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:
Stress Reduction: Experience significant relief from daily stress by activating your vagus nerve and shifting your body into a "rest and digest" state.
Improved Sleep: Pulsetto supports restful sleep by calming your nervous system, helping you wake up refreshed and energized.
Enhanced Mental Clarity: By promoting relaxation, Pulsetto aids in sharpening focus and reducing brain fog.
Digestive Health Support: Vagus nerve stimulation positively impacts the gut-brain connection, aiding digestion and reducing bloating.
Chronic Health Support: Pulsetto offers support for individuals managing chronic stress, anxiety, and fatigue, helping to improve their quality of life.
Using Pulsetto is simple and takes just 4 minutes to start feeling the effects. Here's how it works:
Apply a generous amount of gel to your neck or directly onto the electrodes.
Place the device on your neck.
Pair it with the Pulsetto app on your smartphone.
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.
Truvaga Plus stands out as a handheld tVNS device with a soft probe electrode applied directly to the neck, emitting 5,000Hz pulses at 25Hz frequency up to 60mA for rapid vagus nerve activation. Priced at $299, it offers short two-minute sessions via an app for customizable intensity, focusing on stress, focus, sleep, and calm. Testers noted profound effects like cleared brain fog and faster sleep onset, with parameters matching FDA-cleared devices. It includes 350 preloaded sessions (or unlimited in Plus model) and uses conductivity spray. Scientific backing includes studies on similar frequencies for psychiatric disorders, fatigue reduction, and mental responsiveness, outperforming competitors in head-to-head trials. Pros: Quick sessions, strong evidence, intuitive interface, HSA/FSA eligible, 30-day guarantee. Cons: Expensive, not hands-free, occasional app connectivity issues, US-only availability. It activates neurotransmitters via cervical stimulation, ideal for on-the-go use in work or travel scenarios.
Nurosym
Nurosym, formerly Nuropod, is an auricular tVNS device using a clip-on earpiece to deliver gentle electrical impulses to the tragus, modulating the vagus nerve for relaxation and well-being. At $900, it features adjustable programs creating a tingling sensation, portable design, and no app required, includes charger and case. Backed by over 50 studies, including randomized trials, it shows benefits for oxidative stress, post-viral symptoms, digestion, and heart rate variability (up to 11% increase). Users report improved energy, focus, sleep, and stress management after sessions. Pros: Strong scientific foundation, beginner-friendly, supports long-term health like PTSD and anxiety. Cons: High cost, limited reviews, no app integration for tracking. It employs patented AVNT technology to balance the nervous system, making it evidence-based for conditions like long COVID and burnout, with millions of user sessions reported.
Sensate
Sensate uses acoustic vagus nerve stimulation (aVNS) via infrasonic vibrations and soundscapes, placed on the chest like a pebble pendant for effortless sessions. Priced at $299 (plus $49/year premium app), it pairs with an app for 10-30 minute guided relaxations, syncing vibrations to audio for deeper calm. Research indicates improved anxiety, sleep quality, reduced stress, and faster sleep onset, with high user ratings for integration into wellness routines. It's ideal for meditation pairing or on-the-go relief from insomnia and sensory overload. Pros: Affordable, no active effort needed, 90-day trial, positive for deep rest. Cons: Lacks device-specific trials, premium features cost extra, and mixed return feedback. By stimulating the vagus nerve through chest vibrations, it enhances heart rate variability and emotional regulation, complementing electrical methods for non-invasive biohacking.
Xen by Neuvana
Xen by Neuvana is an earpiece tVNS device transmitting electrical pulses through saline-moistened electrodes in the ear canal, offering hands-free operation for vagus nerve stimulation. At a higher initial cost, it connects to the Neuvana app with six waveforms, five lengths, and six signals (210 combinations) at 25Hz, customizable for sleep, focus, and stress. Studies support 25Hz for epilepsy (23.4% seizure reduction), mood, and sleep improvements. Testers experienced better sleep and focus but noted a learning curve and potential irritation at high intensities. Pros: Highly customizable, comfortable sensation, low ongoing costs, 30-day guarantee. Cons: Poor battery life, entanglement-prone cables, safety risks at max settings, 10% restocking fee on returns. It targets the auricular vagus branch for balanced nervous system responses, suitable for extended wear.
VeRelief Prime by Hoolest
VeRelief Prime is a compact handheld tVNS device with pre-applied gel tips for neck application, featuring five modes (8Hz, 25Hz, 100Hz) aligned with clinical frequencies for quick stress and anxiety relief in 3-10 minute sessions. Priced at $189-$399, it's self-contained with two buttons, no app needed, and patented for the auricular-vagus combo. Testers felt noticeably calm, supported by studies on frequencies for mood, stress, and nociception. Pros: Easy to use, portable for on-the-go, 60-day guarantee, subscription discounts. Cons: Deceptive website claims, proprietary gels increase costs, mixed long-term efficacy. It delivers stronger electrical stimulation than vibrations, targeting vagus signals for mental recovery and focus, ideal for beginners avoiding complex setups.
tVNS® by tVNS Technologies
The tVNS® is a certified Class IIa medical device for non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation, applying gentle electrical impulses to the cymba concha in the ear for full vagus innervation. Portable and app-integrated (EU-available on major stores, GDPR-compliant), it allows session monitoring and well-being tracking. Ideal for neurological conditions like epilepsy, migraines, depression, and Prader-Willi syndrome, with no surgery or meds required. Clinical studies show 34.2% seizure reduction after 20 weeks, 50% fewer migraines in 12 weeks, and improved depression scores in 9 weeks. Pros: Safe for ages 3+, minimal side effects, German-made quality, flexible use. Cons: App limited to EU, consistent sessions needed, price not listed (likely premium). It modulates nerve activity for symptom relief, backed by 20+ years of research, making it a reliable choice for therapeutic applications.
Vagustim v1
Vagustim v1 is a smart, bilateral auricular tVNS device using patented technology to deliver gentle signals via earsets for vagus activation, promoting rest-and-digest responses. Priced at $339 (down from $490), it features app customization (iOS/Android, Bluetooth), no-gel electrodes with three sizes for comfort, 15-minute daily sessions, and iOS-exclusive stress tracking via camera. Benefits include reduced stress, better sleep, mental clarity, emotional balance, and gut health, supported by over 30 clinical trials. Users report renewed energy and relaxation. Pros: Hands-free, user-friendly, natural alternative, 30-day guarantee, 1-year warranty. Cons: Premium app features may cost extra, return shipping on the buyer, and limited stress tracking. It personalizes wellness scores based on goals, ideal for daily biohacking without expertise.
ZenoWell Auricular Stimulator
ZenoWell (ZENOWELL) is a wearable taVNS device stimulating the vagus nerve through the ear with precise electrical pulses, enhancing parasympathetic function for self-healing. Features include 20-minute sessions, multiple modes, a comfortable fit for various ears, and a no-pill approach. Benefits: Deeper sleep (73% insomnia response in trials), stress reduction, pain/fatigue relief, improved HRV, lower heart rate, better gut-brain balance. Priced with promotions (up to $350 off bundles), it's backed by experts from Heidelberg, Charité Berlin, and Cambridge. User reviews praise sleep improvements and relaxation (4.4/5 Trustpilot). Pros: Convenient during activities, scientifically validated, and global trust. Cons: Not FDA-evaluated for medical treatment, wellness-only claims; lacks peer-reviewed device-specific studies. It optimizes healthspan by restoring nervous system balance, suitable for daily use in stress management.
Apollo Neuro
Apollo Neuro is a versatile wearable ($349, from $448) using gentle vibrations (Apollo Vibes™) on the wrist, ankle, or clothing to signal safety to the nervous system, activating vagus nerve pathways without electricity. Features: Adaptive SmartVibes™ AI for personalized patterns, Bluetooth, 8-hour battery, durable design, HSA/FSA eligible. Benefits: 40% less stress/anxiety, 25% more focus, 60 extra deep sleep minutes, 30% faster sleep onset, 19% better efficiency, 11% HRV boost, quicker recovery. Developed by neuroscientists, clinically proven in trials (e.g., University of Pittsburgh) for sleep, stress, and focus. Pros: Passive, chemical-free, all-ages, expert-endorsed (Dave Asprey, Dr. Mark Hyman). Cons: Needs 3+ hours daily/5 days weekly for effects (up to 30 days), magnet precautions, membership required. It trains resilience naturally, ideal for performance and recovery.
A TENS unit (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is a small device that delivers low-voltage electrical impulses through the skin to stimulate nerves. It is traditionally used for pain relief, muscle tension, and rehabilitation.
2. Can a TENS unit stimulate the vagus nerve?
A TENS unit can stimulate branches of the vagus nerve when applied correctly. However, unlike medical-grade VNS devices used in hospitals, a standard TENS unit is not specifically designed for vagus nerve therapy. Still, certain settings and electrode placements can produce mild, non-invasive vagal activation.
3. How does TENS-based vagus nerve stimulation work?
The TENS device sends gentle electrical pulses to areas where the vagus nerve has accessible branches, most commonly the ear (auricular branch) or the side of the neck. These signals can help modulate the autonomic nervous system, increasing parasympathetic activity (the “rest and digest” state).
4. What are the potential benefits of vagus nerve stimulation with a TENS unit?
People use TENS-based VNS for:
Reducing stress and anxiety
Improving mood
Enhancing sleep quality
Lowering heart rate
Supporting digestion
Increasing vagal tone and HRV (Heart Rate Variability)
Reducing headaches or migraines
Supporting relaxation and calmness
These benefits vary from person to person and depend on proper technique.
5. Where should electrodes be placed for vagus nerve stimulation?
The two most common areas:
Auricular Vagus Branch (Ear)
Concha
Cymba conchae
Tragus These regions contain vagus nerve fibers accessible through the skin.
Side of the Neck (Cervical Region)
Near the carotid sinus
Must be used cautiously to avoid overstimulation
Important: Never place pads directly over the throat or carotid artery without proper training.
6. What TENS settings work best for vagus nerve stimulation?
While there is no universal protocol, many research studies use:
Low frequency: 5–30 Hz
Low intensity: Just enough to feel a gentle tingling
Pulse width: 200–300 µs (microseconds)
Duration: 10–20 minutes per session
The goal is gentle stimulation, not muscle contraction.
7. Is it safe to use a TENS unit for vagus nerve stimulation?
TENS-based VNS is generally considered low-risk when used properly. However, avoid use if you have:
A pacemaker or implanted electrical device
Epilepsy (unless supervised)
Heart rhythm disorders
Open skin wounds
Pregnancy (especially on the abdomen or neck)
Always start with the lowest intensity and increase gradually.
8. Can vagus nerve stimulation help with anxiety and stress?
Yes, research suggests that stimulating the vagus nerve can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which may:
Reduce anxiety
Lower stress hormones
Improve emotional regulation
Promote relaxation
Many people feel calmer within a few minutes of gentle ear stimulation.
9. How often should I use a TENS unit for VNS?
Common routines include:
Daily sessions of 10–20 minutes
2–3 times per day during periods of high stress
Long-term use for maintaining higher vagal tone
Consistency is more important than intensity.
10. Can TENS-based VNS improve sleep?
Many users report better sleep because vagus nerve stimulation can:
Reduce stress before bedtime
Slow heart rate
Improve nervous system balance
Evening sessions (1–2 hours before sleep) are common.
11. Does TENS vagus nerve stimulation increase HRV?
Yes, multiple studies show that vagus nerve stimulation can increase HRV, which is a key indicator of:
Stress resilience
Recovery
Parasympathetic activation
Cardiovascular balance
Higher HRV generally means better nervous system health.
12. Are there side effects?
Possible mild effects:
Tingling
Redness under the pads
Mild dizziness if intensity is too high
Temporary headache (rare)
These usually disappear quickly.
13. How long does it take to feel the benefits?
Some people feel calmer within minutes. Others may need a few days to a few weeks of consistent use for measurable improvements (especially in HRV, mood, or stress resilience).
14. Can I use a TENS unit while working or relaxing?
Yes. Many people use low-intensity ear stimulation while:
Working
Reading
Meditating
Watching TV
Just keep intensity low enough to avoid distraction.
15. Is TENS-based VNS the same as medical VNS?
No. Clinical VNS requires implanted or specialized devices used under medical supervision. TENS-based VNS is a non-invasive, milder version, suitable for wellness but not a replacement for medical treatment.
