Vagus Nerve Stimulation Device
Best Vagus Nerve Stimulation Device
1) Pulsetto - Best Vagus Nerve Stimulation Device
Pulsetto - Your Peace & Better Sleep Partner
The Science Behind Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Pulsetto is a wearable device that uses vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) to promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety. By targeting the vagus nerve with gentle electrical impulses, Pulsetto can help induce a state of calm, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Advantages of Pulsetto:
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Stress Reduction: Experience significant relief from daily stress by activating your vagus nerve and shifting your body into a "rest and digest" state.
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Improved Sleep: Pulsetto supports restful sleep by calming your nervous system, helping you wake up refreshed and energized.
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Enhanced Mental Clarity: By promoting relaxation, Pulsetto aids in sharpening focus and reducing brain fog.
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Boosted Heart Rate Variability (HRV): This device helps improve HRV, an important marker of heart health and resilience to stress.
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Digestive Health Support: Vagus nerve stimulation positively impacts the gut-brain connection, aiding digestion and reducing bloating.
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Chronic Health Support: Pulsetto offers support for individuals managing chronic stress, anxiety, and fatigue, helping to improve their quality of life.
What's Included:
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Pulsetto Vagus Nerve Stimulation Device
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USB-C Charging Cable
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User Manual
How Pulsetto Works:
Using Pulsetto is simple and takes just 4 minutes to start feeling the effects. Here's how it works:
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Apply a generous amount of gel to your neck or directly onto the electrodes.
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Place the device on your neck.
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Pair it with the Pulsetto app on your smartphone.
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Choose your desired program and start the device through the app.
The device creates a gentle, pleasant vibration or tingling sensation in your neck area. This stimulation helps activate your parasympathetic nervous system, leading to a calmer, less stressed state.
Pulsetto Fit: Wellness, Upgraded
Description (Pulsetto Fit):
Key Features of Pulsetto Fit
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Custom Fit: Comes with two removable magnetic paddings for different neck sizes, ensuring a snug, comfortable fit.
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New Pulsating Mode: A rhythmic, wave-like stimulation that syncs with your breath for deeper nervous system relaxation.
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20% Longer Battery Life: Offers about 1.2 weeks of daily use per charge.
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Enhanced Durability: Reinforced materials make it built to last through daily wear.
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Same Great App: Includes the same 5 programs and 30-day Premium trial as Lite, with identical sound library and add-ons.
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What’s Included: Device, two paddings, 60g gel tube, USB-C cable, user guide.
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Safety: FCC-certified, same ULRE tech as Lite. Consult a doctor if you have implantable devices.
Rank |
Device Name |
Product Description |
2 |
Truvaga Plus |
Truvaga Plus is a transcutaneous cervical vagus nerve stimulation (tcVNS) device designed for handheld use, emitting electrical pulses at a 5,000Hz carrier frequency with a 25Hz repetition rate and a maximum output of 60mA. It connects to a mobile app for operation, featuring an intuitive interface that controls two-minute sessions aimed at stress relief, improved focus, and better sleep quality. The device requires a conductivity spray, such as Signa Spray, to facilitate effective electrical transmission through the skin when placed on the neck. Backed by scientific research similar to FDA-cleared devices, it activates neurotransmitters and receptors in the brain to enhance neuronal communication, potentially stabilizing functions disrupted by mood disorders, epilepsy, or insomnia. Users hold the device manually during sessions, which can be incorporated into daily routines for noticeable improvements in mental responsivity and sleep latency. Its parameters are optimized for comfort and efficacy, making it a reliable option for managing stress-related psychiatric conditions through non-invasive vagus nerve activation, with a durable build guaranteed for extensive use over years. |
3 |
Nurosym (Parasym) |
Nurosym, developed by Parasym, is a non-invasive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) device that delivers precise, patented microcurrent electrical impulses via a comfortable earpiece clipped to the tragus of the left ear. It features adjustable intensity levels and session durations, typically recommended for 30-60 minutes once or twice daily, allowing users to personalize their experience for optimal comfort. The portable, handheld design enables use during daily activities, and it is CE-certified in the EU with FDA Non-Significant Risk Designation for various studies. By targeting the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, influencing functions like heart rate variability, inflammation reduction, and relaxation promotion. Extensive peer-reviewed research, including over 30 studies and randomized placebo-controlled trials, supports its application for alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, chronic fatigue, brain fog, POTS, long-COVID, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular issues, sleep disturbances, psychological trauma, obesity, metabolism, and even improving cancer prognosis. The device restores autonomic balance by addressing dysautonomia, enhancing vagal tone without side effects commonly associated with invasive VNS, such as voice alterations or cough. Its safety profile, with millions of treatment sessions recorded without serious adverse effects, makes it a versatile tool for both clinical conditions and general wellness, promoting better stress resilience, cognitive function, and physiological harmony through a medication-free neuromodulation approach. |
4 |
gammaCore |
gammaCore Sapphire is a handheld, portable non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) device specifically cleared by the FDA for treating and preventing various headache types, including migraine, cluster headache, hemicrania continua, and paroxysmal hemicrania, suitable for users aged 12 and older. It delivers gentle electrical stimulation through the skin on the neck, activating the vagus nerve—often called the nervous system's "superhighway"—to block pain signals and reduce headache frequency and severity. The device offers versatility for both acute relief, with a few 2-minute treatments providing fast-acting and long-lasting pain reduction, and preventive care through twice-daily sessions in the morning and night. Its compact design allows for discreet use anywhere, without the need for invasive surgery or additional medications, distinguishing it from traditional VNS methods. Clinically proven to decrease migraine days, cluster attacks, and pain in specific conditions, it emphasizes a drug-free approach with a favorable side effect profile. Users apply the device directly to the neck for stimulation, making it an accessible option for managing chronic headache disorders and improving quality of life by minimizing disruptions from pain. |
5 |
Apollo Neuro |
Apollo Neuro is a wearable transcutaneous vibratory stimulation device registered as a general wellness product, designed to mimic benefits similar to vagus nerve stimulation through low-frequency vibrations delivered via a smart band that can be worn on the wrist, ankle, or clipped to clothing. It features seven customizable modes accessible through the Apollo Neuro mobile app, targeting relaxation, sleep enhancement, focus improvement, and stress reduction, with the app functioning even in Airplane mode for uninterrupted use. The non-invasive touch therapy engages skin receptors to influence the somatosensory and emotional regulation pathways in the nervous system, potentially shifting the body into a relaxed state and supporting better physiological responses. Suitable for all-day wear, it allows continuous therapy during various activities, making it ideal for integrating into daily routines like work, exercise, or rest. Backed by user reports and creator insights, it may improve sleep quality, performance, social interactions, and stress management without direct electrical stimulation, offering a unique vibrational alternative for those seeking subtle, ongoing nervous system modulation. |
6 |
Neuvana Xen |
Neuvana Xen is a transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) device styled like earbuds, delivering gentle electrical pulses at a 25Hz frequency with a maximum output of 84mA directly into the ear canals to target the vagus nerve. It offers extensive customization with six waveforms, five session lengths, and six signals, resulting in 210 possible combinations, controlled via the Neuvana app for modes like Ambient, Sensation, or Sync, which can align pulses with music or ambient sounds. Using a simple saline solution as a conductivity medium, it enables hands-free operation during activities, promoting improved sleep, focus, and stress management. The auricular placement ensures tolerability even at higher intensities, though users should monitor for skin reactions in the sensitive ear canal area. Supported by clinical studies in the 20-100Hz range, it activates brain neurotransmitters to influence mood, sleep, and autonomic functions, providing a flexible and portable solution for daily wellness without invasive methods. |
7 |
Hoolest VeRelief Prime |
Hoolest VeRelief Prime is a compact handheld transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) device with a single electrode for neck placement, offering five stimulation modes and adjustable intensity levels for customized relief. It delivers patented electrical pulses to modulate the nervous system faster than vibration or sound-based methods, targeting brain regions involved in stress and anxiety responses. Rechargeable for multiple sessions, it requires no app integration, making it straightforward for on-the-go use during high-stress moments at work, home, or travel. Tested in placebo-controlled studies with over 150 participants, it aims to calm the nervous system quickly, supporting anxiety reduction, focus enhancement, and mental recovery without invasive procedures. Its portable design and intuitive controls emphasize rapid, effective stress relief for daily incorporation. |
8 |
Vagustim |
Vagustim is a smart, non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation device using biosympathetic frequencies delivered via earsets to activate the vagus nerve, promoting clarity, relaxation, calm, and overall well-being. It integrates with a mobile app via Bluetooth for full adjustability of intensity and duration, supporting multiple users with individual progress tracking. The app, available in free and premium versions, allows personalized sessions up to 60 minutes daily, starting with 15-minute increments for beginners. By stimulating the "rest and digest" system, it supports digestion, gut health, deeper sleep, and stress reduction, backed by over 30 clinical trials. Suitable for most users (with physician consultation for pregnant individuals or those with chronic conditions), its multi-purpose design enables use during daily activities, restoring internal harmony and enhancing the body's natural balance. |
9 |
Sensate |
Sensate is a wearable pebble-shaped device that emits infrasonic waves in the 0.1-20Hz range, placed on the chest to stimulate the vagus nerve through vibration frequencies synchronized with guided breathing exercises. It improves heart rate variability (HRV), with studies showing enhancements in 89% of users after regular use, shifting the body from "fight-or-flight" to "rest-and-digest" mode to reduce cortisol and trigger anti-inflammatory responses. Ideal for daily stress relief, anxiety management, better sleep, and mental burnout recovery, it can be used in morning sessions or midday resets. Endorsed by experts for its breath pacing and vibration optimization, it offers a non-electrical, sound-based approach for gentle, effective vagal tone improvement without invasive elements. |
FAQ:
1. What is the vagus nerve?
The vagus nerve, also known as cranial nerve X, is the longest cranial nerve in the body. It extends from the brainstem through the neck, chest, and abdomen, influencing functions such as heart rate, digestion, inflammation, mood regulation, and immune response. It plays a key role in the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body rest and recover.
2. What is vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)?
Vagus nerve stimulation is a medical therapy that uses electrical impulses to activate the vagus nerve, typically the left branch, to influence brain activity. It can be delivered through implanted devices or non-invasive methods and is often described as a "pacemaker for the brain" for its role in modulating neural signals.
3. How does VNS work?
VNS delivers mild electrical pulses to the vagus nerve, which travel to the brainstem and spread to various brain regions. This alters brain cell activity, potentially increasing neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and serotonin, improving blood flow, and disrupting abnormal patterns such as those causing seizures. The stimulation is usually cyclic (e.g., 30 seconds on, five minutes off), and users may feel sensations like throat tingling or hoarseness during active periods. Settings can be adjusted for individual needs.
4. What are the different types of VNS?
There are two main types: invasive and non-invasive. Invasive VNS involves surgically implanting a pulse generator in the chest connected to the vagus nerve via a wire. Non-invasive VNS (also called transcutaneous or nVNS) uses external devices held against the neck or ear to deliver stimulation without surgery, often for shorter-term or targeted use.
5. What conditions can VNS treat?
VNS is approved for epilepsy (especially focal seizures in those unresponsive to medications), treatment-resistant depression, and stroke rehabilitation to improve arm and hand function. Emerging research explores its use for migraines, cluster headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and cardiovascular issues, though more studies are needed for these applications.
6. What is the procedure for invasive VNS?
The procedure is typically outpatient under general anesthesia and lasts 45-90 minutes. Two incisions are made: one in the neck to attach electrodes to the left vagus nerve and one in the chest to place a battery-powered pulse generator. The device is tested during surgery and activated 2-4 weeks later in a follow-up visit, with settings starting low and adjusted over time. A handheld magnet may allow manual activation for acute needs.
7. What are the risks and side effects of VNS?
Surgical risks for invasive VNS include infection, bleeding, pain at incision sites, and rare nerve or blood vessel damage. Side effects from stimulation, which often decrease over time, include hoarseness, cough, throat pain, shortness of breath, headaches, trouble swallowing, skin tingling, and sleep issues. Non-invasive VNS may cause skin irritation but is generally well-tolerated with fewer risks. Serious but rare issues can include vocal cord paralysis or worsened sleep apnea; adjustments or deactivation can mitigate effects.
8. What are the benefits of VNS?
VNS can reduce seizure frequency by 20-50% in epilepsy, improve mood and quality of life in depression (with 20-30% showing significant response), and enhance limb mobility post-stroke (e.g., 5-point average improvement in scores). It may also lessen inflammation, boost neurotransmitters, and aid conditions like migraines. Benefits often build over months to years and complement other treatments rather than replace them.
9. Who is a good candidate for VNS?
Candidates include adults and children (aged 4+) with medication-resistant epilepsy, adults with chronic depression unresponsive to multiple treatments, or those recovering from ischemic stroke with arm/hand impairment. It's suitable when other options like surgery or medications fail or cause intolerable side effects. A healthcare evaluation determines eligibility.
10. How effective is VNS?
Effectiveness varies: In epilepsy, 37-43% achieve at least 50% seizure reduction over 1-3 years. For depression, 20-30% see major improvements after a year. Stroke patients may gain better mobility (47% with significant gains vs. 24% without). Non-invasive forms show promise for migraines (increasing pain-free probability) and inflammation reduction, but results are individual and may take time; it's not a cure.
11. What is non-invasive VNS?
Non-invasive VNS uses handheld devices to stimulate the vagus nerve through the skin, often on the neck or ear, without surgery. It's approved for migraines and explored for epilepsy, depression, cardiovascular health, and inflammation. Benefits include reduced seizure frequency, improved fitness, and neuroprotection; risks are minimal, like skin irritation, making it a safer, accessible option for acute or ongoing use.
12. Are there natural ways to stimulate the vagus nerve?
Yes, non-medical methods can activate the vagus nerve to promote relaxation and reduce stress. These include:
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Deep, slow belly breathing to shift focus and increase parasympathetic activity.
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Humming, singing, or listening to soothing music to create vibrations that stimulate the nerve via vocal cords.
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Splashing cold water on the face (diving reflex) or gargling loudly.
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Foot massages (gentle or firm) or massaging the neck area.
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Exercise, stress reduction techniques like meditation, and nutrition-focused approaches such as a balanced diet. These fall into categories like stress reduction, physical activity, and sensory stimulation, potentially aiding seizure control or mental health.
13. What should I expect during preparation and recovery for VNS?
Preparation involves a physical exam, blood tests, and possibly stopping certain medications or fasting. Antibiotics may prevent infection. For invasive VNS, recovery allows return to activities within 48 hours, with follow-ups to activate and adjust the device. Battery replacement occurs every 5-15 years via minor surgery. Inform providers about the device before MRIs or other tests, as they may interfere. Non-invasive VNS requires no recovery.