Indiegogo staffers are putting crowdfunded products to the test in our new series of honest reviews. In this edition, we try out the Pulsetto, a new wearable biohack device that stimulates your vagus nerve to bring you instant relief from stress, anxiety, burnout, and lack of sleep. Does it live up to the hype? Read on as we put it to the test!

Disclaimer: It is important to note that the effectiveness of this technique can vary from person to person. It is always best to consult with your healthcare provider before trying any new form of treatment.

Have you ever heard of the vagus nerve and the role it plays in your body and mental health? This cranial nerve is responsible for regulating the body’s stress response and helping to control the sleep-wake cycle. It is also thought to be involved in regulating feelings of anxiety. There are several ways to stimulate the vagus nerve, including deep breathing, singing or humming, cold water stimulation, yoga, and meditation. There is also a form of therapy called vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). This involves the use of a device that delivers electrical impulses to the vagus nerve. VNS therapy is typically used to treat conditions such as depression, and is performed by a healthcare provider.

But what if this can be done on your own at home or while you’re on the go? Meet Pulsetto, a new portable wearable device that wants to do just that. When I was invited to review this new vagus nerve stimulator, I jumped at the opportunity. With the busy holidays coming up and work piling up, I was in need of relief from everyday stresses and anxieties. Not to mention, with everything going on in the world today, it is hard to get a good night’s sleep.

Unboxing and first impressions

I was impressed with the frustration-free unboxing experience. The packaging was minimal and eco-friendly, which I appreciated. There was no single use plastic or foam in sight.

Everything was securely packed and arrived in perfect condition.

The Pulsetto wearable itself is compact, flexible, and lightweight, with a clean and modern design. It feels well-made and sturdy. You can adjust it to your liking, bend it, twist it, stretch it — great for daily use. Although it looks like headphones, they actually go on your neck.

The power buttons are easy to locate, press, and navigate, thanks to the LED that glows different colors to show different statuses. It is portable enough to fit into my coat pocket or my handbag, and very light that I know I’d be able to take it and use anywhere, from home to work to a long plane or train ride.

The box also came with a tube of electrode gel to pair with the device, an instruction booklet, which was easy to understand and provided clear guidance on how to use the device, and a charging cable, a nice touch for those who plan to take the Pulsetto on the go.

Overall, the unboxing experience was quick, easy, and set the tone for what has been a very positive experience with the Pulsetto so far. Now let’s set it all up!

Setup

The first thing I did was to charge the device. While it was charging, I dug into the instruction booklet to learn more. In my experience, the steps to activate it are so simple that you don’t even need to read the manual. [see the next part, Putting It To The Test for more details]

There is QR code that will prompt you to download a companion app. It comes with 5 programs and meditation soundscapes to enhance your Pulsetto use.

In the app, it will immediately scan and pair your phone to the Pulsetto when you start one of the programs. You’ll need to make sure you have Bluetooth in your phone enabled prior to this.

Putting It to The Test

In a just a few simple steps, I was able to use the Pulsetto within minutes.

First, I had to make sure I had no jewelry on, and that I was in a comfortable position. Since it was my first time, I faced a mirror so I can check that everything is in place. I also put my phone on DnD so I can fully relax without getting interrupted by notifications.

Then, I applied the electrode gel to my neck. A little goes a long way.

Now it’s time for the Pulsetto to go on my neck. I had to make sure the electrodes are on the places where I applied the gel. Then I adjusted the device, and because it was flexible, I felt safe and comfortable. I turned on the power button and waited for the LED to flash green, which means it is ready for pairing with my phone. The LED flashes other colors: red for charging, and blue when the device is booting.

Then I checked the app and selected a program. For my first time, I selected the Anxiety program. When the LED flashed purple, that was my signal to settle in as it indicates the session has started.

It was a strange feeling at first because it was my first time to use this, but I was no stranger to devices like this such as TENS, so it didn’t take long for me to adjust the intensity level and ease into it after the initial muscle contractions. What followed afterwards was a pleasant calm.

To enhance my experience, I also played one of the free meditation soundscapes.

After the session, I was even able to rate it and view session details. This helps to set preferences in my profile and track my progress towards my goals for future use.

Cleaning the Pulsetto was also an easy process. All I had to do is was to wipe the gel off the device with a dry cloth, and clean the gel off my neck with a towel.

That evening, I used the Pulsetto again and tried the Sleep program to help me get a good night’s sleep. I pretty much got the hang of it that I ended up using it all weekend with its other programs for Anxiety, Pain Management, and Burnout.

Final Thoughts

So did the Pulsetto actually work? In my experience, having used it for an entire weekend, the answer is a resounding yes. With just a few short sessions following the programs, I’ve noticed a marked improvement in my mood and my ability to handle stressful situations. I also feel more relaxed and focused during the day. I’ve also used it to help with insomnia, but I think it may take some more time to see any long-term results, so I’m looking forward to see what happens when I continue to use this over time.

Another thing I like about the Pulsetto is that it’s completely non-invasive and drug-free. It’s just a simple, natural way to help with a variety of mental health issues. Overall, I’m extremely happy with the Pulsetto vagus nerve stimulator. It’s easy to use and store, portable, effective, and has no unpleasant side effects. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a natural, non-invasive way to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

To learn more, check out the campaign for Pulsetto, live now on Indiegogo InDemand.