Pulsetto review for 2024: does it really work?

If you're like me, juggling work, deadlines, and life in general it can leave you feeling perpetually stressed. That's where Pulsetto comes in. This wearable device promises to stimulate the vagus nerve with electrical impulses targeting the neck area to induce relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety.

It’s been studied that non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation can indeed be effective, but does Pulsetto deliver? For this Pulsetto review, I decided to take a deep dive into the research and user experiences to see if this is the gadget for managing stress or just another tech fad. Let's explore the findings and see if Pulsetto can truly help us find some calm amidst the chaos.

Quick overview of Pulsetto

Pulsetto is a wearable device designed to target the vagus nerve (the longest cranial nerve responsible for your parasympathetic nervous system functions), aiming to reduce stress and improve well-being.

Here's a quick overview of Pulsetto:

Check out Pulsetto

Pros and cons of Pulsetto

How does Pulsetto work?

Pulsetto explains that it works by sending mild pulsations through the small electrodes targeting the vagus nerve in the neck area. It works as some non-invasive VNS devices when pulsations run through the vagus nerve in the neck and carry information to the central nervous system. According to the selected program, each pulsation with Pulsetto lasts from 6 to 10 minutes.

The device has a single button to turn it on and off. The main control is done over a dedicated smartphone application, which you can download from the app stores.

In the app, I found 5 built-in programs designed to target specific needs, like improving sleep, reducing stress and anxiety, managing burnout, and even pain relief. Each program uses unique electrical pulse patterns for a set duration.

The app also has a curated sound library specifically designed to work with Pulsetto. These soundscapes include frequency harmonics, auditory stimuli, and techniques to influence your brainwave activity. Plus, the Pulsetto app is totally free to use.

Get started with Pulsetto

Main benefits of Pulsetto

Pulsetto suggests that it could help manage stress and burnout, improve sleep, control anxiety, and reduce pain. Of course, the device standalone only can do so much, so you need to bear in mind that the benefits are accumulated with regular sessions and healthy habits. However, here are some of the benefits I discovered while analyzing Pulsetto nVNS:

Slowed heart rate

Some research suggests vagus nerve stimulation may contribute to a slower heart rate. Pulsetto's approach to stimulating the vagus nerve could potentially play a role here, but more research is needed.

Reduced stress and anxiety

Pulsetto suggests that vagus nerve stimulation may activate the body's relaxation response, leading to a decrease in stress hormones. Pulsetto claims their device achieves this by stimulating the nerve, potentially promoting feelings of calm and reducing stress and anxiety.

Better sleep

A well-functioning vagus nerve is linked to better sleep quality. Pulsetto's dedicated sleep program also aims to stimulate the nerve in a way that encourages relaxation and prepares the body for restful sleep.

Get Pulsetto

What is vagus nerve stimulation?

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) aims to activate this nerve responsible for our parasympathetic nervous system activity, potentially promoting relaxation and well-being. There are a few different approaches:

• VNS (vagus nerve stimulation). This is an invasive procedure with an implanted device under the skin that sends electrical pulses to the vagus nerve. It has proven to be successful for certain conditions like epilepsy.
• nVNS (non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation). This non-invasive method uses ear clips or devices that are either handheld or worn around the neck, to deliver electrical stimulation. Pulsetto falls into the latter category. While promising, research on its effectiveness for stress and anxiety is ongoing.
• Traditional methods. There are also natural ways to potentially stimulate the vagus nerve. Activities like singing, chanting, deep breathing exercises, and even cold exposure like a splash of cold water on your face may activate the nerve, although the effects are likely less pronounced than targeted electrical stimulation.

Does Pulsetto have side effects?

In the actual Pulsetto manual (you get it with the device), I found it states that the device could potentially cause some mild side effects: slight discomfort or irritation or redness in the area of use, mild localized pain, toothache, muscle twitching, migraine, dizziness, tingling, feeling of pins and needles. It explains that such side effects typically disappear after the stimulation is complete.

While the device is tested and approved to be safe, these side effects could still occur to Pulsetto users.

Plus, groups of people who should be extra cautious about using the Pulsetto device are users with an active implantable medical device, users who are using another device at the same time like a muscle stimulator, or any portable electronic device like a mobile phone. Pregnant women and users who have a history of cancer also shouldn’t use Pulsetto. The list is not exhaustive and I recommend consulting your medical professional before using Pulsetto.

How much does Pulsetto cost?

Pulsetto device is a one-time purchase and comes with a Premium app and 1-month trial. However, you don’t have to worry, as the free app (Pulsetto Lite) also has everything you need for a sufficient stimulation session. Here’s a breakdown of what you get and how much it costs:

I especially liked that if you’re not happy with your purchase, you can return your Pulsetto device within 30 days from the date of delivery for a full refund. Plus, every Pulsetto device comes with a standard 2-year warranty.

Get Pulsetto now

How soon can you expect results after using Pulsetto?

When it comes to the effectiveness of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation devices like Pulsetto, it really comes down to the consistency, individual user, and his or her lifestyle habits.

The Pulsetto itself notes that effects are cumulative and can vary but even a session of 10-15 minutes of use can contribute to improved sleep length and quality, improved mood, and increased resilience to stress. Pulsetto's official website says that the effects could be seen between 1-30 days of use.

However, I looked into what users have to say. I noticed that some users online describe the Pulsetto device as a meditation kickstarted. Some say that it has helped to deal with their anxiety and focus after a month of use.

Pulsetto alternatives

Being one of the best vagus nerve stimulation devices, there’s still quite an array of alternatives to consider – all varying in price, type of technology used, mobile app integration, and functionalities.

• Nurosym. This wearable earpiece uses electrical stimulation to target the vagus nerve through the outer part of the ear. Similar to Pulsetto, it has shown some potential to help with stress and anxiety. Nurosym, though, comes at a steeper price than Pulsetto.
• Hoolest. Their wearable device delivers gentle vibrations to the neck area, aiming to stimulate the vagus nerve and promote relaxation. This gadget uses a similar technology as Pulsetto, sending low-level electrical waveforms aiming to stimulate the vagus nerve.
• Sensate. This sensory device uses vibration and sound waves to potentially reduce stress. It comes at a very similar price tag as Pulsetto.

Pulsetto review: conclusion

Pulsetto caught my eye as someone who's constantly juggling work deadlines and the daily grind. So, if you're constantly feeling on edge and overwhelmed by stress, Pulsetto might be an intriguing option to explore. This wearable aims to target the vagus nerve using gentle electrical pulses delivered through electrodes on your neck.

However, don't expect overnight miracles. While research on vagus nerve stimulation is encouraging, more studies are needed to solidify Pulsetto's effectiveness.

So, is Pulsetto worth a try? If you're curious about vagus nerve stimulation and are looking for a non-invasive approach, it could be an option. However, keep in mind that individual experiences vary, and there's a chance of mild side effects. Before jumping in, I'd recommend talking to your doctor to see if Pulsetto aligns with your health goals and is safe for you to use.

View Pulsetto

FAQ