Sensate Review
Let’s face it—life can be stressful. Amidst all the responsibilities, work, and relationships, we all need a way to unwind and bring a greater sense of ease to our everyday. Sensate is a portable device that claims to offer relaxation and vagus nerve stimulation through a combination of sound, touch, and vibration.
Studies have shown that non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation is effective in treating a wide variety of health issues. This review explores if Sensate is a device that can offer results you can trust. What follows here is a complete review of what I found in my research and testing of Sensate.
Scientific Comparison of the 4 Vagus Nerve Stimulators
What is Sensate? A brief overview
Sensate is technically not a vagus nerve stimulator, but a sensory stress relief device that uses vibrations and sound to lower stress. To be clear: Sensate is not a wearable device. It’s a relaxation tool that will not give you clear and defined scientific benefits. So even though this product mentions the vagus nerve, it is not a validated device for vagus nerve stimulation.
Rather than directly stimulating the vagus nerve, this device claims to offer vagal toning to produce gradual results. Users may start to notice the effects after around 10 minutes, but they’re rather subtle. Plus, Sensate lacks peer-reviewed scientific studies so any results felt from its use might be due to placebo.
Key features:
- Price: $299 USD
- Free app with a variety of soundscapes
- Portable and easy to use anywhere
- Gentle sound vibrations instead of electrical impulses
- Long battery life (up to a month on a single charge)
Pros and cons of Sensate
While Sensate does have a few benefits, the lack of scientific research was a big drawback.
Benefits:
- Portable and easy to use
- Takes around 10 minutes to produce effects
- Unique rock-inspired design
- App includes soundscapes designed to help with relaxation
- Gentle stimulation that uses soothing, non-invasive sound vibrations
- Many users report immediate relaxation during and after sessions
Drawbacks:
- There is no peer-reviewed research supporting the claims or the effectiveness of Sensate
- Sensate is NOT a vagus nerve stimulation device; it’s a relaxation tool
- At $299, it’s pricy for a relaxation tool
- Results vary tremendously for different people
How it works
Sensate uses sound resonance therapy to stimulate the vagus nerve through the chest. It’s very easy to use: simply place the device over your sternum, turn it on, and sync it with the app. The app then plays calming soundscapes while the device sends gentle vibrations through your chest. This combination of sound and vibration is supposed to activate your parasympathetic nervous system and promote a deep sense of relaxation.
What are the benefits of Sensate?
Sensate claims to promote relaxation, reduce stress, improve sleep, and help calm the nervous system. While my experience with the device was mostly positive, I found that the real benefit came from simply taking time out of my day to relax. The vibrations were soothing, and I felt more grounded after each session, but the long-term effects are harder to measure. It wasn’t clear if the device itself was actually doing anything, or if I was just benefitting from taking some time out of my day to relax.
Again, none of these health benefits have been proven in scientific studies. Despite that here are the key benefits that Sensate and users claim to experience from the device:
Improved sleep
Many users have reported improved sleep quality and duration from using Sensate. Their in-house study of 25 participants showed that users experienced an increase of one hour of total sleep per night and a decrease in the time required to fall asleep.
Reduced stress & anxious thoughts
The same study also found that after using Sensate for two weeks, participants experienced significant reductions in levels of stress and anxious thoughts.
Promotes relaxation and calm
According to user reviews, this seems to be the most reliable benefit that Sensate offers. Users report feeling more relaxed, calm, and at ease while using Sensate—which was true for me too. Its grounding design and soothing soundscapes in the app combine to offer a pleasant experience. I quite enjoyed it. However, it wasn’t clear that it had anything to do with my vagus nerve.
Disclaimer
Once again, none of these benefits have been proven through peer-reviewed scientific research. Sensate has published its own internal research, but placebo-controlled studies are needed to confirm if the device is actually the source of the benefits.
What is vagus nerve stimulation?
Vagus nerve stimulation is a groundbreaking approach to enhancing quality of life. The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in the functioning of the parasympathetic nervous system, so stimulating it effectively can lead to a significant reduction in stress, improved mood, enhanced cognitive function, improved gastrointestinal function, and more—all without drugs or psychotherapy.
In the past, vagus nerve stimulation required surgical intervention. A device would need to be implanted in the chest with wires running up to the neck to stimulate the nerve directly. However, this method is costly, invasive, and carries surgical risks.
Does Sensate have side effects?
Since Sensate is a gentle device, it’s a low risk as far as safety is concerned.
One of the main advantages of Sensate is that it doesn’t use electrical impulses, so it’s generally considered very safe. The sound vibrations are gentle, and the device is non-invasive. Some users might find the sensation unfamiliar at first, but it’s unlikely to cause any discomfort or harm. However, as with any relaxation tool, individual experiences may vary.
How much does Sensate cost?
Sensate is priced at $299, which includes the device, access to the free app, and a quick start guide. There are no additional subscriptions required, and the device comes with a one-year warranty. For those seeking a one-time investment in their well-being, it’s a device that’s worth considering.
However, Sensate does not directly stimulate the vagus nerve. So for a vibrational device that works like a massager, I find $299 to be quite expensive.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the device:
Product | Sensate device with free app access |
Price | $299.00 + free shipping |
Money-back guarantee | 90 days |
What’s included | The Sensate device, a lanyard for easy wearing, access to the Sensate app, and a user manual to get started. |
When can users expect results from Sensate?
Results vary depending on how often you use Sensate and your personal stress levels going in. Some users report feeling more relaxed after a single session, some after a few sessions, and others report that it took a couple of weeks of consistent use to notice anything substantial. Like most wellness tools, it’s important to integrate Sensate into your routine to get the best results.
Without peer-reviewed placebo-controlled scientific studies, it’s impossible to give a definitive answer about the results of using Sensate. While it seems to be helpful for relaxation and stress relief, it’s impossible to be 100% confident that the benefits are coming from the device itself.
Sensate alternatives
Vagus nerve stimulation is an emerging, yet growing market, with an increasing number of devices available for those seeking to harness its therapeutic benefits at home. In selecting a device, it’s important to do the proper research and make the choice that’s right for you. Most importantly, you need to be sure that the device you’re researching has been scientifically proven to safely and effectively target the vagus nerve. Otherwise, you could be putting your health at risk.
Scientific Comparison of the 4 Vagus Nerve Stimulators
Sending electrical signals to the vagus nerve that have not been evaluated in scientific studies and approved by institutions such as the FDA or EMA (CE) may contribute to the ineffectiveness of the therapy or put users at risk of causing permanent damage to health.
Robust scientific research is the only way to verify if a device actually targets the vagus nerve and provides the benefits it claims. These are the main competitors in the current market:
- Nurosym. Nurosym is the first CE-Marked non-invasive vagal neuromodulation system in my evaluation, which means that its safety and efficacy have been scientifically validated. Unlike other devices on the list, it’s backed by 40+ peer-reviewed scientific studies and is the most extensively studied and utilized non-invasive VNS device by researchers and Health Care Professional. Nurosym is trusted by leading medical institutions and used by hundreds of Health Care Professionals worldwide. While it’s more expensive, it is far and away the most reputable device on the consumer market.
- Gammacore . GammaCore is a non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator specifically designed to provide relief from migraine and cluster headaches. It’s a simple and easy-to-use device that’s applied externally to the neck to deliver gentle electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve. Unfortunately, it is only available in the US. For those outside the US or seeking broader health benefits from vagus nerve stimulation, GammaCore may not be the optimal choice.
- Pulsetto. This is a supposed vagus nerve stimulation device that sends bilateral electrical impulses through the neck. Pulsetto lacks scientific validation for safety and efficacy, so there is a higher risk of more serious side effects from its use.
What is the Best Vagus Nerve Stimulation Device in 2024?
If you are looking for a scientifically supported, non-invasive solution for vagus nerve stimulation, Nurosym is the clear frontrunner. Its robust scientific backing, endorsement by the medical community, and versatility in addressing a range of symptoms make it the most reliable and effective choice on the market today.
A unique aspect of Nurosym’s device is that it targets the vagus nerve via the auricular branch of the left ear. Nurosym’s targeted signal delivery safely activates pathways for modulation of the autonomic nervous system and immune system—supported by randomized placebo-controlled scientific studies.
The results of Nurosym’s studies are striking. For example, researchers found in various scientific populations a 35% improvement in anxious thoughts, a 45% improvement in depressive states score, a 19% improvement in sleep, and a 48% improvement in fatigue, just to name a few.
Their unique Auricular Vagal Neuromodulation Therapy (AVNT) works by targeting the brain’s parasympathetic centers instead of directly stimulating the vagus nerve’s branches. This approach activates the calming effects of the vagus nerve without affecting peripheral organs, making it a safer option compared to other stimulation methods.
On top of the science behind Nurosym, it’s easy to use and designed for at-home therapy, making it a convenient option for those looking to improve their overall well-being. With applications ranging from anxious thoughts and depressive states to chronic pain and inflammation, Nurosym is versatile for treating many different symptoms, unlike GammaCore which is specifically made for migraines.
Overall, it’s my clear top choice for anyone looking for a reputable vagus nerve stimulation device to regulate their nervous system and improve their overall health.
Final Thoughts on Sensate
Sensate is an innovative and non-invasive relaxation tool that offers a soothing experience. While it’s a bit pricey, the combination of sound vibrations and guided meditation makes it a relaxing option for stress relief. However, it’s important to note that Sensate’s effectiveness has not been scientifically proven, so results can vary.
If you’re looking for a calming daily ritual to help manage stress, Sensate could be a good fit—but if you’re seeking a scientifically validated device for vagus nerve stimulation, you may want to explore other options.
FAQ
Yes, Sensate can be considered safe and low-risk for daily use since it is not directly stimulating the vagus nerve.
The short answer is yes. If you’re looking for effective vagus nerve stimulation, Nurosym and GammaCore are the only 2 devices on the market to have have clinical evidence of precise targeting and safety. Another option to consider is forgoing a device and practicing natural methods of relaxation such as meditation, yoga, or breathwork.
Sensate offers soft vibrations on the chest which pair with the Sensate app to play curated audible soundscapes that promote relaxation. Users tend to find the experience to be gentle and calming.
Yes, but only two devices (Nurosym and GammaCore) have proven to be effective non-invasive vagus nerve stimulators in placebo-controlled clinical trials. Results have shown these devices to be effective in helping with cognitive function, energy levels, mood regulation, migraines, anxiety, and more.
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