Tossing and turning all night? Well, you’re certainly not alone. After having trouble sleeping, I decided to look for some solutions and that’s how I came across the Truvaga vagus nerve stimulator. This handheld device uses gentle electrical stimulation on the vagus nerve to calm your racing thoughts, promote relaxation, and potentially aid better sleep.
But is there any real evidence that could prove Truvaga’s effectiveness? I’ve scoured through hundreds of Truvaga reviews online to find out the truth. Check out my detailed review below to decide if this vagus nerve stimulator is worth your time and money.
Quick overview of Truvaga
Truvaga is a handheld device that’s lightweight and portable. It’s designed to be easily used when you need to relax. The official website of the device claims that a quick two-minute session can help you feel calmer. Before I get into my full Truvaga review, here’s a summary of the main features, as presented on the official Truvaga website:
Price | $299 |
Benefits | Stress relief, restful sleep, calmer mind, sharper focus |
Technology | Non-invasive cervical vagus nerve stimulation through gentle electric currents |
Mobile app | Yes (except Truvaga 350) |
Country of origin | United States |
Certifications | No official certifications |
What is Truvaga stimulator?
Truvaga is a handheld device that sends a subtle electric current through your skin to the vagus nerve that passes through the neck. The vagus nerve is an important part of the nervous system that influences the stress response and other functions like digestion and heart rate (Bremner et al., 2020) Therefore, its stimulation can potentially help balance your nervous system promoting a calm feeling.
Truvaga is currently available in two variants, the Truvaga 350 and the Truvaga Plus. I focused on gathering information about the original Truvaga 350 stimulator.
Pros and cons of Truvaga
How I evaluated the Truvaga device
Here are the key criteria I used in my Truvaga review:
Effectiveness | What do scientists say about vagus nerve stimulation and what do customers say about the Truvaga device? |
User-experience | How easy-to-use and convenient is the device? |
Design | What kind of materials and ideation have gone into creating the device? |
Value for money | Is it cost-effective and worth the price? |
- Effectiveness. I looked into scientific research to understand the effectiveness of cervical vagus nerve stimulation, the technique that Truvaga uses to promote stress relief. I also considered customer reviews of the product.
- User experience. I looked at how easy it is to set up and use on an everyday basis based on numerous Turvaga reviews.
- Design. I considered Truvaga’s overall design and build quality.
- Value for money. I assessed the pricing and features of Truvaga vis-a-vis other vagus nerve stimulators in the market.
How to use Truvaga vagus nerve stimulation device
One of the best things about the Truvaga vagus nerve stimulator is that it’s pretty easy to use:
- With the device still turned off, remove the caps from the electrodes and apply a small amount of the provided spray to both electrodes.
- Press the (+) button to power on your Truvaga. The device will beep once, and a green light will illuminate, indicating that it is on.
- Follow the instructions in the device’s user manual to place Truvaga on your neck so that both electrodes are completely in contact with your skin at the precise spot where your vagus nerve is located. The user manual has detailed instructions to help you find this spot.
- Conduct a stimulation session according to the guidelines in the user manual, adjusting the intensity as needed. You are advised to avoid using it more than 24 times a day.
Truvaga cost
As mentioned earlier, Truvaga offers two different models, and these are compared in the table below:
Product | Truvaga 350 | Truvaga Plus |
Price | $299 | $499 |
Features | 350 sessions in total, choice of intensity levels, no apps, charging cords, or other attachments needed | Unlimited sessions, rechargeable, free mobile app to control and customize sessions |
Money-back guarantee | 30-day | 30-day |
What’s Included | Truvaga handheld stimulator with inbuilt lithium batteries, bottle of spray | Truvaga Plus stimulator, charging cable, bottle of spray |
For both variants of the Truvaga stimulator, you do not need to purchase any additional cords, chargers, or cases. You can also take advantage of a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied with the product. The company assures users that the device will function as claimed and offers a limited warranty on defects in materials and workmanship.
Who shouldn't use Truvaga nerve stimulator?
The Truvaga website and user manual warn that you should never use it when:
- You have an active implantable medical device, such as a pacemaker, hearing aid implant, or any implanted electronic product.
- You are using another product at the same time, such as a muscle stimulator.
- You are driving, operating machinery, or during any activity that may put you at risk of injury.
- You are close to strong electromagnetic fields from other equipment, such as MRI scanners.
- You are in an explosive atmosphere or in the presence of flammable gas mixtures.
- You have an open wound, rash, infection, swelling, cut, sore, drug patch, or surgical scar(s) on your neck.
- Your skin is wet or damp, such as after a shower or when in the pool.
Additionally, Truvaga is not recommended for individuals who are:
- Aged younger than 12
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have had surgery to cut the vagus nerve at the neck, as this may make the device ineffective.
- Have preexisting health issues such as heart conditions or psychiatric disorders
Lastly, the Truvaga user manual also cautions not to use Truvaga more than 24 times a day.
Some studies about Truvaga can be found here.
Some users have reported mild side effects such as discomfort in the application site, irritation and redness, muscle twitching, mild headaches, and dizziness. So, it's best to consult your healthcare provider before using the device.
Truvaga customer reviews
I couldn’t find any Truvaga reviews from users on platforms like Amazon or Trustpilot. However, there are many customer reviews on its official website, with most users sharing positive experiences. It’s vital to note that these reviews may be selected by the company so may not give a completely accurate view of the product.
Nonetheless, according to the Truvaga website, 75 percent of customers have reported feeling calmer, less anxious, and less stressed after just seven days of using the Truvaga vagus nerve stimulator. At the same time, over 50 percent of customers experienced improved sleep, more energy, and reported feeling happier in just seven days of use.
The numbers rise considerably when looking at usage over a 30-day period, with about 80 percent of users experiencing less anxiety and stress, more energy and improved sleep. There are also several Truvaga reviews on YouTube that further explain the device’s potential effectiveness in enhancing sleep quality and overall well-being.
Therefore, the anecdotal evidence suggests that Truvaga may be effective in improving sleep when used consistently.
Truvaga vs. other devices
Truvaga isn’t the only stress management device on the market. I looked at the alternatives too and here’s a comparison of the different products you can consider:
Device | Price | Main Features | App | Warranty |
Truvaga 350 | $299.00 | Portable, handheld device for gentle electric stimulation | No app | Limited |
Apollo | $349.00 | Wearable device that fits around wrists/ankles or can be clipped onto clothes; creates soothing vibrations | iOS, Android | 1 year |
Sensate | $299.00 | Sensory device to be placed on chest to experience soothing vibrations and soundscapes | iOS, Android | 1 year limited |
Pulsetto | $269.00 | Neck-wearable with 5 stimulation programs, for stress, anxiety, sleep, burnout, and pain management | iOS, Android | 2-year limited warranty |
Nurosym | $699.00 | Clinically tested wearable device for vagus nerve stimulation. | No app | 1 year |
Truvaga Review: Conclusion
Truvaga seems like an attractive non-invasive option that could potentially aid in better sleep and stress management through vagus nerve stimulation. However, it would be even better if there were more clinical tests to back up its effectiveness. Therefore, it’s best to seek medical advice before using the device.
FAQ
How does Truvaga work?
Truvaga works through vagus nerve stimulation. It sends mild electric currents through the surface of the skin to activate the vagus nerve in the neck. This can help promote a state of calm and relaxation to alleviate anxiety and stress.
What is the difference between Truvaga and Pulsetto?
Truvaga is a handheld device that you can use to stimulate the vagus nerve in your neck while Pulsetto is a wearable device that goes around your neck. While Truvaga offers different intensity levels, Pulsetto comes with an app that you can use to select a stimulation program to address a specific concern such as stress, anxiety, or sleeplessness.
What is a vagus nerve stimulation device for anxiety?
A vagus nerve stimulation device uses electric impulses to activate a part of the nervous system called the vagus nerve. This activation may help to promote feelings of relaxation. There are several such devices on the market such as Truvaga, Pulsetto, and Nurosym.
Do vagus nerve stimulators work?
There has not been much significant research on the effectiveness of commercially available vagus nerve stimulators. However, anecdotal evidence from customer reviews suggests that these stimulator devices do help people sleep better and feel less anxious.
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Application of noninvasive vagal nerve stimulation to Stress-Related Psychiatric disorders. Journal of Personalized Medicine 10(3), 119.
Bremner, J. D., Gurel, N. Z., Wittbrodt, M. T., Shandhi, M. H., Rapaport, M. H., Nye, J. A., Pearce, B. D., Vaccarino, V., Shah, A. J., Park, J., Bikson, M., & Inan, O. T. (2020).
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Truvaga - Support on how to use your Truvaga
Truvaga. (2024, May 1)
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