Will a Tanning Bed Harm an iPod?

A tanning bed’s ultraviolet lights won’t harm your iPod, but excessive heat will. Excessive heat can also harm any accessories you may have as part of your iPod, including cases, covers or skins. Your iPod should not be used in an environment that exceeds 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Tanning beds contain multiple lamps that emit temperatures varying from 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Using the iPod Externally

Purchase a set of earbuds or headphones that use a long connection cable, if you don’t already have some. Plug the cable's connector into your iPod's headphone jack and place the iPod on the floor outside of the tanning bed. This will keep the device’s inner components and outer case as well as any covers on the device from overheating in the event you are tanning for a long period of time.

Using Music Inputs

If your tanning bed contains an audio input jack, plug one end of a 1/8-inch stereo cable into your iPod’s headphone jack and plug the other end of the cable into the audio input jack. Place the iPod on the floor outside of the tanning bed or in an area next to the audio input jack, if available. Turn on the tanning bed's speakers and adjust to your liking.

Using the Tanning Bed

If you do use your iPod inside of the tanning bed, lay it on the mat next to you. Do not lay the device directly on the bed’s surface – the heat emitting from the bed’s structure can cause the iPod to overheat. Remove the iPod immediately from the bed once you are done tanning. Do not lay the iPod on your skin – this can cause an imprint of the device’s case on your skin if you tan too long.

Cooling and Storage

Your iPod cools down automatically after you turn the device off. Store your iPod in a location that does not exceed 113 degrees when the device is off. Do not leave your iPod in a hot automobile after using it, in direct sunlight or close to direct heat, as this will damage the device even if it is powered off.