Have you ever used a tanning bed? What was it like?

I did a few times over a summer. It was claustrophobic and got pretty warm where it made contact. It can be relaxing in that it hummed and was warm. If you had some sort of spasm while falling asleep you would smack into the lid! Kidding aside, I often think that those few times that I was in one may have contributed to my melanomas. Wish I hadn't used them for sure.

I have. To be honest, it was relaxing to me. Warm. Now, I feel sickened by it. I was young and dumb. I had no idea it was unsafe. Now I will get to live with the consequences, which are not good. My doctor asked me recently just how much I tanned in the tanning bed. He explained that it gives him an idea of where we are headed. Not good.

I’ve lived in several states and was a frequent user of tanning beds from about 17 until about 40. I’m now 53 and living with the consequences. I preferred the stand up ones as it was almost like being in a coffin in the horizontal ones.

I’m a new member, just joined. I’m a 72 year old male. I’ve never used a tanning bed as such.


When I was a teenager, I had very bad acne and my doctor referred me to a U/V clinic where they treated acne by sessions of U/V therapy. They had two types of machine, one was a full body setup, probably like a modern tanning bed, but the other was a lamp just directed at the face. The radiation from this seemed very fierce. I think I went once a week for several months. My face got red & painful from the radiation and it didn’t help the acne!


I suspect this therapy contributed to my problems now. This was in England, probably around 1965 or so.