Type: High pressure beds use compact quartz lamps with dichroic filters. Low pressure beds use long fluorescent tubes.

Session Length: High pressure sessions are shorter — typically 8–20 minutes. Low pressure sessions usually run 15–30 minutes.

Tan Depth: High pressure beds produce a deeper tan because UVA penetrates into multiple skin layers, including the 2nd and 3rd sublayers of the epidermis — not just the surface.

Tan Longevity: High pressure tans last considerably longer — often 2–4 weeks. Standard bed tans typically fade within 7–14 days, partly because the higher UVB drives faster skin cell shedding.

Burning Risk: Lower with high pressure beds, due to minimal UVB. Burning is primarily a UVB-driven response. That said, overexposure to any UV can still cause damage.

Sessions Needed: You can build a base tan in a high pressure bed in around 3–5 sessions, maintaining it with approximately 1 session per week. Low pressure beds typically need more sessions to build and maintain colour.

Cost Per Session: High pressure beds cost more per session — the technology and equipment is significantly more expensive to run. However, the reduced frequency requirement often brings the overall cost closer than it first appears.

Bed Level: High pressure beds are typically classed as Level 4, 5, or 6 in salon tanning level systems. Standard beds usually sit at Level 1–3.

What Are the Benefits of High Pressure Tanning Beds?

High pressure beds have become popular among experienced tanners for several practical reasons — and they’re worth understanding clearly rather than just taking the salon’s word for it.

Deeper, richer colour. Because UVA penetrates the dermis and affects multiple skin layers at once, the tan you develop in a high pressure bed looks noticeably richer and more three-dimensional than the surface-level colour you get from standard beds.

Colour that actually lasts. This is probably the most compelling benefit. Lower UVB means slower skin cell turnover, which means the layers of skin holding your tan take longer to shed. A high pressure tan can realistically last 2–4 weeks with minimal maintenance. For a standard bed, 7–10 days before noticeable fading is common.

Fewer sessions required. You don’t need to go as often. Two sessions per week to build, one per week to maintain — and some people find even that is enough. For busy schedules, that’s a significant advantage.

Less burn risk. The drastically lower UVB output means the primary cause of sunburn is largely removed from the equation. That doesn’t make the beds completely without risk, but it does mean people who are more prone to burning in standard beds often find high pressure much more manageable.

Faster sessions. Shorter time in the bed is genuinely practical. Most people can achieve good results in 8–15 minutes, compared to 20–30 minutes in a standard low pressure bed.

Are High Pressure Tanning Beds Safer Than Regular Beds?

This is the question that comes up most often, and the honest answer requires a bit of nuance.

In terms of burning risk specifically, yes — high pressure beds are considerably safer. The dramatically reduced UVB output removes the primary driver of sunburn and superficial UV damage to the skin’s outer layers.

However, UVA radiation is not consequence-free. While UVA doesn’t burn the skin in the way UVB does, it penetrates much deeper and is associated with photoageing — the breakdown of collagen and elastin that leads to premature wrinkles and loss of skin firmness over time. Research has also linked tanning bed use more broadly with elevated melanoma risk, including in younger users [Lazovich et al., American Journal of Epidemiology, 2010] [WHO/IARC classification, 2012 update, reaffirmed 2021].

The key point is this: high pressure beds reduce one specific category of risk (burning from UVB) while the deeper UVA exposure brings its own set of long-term considerations. If you choose to use a high pressure bed, doing so sensibly — not overexposing, using appropriate moisturisation, building gradually, and protecting areas prone to UV sensitivity — makes a meaningful difference.

For those with very fair skin, taking tanning seriously means starting slow regardless of bed type. Have a read of our tanning bed time chart for guidance on building up exposure gradually from your first session.

What to Expect From a High Pressure Tanning Session

If you’ve only ever used standard low pressure beds, a high pressure session feels noticeably different in a few ways — it’s worth knowing what to expect before you book.

Session Length

High pressure sessions are shorter. Most beds run between 8 and 20 minutes depending on your skin type, the specific equipment, and how your salon calibrates their timings. This is considerably shorter than the 20–30 minutes you’d typically spend in a low pressure bed. Don’t be tempted to extend the session thinking more time equals more colour — with high pressure, the intensity is concentrated and the recommended timings are there for a reason.

The Tan Develops Over 24–48 Hours

UVA tanning isn’t instant even if it feels that way in the moment. You may step off the bed with some immediate darkening, but the full depth of the tan develops over the following 24–48 hours as the oxidation process in the deeper skin layers completes. Don’t judge the results immediately after your session.

How Often Should You Go?

For building your initial colour, 2 sessions per week is generally sufficient in a high pressure bed. Building a solid base tan typically takes around 3–5 sessions. Once you’ve reached your target colour, 1 session per week is usually enough to maintain it — sometimes less. For more detail on spacing out your sessions, our guide on how often you should tan in a tanning bed covers this in depth.

The 180-Degree Design

Many high pressure beds are 180-degree designs, meaning the lamps are positioned only above you. This means you’ll typically need to turn over midway through the session to get even coverage front and back. Some salon staff will remind you — but it’s worth knowing in advance so you’re not caught off guard.

Who Are High Pressure Tanning Beds Best For?

High pressure beds are popular with experienced tanners, but that doesn’t mean beginners can’t use them. Here’s a practical breakdown of who benefits most:

Experienced tanners who want longer-lasting results. If you’re already tanning regularly and want to reduce your session frequency while maintaining deep colour, high pressure beds are an obvious upgrade.

People who burn easily in standard beds. If you’ve struggled with redness or burning in low pressure beds, the dramatically lower UVB in high pressure equipment could be a better fit for your skin. That said, always build gradually and never overextend your session time.

Those with limited time. Shorter sessions and less frequent visits make high pressure beds more practical for busy schedules.

Anyone chasing a richer, deeper colour. If a surface-level glow isn’t enough and you want genuinely deep, layered colour, high pressure beds achieve this more effectively than standard equipment. For tips on maximising your results, our guide on how to tan darker and faster without burning has practical advice that applies to both bed types.

Not ideal for complete beginners starting at zero. If you’ve never tanned before, starting on a Level 1 or 2 bed gives you a gentler introduction. High pressure sessions are intense enough that a total beginner would be better off building some initial tolerance first.

Tips for Getting the Best Results From a High Pressure Bed

The technology does a lot of the work, but a few habits will make a real difference to how your tan develops and how long it holds.

Exfoliate before your session. Removing dead skin cells gives UV a cleaner, more even surface to work with and prevents patchy fading as the top layer sheds unevenly. Exfoliate 24 hours before, not immediately before your session.

Moisturise consistently. Well-hydrated skin holds a tan longer. Apply a dedicated tan-extending moisturiser daily between sessions. Dry skin sheds faster and your colour will fade faster with it.

Don’t skip the turnaround if your bed requires it. In 180-degree beds, missing your midway flip means uneven coverage. Set a mental reminder or ask salon staff when to turn.

Use a quality tanning lotion. Tanning accelerator lotions can support melanin production and skin hydration during sessions. Look for options formulated specifically for tanning beds. For more on this, our guide to how to get the best tan in a tanning bed covers equipment and lotion choices in detail.

Protect sensitive areas. Cover lips, nipples, and any areas of sensitivity. Even with lower UVB, prolonged UVA exposure to sensitive skin warrants a little protection.

Give your skin time between sessions. Avoid daily sessions even if you’re tempted to build faster. Your skin needs recovery time between UV exposures regardless of the bed type.

Frequently Asked Questions

What level tanning bed is a high pressure tanning bed?

High pressure tanning beds are typically classified as Level 4, 5, or 6 in the tanning bed level system used by most salons. Higher levels indicate more powerful equipment with a higher UVA concentration and generally shorter session times.

How long does a high pressure tanning bed session last?

Sessions in a high pressure bed typically run between 8 and 20 minutes. The shorter session times reflect the higher intensity of the equipment — more UV output is delivered in less time, so extended sessions aren’t necessary and would risk overexposure.

How long does a high pressure tan last?

A high pressure tan typically lasts around 2–4 weeks before significant fading occurs. This is considerably longer than a standard low pressure bed tan, which tends to fade noticeably within 7–14 days. The longevity comes from the UVA penetrating deeper skin layers where cell turnover is slower.

Is a high pressure tanning bed safer than a regular bed?

In terms of burning risk, yes — the low UVB output dramatically reduces the likelihood of burning. However, UVA rays still carry their own long-term skin considerations, including photoageing and a broader association with UV-related skin damage when used excessively over time. Safer in one specific sense doesn’t mean risk-free overall.

Can beginners use high pressure tanning beds?

It’s generally better for complete beginners to start on a lower-level bed first to build some baseline UV tolerance. That said, the low UVB in high pressure beds actually reduces burn risk, so if you do start on a high pressure bed, keeping your first sessions very short — and building up gradually — is the sensible approach.

What is a low pressure tanning bed?

A low pressure tanning bed uses long fluorescent tubes and produces a broader UV spectrum with significantly more UVB than a high pressure bed — typically 20–30% UVB versus just 1–5% in high pressure equipment. Low pressure beds are the most common type in salons and are generally cheaper per session, but they require more sessions and the tan tends to fade faster.

Do high pressure tanning beds still cause burns?

Burning is much less likely in a high pressure bed due to the minimal UVB, but it’s not impossible, particularly if you significantly overextend your session or have very sensitive skin. Following the recommended session time for your skin type is important regardless of bed type. If you ever do experience a burn, our guide on tanning bed burn relief covers how to treat it.

Final Thoughts

High pressure tanning beds represent a genuine step up in both technology and results compared to standard low pressure beds. The shift to a near-pure UVA output — achieved through quartz lamps and precision dichroic filters — produces deeper, longer-lasting colour in shorter sessions with less burning risk. For anyone already committed to indoor tanning, it’s an upgrade worth understanding and seriously considering.

That said, going in with realistic expectations and an informed approach matters. High pressure beds aren’t a free pass — UVA exposure still carries considerations around photoageing and long-term skin health, and building gradually remains important regardless of how experienced a tanner you are.

If you’re just starting out, take a look at our tanning bed time chart to plan your first sessions properly. And if you’re already tanning regularly and want to maximise what you’re getting from each session, our full guide on how to get the best tan in a tanning bed is worth a read.

References

Tanning Bed Use and Melanoma Risk:
Lazovich, D., et al. (2010). American Journal of Epidemiology. “Indoor Tanning and Risk of Melanoma: A Case-Control Study in a Highly Exposed Population.” Study examining the association between indoor tanning bed use and melanoma risk, finding significantly elevated risk in frequent tanning bed users.

Tanning Beds and Skin Cancer Classification:
IARC Working Group. (2012, reaffirmed 2021). The Lancet Oncology. “A review of human carcinogens — Part D: Radiation.” The International Agency for Research on Cancer classification of UV-emitting tanning devices as Group 1 carcinogens (carcinogenic to humans), updated and reaffirmed in subsequent reviews.

Melanin Production and UV Exposure:
Schallreuter, K. U., et al. (1996). Pigment Cell Research. “Melanogenesis in Cultured Melanocytes Can Be Substantially Influenced by L-tyrosine and L-cysteine.” Research demonstrating how melanin production is influenced at a cellular level, relevant to understanding how UVA and UVB rays interact with melanocytes during the tanning process.