Pulsetto vagus nerve stimulator review: Does it calm the storm?
Pulsetto
Pros
- Helps you fall asleep quickly
- Helps with anxiety
- Easy to use, offers many settings
- Clean, intuitive smartphone app
- 30-day free trial period
Cons
- Didn't see a change in HRV
- The sensations take some getting used
There are various devices out there that promise to help manage stress and anxiety. Among these, Pulsetto stands out as a vagus nerve stimulator designed to biohack your parasympathetic nervous system, offering an intriguing approach to achieving calm and balance in our increasingly hectic lives.
This compact, wearable gadget claims to deliver significant benefits with just a few minutes of daily use. By stimulating the vagus nerve, Pulsetto aims to activate the body’s natural “rest and digest” response, potentially reducing stress, lowering anxiety, and promoting better sleep.
In the past, this would not have been the type of device I would review, as I typically stick to more straightforward wearable gadgets such as smartwatches and fitness trackers. I have tried yoga and meditation to manage stress occasionally, but never quite stuck with either practice.
Pulsetto piqued my interest because well-known entrepreneur and venture capitalist Bryan Johnson uses it. He has made himself a guinea pig for pioneering longevity research. Amongst other things, Johnson recommends vagus nerve stimulation for lowering stress, improving mood, enhancing digestion, and reducing body inflammation. What also had me excited were Reddit posts from users claiming large increases in heart rate variability by using Pulsetto.
Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets
Sounds pretty good, right? Who wouldn’t want a quick fix for our modern-day woes? Can a small gadget really make such a big difference in our daily lives? Well, that’s exactly what I set out to find out. So, let’s dive in and see what Pulsetto is all about.
View Pulsetto on Pulsetto.tech / view on Amazon.
Jump to
What does it do?
Design
How to use
The bottom line
Pulsetto review: What does it do?
Put simply, Pulsetto is a vagus nerve stimulator that aims to activate the body’s natural relaxation response. For those not in the know, the vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in the body. It consists of a vast network of nerve fibers connecting the brain to various organs including the heart, lungs, and digestive tract. The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in regulating the parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the “rest and digest” system.
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been studied for decades, with FDA-approved devices being used to treat epilepsy and depression since the 1990s. Pulsetto brings this technology into a more accessible and budget-friendly format, leveraging similar principles to clinical VNS treatments. The device works by sending gentle, non-invasive electrical pulses to stimulate the vagus nerve for just a few minutes each day.
Stimulating the vagus nerve has been shown to have a range of potential benefits. These include reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep quality, enhancing digestive function, regulating heart rate, and potentially alleviating symptoms of certain medical conditions. Studies generally show that vagus nerve stimulation is safe, with potential side effects being temporary and including hoarseness, coughing, and shortness of breath.
Traditional methods of achieving vagus nerve stimulation include mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga. However, these can be challenging to maintain consistently.
Pulsetto offers a potentially more convenient alternative for daily use, making it an attractive tool for biohackers and those seeking to improve their overall well-being. The device is FCC certified, ensuring its safety for well-being use. It employs ultra-low radiofrequency energy (ULRE) via Bluetooth, designed to safely interact with the body.
By influencing various body functions through daily stimulation, Pulsetto aims to provide a natural way to manage stress and promote health. There are alternative form factors such as ear devices you can buy for this sort of thing. But neck versions are said to be more effective.
Pulsetto review: Design
With the science lesson out of the way, let’s move on to the review. Out of the box Pulsetto loosely resembles a pair of oversized headphones. But the device is not meant to be worn like headphones. Instead it goes around your neck.
The whole thing is compact and lightweight, measuring just a few inches in length and weighing only a few ounces. It has a sleek, minimalist design is reminiscent of modern tech accessories, featuring a smooth, finish that feels comfortable in the hand.
The main body of the Pulsetto houses the electrical components and battery, with two round metal electrodes protruding from each end. These electrodes are designed to make contact with the skin on your neck, where they deliver the gentle electrical pulses to stimulate the vagus nerve.
The device features a single button for operation, keeping the user interface simple and intuitive. A small LED indicator provides visual feedback on the device’s status.
Pulsetto comes with a charging cable and a compact carrying case, making it easy to transport and use on-the-go. The charger is a standard USB-C cable which I prefer to proprietary ones. I you lose it, just use any other standard USB-C cable. With regular daily use, you should be able to get about a week between charges. When the indicator turns blinking green, you need to recharge. The app will also notify you.
All things considered, Pulsetto is a well designed gadget. I would say, it’s even discreet enough to be used in public without drawing attention to yourself. Its ergonomic shape and small size allow for comfortable handling and positioning during use. And battery life is pretty decent.
Pulsetto: How to use
Using the Pulsetto vagus nerve stimulator has become an integral part of my daily routine, particularly in the evening. You are meant to start by applying an electrode gel to both sides of your neck. The gel is included in the box.
While this step can be a bit messy, I’ve found it’s essential for optimal performance. I usually just use a small dab on each side and wipe it off after use. So it’s not a big deal. I don’t think you can use Pulsetto without the gel as the sensation would be uncomfortable.
Next, you are meant to place the device around your neck where the vagus nerve is accessible – while you are in a sitting position. Adjust the size so that it fits snuggly. Make sure Pulsetto is switched on and pair it with the accompanying app on your smartphone.
Once connected, you need to choose a program. There are various options available, including stress reduction, anxiety relief, burnout and sleep improvement. Some premium programs are also available with a subscription. But you have all the basics even without that.
The connection to the smartphone is pretty seamless. In the nearly month of use, I only encountered a problem once. Restarting the phone resolved it.
Once the program starts you will feel a gentle tingling sensation on your neck. It is actually difficult to describe – a bit like a low level current of electricity against your skin.
I’ve used intensities up to level 8, but I’ve noticed that the sensation can vary from day to day. What is a 5 one day may feel different the next day. So I always adjust as needed. Anything above 8, I feel, would be too much. What I like is that you can increase or decrease the intensity while you are in the middle of a programme.
Most sessions last between 4 to 10 minutes, making it easy to fit into even the busiest schedule. It certainly takes less time than a meditation or yoga session!
And you should follow the instructions the app spits out. For example, if you’ve done a sleep program, you need to allow a certain amount of time to pass before you can use the device again. It is a safety precaution. You should not use Pulsetto too often, too long or too close together.
There’s also the option to switch on soundscapes during a programme. The Pulsetto smartphone app has a variety that can be found in the sound library. I was perfectly fine without them as the sessions are fairly short.
You are meant to use it regularly for best results
For best results you should find time to use the device twice daily. I did some days, but was not religious about it.
For me, Pulsetto is most useful when used before bedtime. It helps me fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night. The effect is actually quite noticeable. I know myself and the sleep quality improvement is not random. It is clear and consistent. Not only that, but my Garmin watch started telling me I had good sleep sessions – a rarity in my world. So I had empirical data demonstrating the device actually works.
I believe it calms down my nervous system and racing mind. After using the device, you feel a sense of calm and relaxation, similar to the effects of intense exercise combined with meditation.
Having said that, I haven’t personally observed changes in my heart rate variability as reported by my Whoop and Garmin watch. Perhaps if I use it more consistently, the effect on HRV will come.
As mentioned, there are Reddit posts on users experiencing large spikes in HRV after using the device. So the effectiveness of Pulsetto does vary among users. The company says results can take anywhere up to a month to show. Those with severe symptoms or elderly individuals with significant imbalances may notice benefits sooner. Healthier individuals might take longer to experience the effects. For me, the improvement in sleep occurred after first use.
What I was careful not to do, though, is use the device before driving. It does make you feel a bit groggy and very chilled. The same is the case for exercise. I tended to avoid using it before heading out for runs. If you are in a calm and meditative state – it is unlikely you are going to go faster and longer.
Breathing exercises
Beyond this, the app also helps you relax with breathing exercises. There’s a few different ones to choose from such as Unwind Your Thoughts, Stress Dissolve and Panic Deflector. Think of this as a guided meditation or breathing session.
Choose the duration and you will be guided when and how to inhale, exhale and for how long to hold your breath. It’s a nice add-on to the primary functionality. The app also allows you to combine this with vagus nerve stimulation – so you can do both at the same time.
Pulsetto review: The Verdict
Pulsetto offers an intriguing and effective approach to managing stress and improving sleep quality through vagus nerve stimulation. While it may not be a magic solution for everyone, my personal experience with the device has been positive, particularly in terms of enhanced sleep quality and overall stress reduction.
The device boasts a compact, lightweight design with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that’s user-friendly and easy to operate. The app interface is straightforward, though applying the electrode gel can be seen as a slight negative. Pulsetto offers various programs for different needs, including stress reduction and anxiety relief, with short 4-10 minute sessions that are very easy to incorporate into daily routines.
In terms of effectiveness, I had immediate improvements in sleep quality. While I didn’t observe the changes in HRV that some users have reported, the positive impact on sleep and stress levels was clear and consistent. It’s worth noting that results may vary among users, and it may take up to a month to experience full benefits.
Pulsetto isn’t a replacement for traditional stress-management techniques like meditation or yoga, but it offers a quick, convenient alternative for those struggling to maintain consistent practice. Its effectiveness, combined with its ease of use, makes it a worthy consideration for anyone looking to improve their stress management and overall well-being.
View Pulsetto on Pulsetto.tech / view on Amazon.
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