I tried the Mendi device to increase my focus – here’s what I found

A few weeks ago, I realized I couldn’t get through a single task without getting distracted. I’d open my laptop to work, and all of a sudden I was deep into online shopping, half-written emails, and random headlines. My focus was off, and so was my motivation.

When I came across Mendi, which is a neat brain-training headset designed to boost focus, lower stress, and improve sleep, it caught my attention. This device uses non-invasive functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) technology to track changes in local blood flow in your brain’s prefrontal cortex and helps you train your focus through a gamified app that visualizes your brain activity in real time.

So, I committed to a month of consistent use to see if Mendi could help clear the “mental fog”. In this article, I’ll take you through my experience. I’ll also share how I felt, and if the results were actually worth it.

Quick overview of Mendi

Mendi is a non-invasive brain training device that uses neurofeedback and fNIRS sensor technology. Its goal is to help users enhance focus, reduce stress, and boost mental well-being at home via the Mendi brain training app. Mendi visualizes your brain activity in real time through an engaging, gamified experience.

Price	$254.15
Claimed benefits	Improved stress management, better sleep quality, enhanced focus
Technology	fNIRS (functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy) sensors measure blood flow and oxygenation in the prefrontal cortex. Provides real-time neurofeedback.
Mobile app integration	Yes
Country of origin	Sweden
Certifications	CE Mark, EU Horizon 2020 Research Grant

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Pros and cons of Mendi

About the tester

Below is a little information about myself, including my age, primary concerns, and lifestyle. I’ve also noted the timeframe of my experimentation with Mendi:

Age:	40
Primary concerns:	Improve focus and reduce mental fatigue
Lifestyle:	Active, good sleep hygiene, clean diet, moderate exercise
Experiment timeframe:	4 weeks

How does the Mendi headset work?

Mendi works by monitoring your brain activity and giving you feedback via the app.

You put the Mendi headband on with the front positioned around the centre of your forehead. This allows the product to monitor key indicators of brain activity in the prefrontal cortex (believed to be the part of your brain which manages decision-making and emotional responses to stress.)

Unlike many neurofeedback devices that use electroencephalography (EEG) to monitor electrical brain activity, Mendi uses a different approach. Instead, it shines near-infrared light through your scalp to detect changes in the blood flow and oxygen levels in the prefrontal cortex. This non-invasive brain imaging technique is called functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).

These key factors are used to determine changes in your brain’s activity levels. Then, your brain activity is visualized with Mendi’s brain-training app which is available on Android and iOS. Mendi describes this app as a game that you control with your brain.

When the app thinks you’re focusing properly (with higher oxygen levels and blood flow in the prefrontal cortex,) you can make the in-game ball go up – essentially you level up. This positive visual feedback encourages you to actively engage in the game and focus more. Over time, consistent brain training may lead to improved cognitive functions.

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Potential benefits of Mendi

According to Mendi’s website, there are three main benefits to using the neurofeedback headband. I found a few studies which back up the brand's claims.

Better emotion regulation

In a peer-reviewed study using fNIRS neurofeedback, healthy adults trained to activate a brain region involved in emotional control. Over multiple sessions, they improved their ability to regulate negative emotions, suggesting that this type of brain training could support mood regulation. However, larger studies are needed to confirm the effects and rule out placebo influences.

Increased focus

A pilot study on individualized fNIRS neurofeedback training, which involved 10 healthy college students, found success in improving participants' attention with the use of fNIRS technology. Granted, this is preliminary research with a small sample size.

Better sleep

Currently, there are no studies investigating fNIRS neurofeedback’s effectiveness for sleep. However, if Mendi’s claims are true and you can reduce your stress levels, this would naturally translate to a better night's rest!

Disclaimer: While fNIRS studies suggest potential benefits, no clinical trials have been published specifically on the Mendi device. These studies reflect the promise of the underlying technology but do not substantiate Mendi’s specific claims. Results may vary, so it's best to consult a healthcare professional before use.

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How to use the Mendi neurofeedback system

To get started on your brain training with Mendi’s neurofeedback system, you need to:

1. Get the app. Download Mendi’s App by scanning the QR code on the welcome card. Alternatively, you can search for Mendi Brain Training on Google Play or the App Store (depending on your smartphone). Then, in the app, create a Mendi account and log in.
2. Prepare for first use. Take a look at the manual provided and make a note of any necessary safety precautions you need to take. There are also some tips on maximizing efficiency such as avoiding bright lights when doing the training exercises. If it’s not yet charged, connect the USB-C connector (provided in the box) to Mendi’s charging port (on the side) and plug it into an appropriate power source. It might take a little longer than advertised to charge the first time you do this.
3. Put the headband on. Once charged, position the headband around your head. The side with the power button should be nearest to the front of your head and be positioned on your left. If necessary, adjust the straps on the back so the device fits snugly and comfortably around your head without the risk of it falling off when you move around.
4. Power on. Press the Power button on the headband. Launch the app and link your smartphone to the Mendi headset following the in-app instructions. Press Get Started and then Start Sensor.
5. Start brain training. Once your Mendi device has calibrated, choose how many minutes of training you want to do and press Get Started. Relax and focus on the ball until the training session is complete. After your session, your score is displayed. This score is saved in the app so you can monitor your progress.

Mendi neurofeedback device cost

The Mendi neurofeedback device costs $254.15 (regular price is $299 without the current promotional offer) and, when I checked, doesn’t add any extra taxes (in the US) at the checkout. This price includes the Mendi headset, a charging cable, and the Mendi brain health app. The package includes a smartphone app which, according to the site, you will never have to pay for.

I was particularly impressed with Mendi’s free international shipping. According to the device’s product page, it is valid in every country it ships to including the United States, Australia, Canada, Germany, and Sweden!

You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee. But you must return the device in its original packaging and in resellable condition. Once returned, if accepted, you receive your money back minus the return shipping cost.

Product:	Mendi Neurofeedback Headset
Price:	$254.15 (no extra taxes in the US)
Money-back guarantee:	30 days (return in original, resellable condition; refund excludes return shipping)
Warranty:	1-year hardware warranty (covers manufacturing defects under normal use)

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My experience with Mendi

While it’s difficult to distinguish between a real effect and a placebo, my experience with Mendi was quite surprising overall – in a good way. Although I realize that a product like this requires more testing and time for conclusive results, my four-week experience with Mendi was pleasant and mind-opening.

I came across Mendi after searching online for alternative ways to reduce distractions, and focus myself. I decided to order this product partly out of curiosity and partly out of a genuine desire to find a non-invasive, tech-based way to boost my focus and mental clarity.

Ordering the Mendi was easy, and the device arrived pretty soon. Naturally, I was excited about it and ready to try it out, so I quickly unboxed the sleek-looking device. Now, I had to set it up. Thankfully, setup was easy with instructions on the box and the app walking me through everything step-by-step.

During my first few sessions, I really didn’t know what to expect. Before each session, the app asked me to log my mood using a set of emotions and emojis (a nice self-awareness touch, in my opinion).

The interface wasn’t confusing – I just had to focus on getting a visual (ball, in my case) to move upward based on how well I was concentrating. Although this took a bit of getting used to, I kept using it around four to five times per week, usually in the morning before work.

Over time, I started to enjoy my sessions more, and it turned into a sort of pre-work ritual. Was it revolutionary for my brain? That’s hard to say. But I did notice an improvement – placebo or not – in how easily I could stay focused on tasks.

Does Mendi have any side effects?

Overall, Mendi is considered safe. According to Mendi, its use of fNIRS technology makes the headband generally safe because it doesn’t useionizing radiation.

I also found a few independent studies that are included in the Narrative Review on Clinical Applications of fNIRS which refers to the same technology Mendi uses as safe.

However, every situation and person is different. It’s always best to consult a licensed health professional before you purchase and use Mendi,especially if you suffer from any neurological or psychological condition.

After all, Mendi is not FDA-cleared so it’s not a medical device. It’s not cleared or approved for treating health conditions and Mendi hasn’t conducted any large-scale clinical trials. So, while there’s evidence to suggest it’s generally safe, its medical effectiveness isn’t conclusive.

Mendi vs. other neurofeedback devices

Mendi isn’t the only neurofeedback device out there! Here’s how Mendi sizes up against its competitors.

Brands	Mendi	Sens.ai	Muse
Kit price	$254.15	$1,500	$444.98
What's included	Free brain-training mobile game for life Headset (f NIRS Brain sensors) Behavioural Science and lifestyle recommendations	60-day free membership trial Headset EEG / brainwave sensors GeniusPulse™ Controller	1-year membership included Muse S Headset EEG / brainwave sensors 500+ guided meditations
Membership price	$0	$240 (paid yearly)	$49.99 (paid yearly)
How it works	fNIRS technology (mainly blood flow and oxygenation in the PFC)	EEG monitoring (brain waves), photobiomodulation (light simulation), heart rating monitoring,brain function assessment, meditation training	EEG monitoring (brain waves) and heart rate detection
Battery life	Up to 5 hours of playtime	Minimum of 2-3 sessions (no specifics)	Up to 10 hours of playtime
Warranty	1 year plus 30-day money-back guarantee for devices (still in resellable condition)	30-day money-back guarantee (for undamaged returns) 1-year hardware warranty	30-day return period 1-year warranty for defects or flaws (not caused by the customer)

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What do Mendi customers say?

You can find most of Mendi’s reviews on TrustPilot where the brand has a 4-star average.

67% of these Trustpilot reviews are 5 stars. These happy customers mainly say Mendi has helped with focus, mood management, and relaxation. Others are very pleased with the customer service. For instance, a long-term user said they “..noticed an improvement in my focus and cognitive endurance,” and shared that their coworkers in a high-stress hospital environment “..appreciate how easy it is to use and how it helps them feel more focused and relaxed.”

11% of customers left either a 4 or 3-star review. Overall, these buyers are satisfied with the product – feeling that it has had some benefit. But a few complain of bugs and hardware defects. One user mentioned that “the app was glitchy and didn’t work correctly (or completely froze) half the time,” but still appreciated that the company offered a prepaid return label and a quick refund. Adding to that, another user wrote that they wished “they [the company] would expose the actual feedback metrics to be more confident in it,” referring to the limited data visibility in the app, but still noted that Mendi was “good value,” compared to more complex setups.

21% of reviews are 2 and 1 stars. Most of these unsatisfied customers didn’t feel as though they benefited from using the device. For example, another user said they could get high scores just by touching the device and not engaging with the app, writing, “Was not overly impressed with this.” Mendi then clarified that their sensors were detecting real signals, but reminded users the goal is mindful training, not just scoring.

Others don’t like brain-training app quality saying it has bugs or that they find it difficult to navigate. However, the app has been updated recently and there haven’t been any bad reviews about it in the last few months.

On Reddit, there are mixed opinions.However, it’s important to remember these are people's personal experiences. One user shared: “In the 8 months I’ve used this device, I’ve gained emotional regulation, I have less anxiety and better control over my thoughts.” Another Redditor said: “It might be a neat way of getting anxious / ADHD people to be still and essentially focus for bursts of time.”

Conclusion: is Mendi worth it?

Whether Mendi is worth it or not depends on you – mainly what you expect from the device and your budget.

Based on customers' reviews, online forums, and the scientific research surrounding the technology Mendi uses – it seems as though there might be some truth to its claims. It’s possible that the device can help you with sleep, managing emotions, stress reduction, and focus.

However, without FDA clearance and large-scale clinical trials, it’s impossible to say for certain whether the device is going to work the way you want it to. It’s best to consult a medical professional for personalized advice.

That being said, compared to other neurofeedback headsets, Mendi is very affordable and has no membership fees. The fNIRS technology it uses is generally safe. Plus, Mendi offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

If you’re not convinced about Mendi’s benefits, you can always try it. If you don’t like it, you can claim your money back. So, it’s definitely worth trying out!

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