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Apollo Wearable Review: Does It Really Work?

The Apollo Wearable device promises a revolutionary approach to enhancing physical and mental well-being. Designed on the principles of neuroscience, the Apollo aims to actively improve your body’s resilience to stress by using safe non-invasive touch therapy through gentle vibrations.

On their website, the Apollo team boasts a range of impressive benefits, such as reducing stress and feelings of anxiety, increasing heart rate variability (HRV), and even aiding in sleep and focus.

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The wearable comes with various modes to choose from, targeting specific needs like relaxation, sleep, and concentration, all of which are controllable via an intuitive mobile app. Developed by physicians and neuroscientists, Apollo yearns to provide a clinically tested method to improve your health without medication or negative side effects.

In this Apollo Wearable review, we shall take a look whether these claims about the device’s utility can hold under scrutiny.

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Quick review of Apollo

Apollo uses safe, non-invasive touch therapy through soothing vibrations to help you manage stress, sleep better, and improve focus. This review explores its unique features and evaluates its effectiveness.

The core features of this stress-resilience wearable are:

PriceBenefitsTechnologyMobile appManufacture country
Certifications
$299Claims to increase HRV, lessen stress and anxiety, increase focus and sleep durationTranscutaneous vibratory stimulation through silent vibrations; may target the vagus nerveYesUSA
Meets the Quality System Regulation ISO 13485 manufacturing requirements for medical devices sold in the U.S.

What is the science behind Apollo?

According to the brand, the science behind Apollo is rooted in non-invasive touch therapy, developed by physicians and neuroscientists. It is claimed to use generally safe, soothing vibrations to signal safety to the body, thus aiming to balance the autonomic nervous system.

The technology was born out of Dr. David Rabin's research at the University of Pittsburgh and is claimed to be continuously tested in double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials. However, hardly any of these studies seem to be published in peer-reviewed journals, despite the brand providing some preliminary results on its website.

In some registered clinical trials, the technology behind Apollo Neuro is referred to as transcutaneous vibratory stimulation or "tuned vibroacoustic stimulation". While these vibrations may be perceived as calming, the exact mechanism of how they work to provide stress relief and improve sleep poses some questions. Thus, until the results of Apollo studies are published in peer reviewed academic journals, the actual efficacy of the device remains under question.

How does Apollo work?

According to the technology creators, Apollo works by harnessing the science of touch and the biology of stress to improve various facets of mental and physical health.

Utilizing safe, non-invasive touch therapy, the device sends silent vibrations to the body, potentially activating the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system. This may lead to improved stress response and reduced anxiety.

Touch receptors in the skin perceive these vibrations and send signals to both the somatosensory and emotional cortices of the brain. This dual signaling may help evoke specific emotional states, similar to how certain music sets a mood.

The Apollo vibrations are designed not just to soothe but to influence heart rate variability (HRV), a key biomarker for stress resilience and recovery. Increased HRV indicates a balanced nervous system, ready to adapt to stressors, while low HRV signals an overtaxed system in a prolonged state of fight-or-flight.

By modulating HRV, Apollo potentially aids in stress reduction, which in turn, might positively influence focus, and sleep quality.

Vibration modes of Apollo

The Apollo Wearable offers 7 unique “Vibes” or vibration modes that serve specific purposes, all controlled via the Apollo Neuro app:

  • Unwind. Ideal for relaxation and suitable to be incorporated in your evening routine, set it at 40–50% intensity for 15-30 minutes, typically worn on the ankle.
  • Fall asleep. Specifically designed to help you drift off to sleep. Recommended intensity is around 50% for a 60-minute session.
  • Calm. Useful for meditation or simply creating a tranquil environment. Effective at 35% intensity for 15–60 minutes, it may help reduce restlessness and physical discomfort.
  • Focus. A favorite for kick-starting the morning or potentially boosting concentration throughout the day. Recommended at 20% intensity for 15–60 minutes.
  • Recover. Ideal for post-workout or to possibly bounce back from physical or emotional stress. Suggested to be used at 30% intensity for 5–30 minutes.
  • Energy. Excellent for pre-workout or when you are feeling sluggish, it suggestively offers a quick pick-me-up. Start at 10–20% intensity for 15 minutes.
  • Social. For when you are socializing but feel mentally drained. Use at 30–40% intensity for 30–60 minutes, this vibe might help you connect with others.

You can choose the duration and intensity for each “Vibe.”

Pros and cons of Apollo Wearable

Benefits of Apollo

Apollo offers a range of benefits aimed at enhancing emotional and physical well-being. Though not a medical device, its technology draws parallels to transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS), garnering both intrigue and skepticism in its approach to stress management.

For Sleep

Potential benefitsConsiderations
Suitable vibration modes
19% and 6% increase in deep sleep and total sleep time respectivelyMore evidence is required to ascertain Apollo's benefit for sleep sufficiently
Energy, Focus, Recover, Unwind, and Fall Asleep

While the ongoing study on transcutaneous vibratory stimulation (TVS) awaits final results in 2025, Apollo has reported some preliminary, unpublished results, showing an increase in deep sleep by 19% and total sleep time by 6%.

The Apollo website suggests a routine using multiple vibration modes, to prepare your body and mind for restorative sleep. The vibration modes — Energy, Focus, Recover, Unwind, and Fall Asleep — could be used at recommended hours throughout the day.

The preliminary findings from the ongoing Apollo sleep study are in concert with the independent scientific evidence, showing the benefits of vibroacoustic stimulation for sleep quality.

However, more evidence is warranted to ascertain Apollo’s beneficial utility in sleep.

For stress

Potential benefitsConsiderations
Suitable vibration modes
40% reduction in stress scoresMore research is required to ascertain Apollo's benefit for stress sufficiently
Calm, Focus, Recover, Unwind, and Fall Asleep

Apollo aims to combat stress by sending soothing vibrations to touch receptors, a method backed by limited but promising research. A study involving athletes showed increased heart rate variability (HRV), suggesting an improved stress response and greater resilience.

Additionally, a preliminary pilot study with nursing staff indicated a 40% reduction in stress scores within two weeks of Apollo use.

On their website, Apollo suggests a routine using vibration modes like Calm, Focus, Recover, Unwind, and Fall Asleep to bolster stress resilience.

However, many of these studies are ongoing or unpublished, necessitating cautious interpretation.

For performance

Potential benefitsConsiderations
Suitable vibration modes
Increased heart rate variabilityMore research is required to ascertain Apollo's benefit for performance sufficiently
Focus, Recover, Unwind, Fall Asleep, and Energy

Apollo proposes to enhance performance through touch-based vibrations. According to a study assessing 22 healthy college athletes, vibrations, rated as the most calming, were correlated with increased heart rate variability, which suggests faster physical recovery.

Apollo's website recommends specific vibration modes like Focus, Recover, Unwind, Fall Asleep, and Energy for optimizing mental and physical performance.

However, these claims should remain under scrutiny, as only a limited number of studies are published and peer-reviewed.

These ongoing and unpublished studies necessitate a cautious approach to interpreting Apollo's efficacy for performance enhancement.

For socializing

Potential benefitsConsiderations
Suitable vibration modes
Improved social interactionsMore research is required to ascertain Apollo's benefit for socializing sufficiently
Social, Focus, Recover, Unwind, Fall Asleep, and Energy

Apollo suggests that its Wearable can be a valuable tool for improving social interactions. The device's vibrotactile stimulation aims to soothe the nervous system, potentially making social situations less daunting.

According to Apollo's website, using specific vibration modes such as Social, Focus, Recover, Unwind, Fall Asleep, and Energy can help users feel “safe, open, and in control” during social settings.

However, the scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited and not peer-reviewed, leading to questions about the robustness of these purported benefits.

Therefore, the effectiveness of Apollo for socializing remains largely anecdotal, although promising at this point.

Possible side effects of Apollo device

While there is limited information about the specific side effects of using the Apollo device, it is worth noting that the technology employed — described as vibrotactile stimulation — may differ from traditional VNS methods.

However, for context, tVNS devices have been associated with some side effects, such as skin irritation or mild discomfort at the site of application. Given that Apollo also involves tactile stimulation, similar localized skin reactions could potentially occur.

No severe adverse effects have been reported in the available Apollo studies, but the evidence is not yet conclusive due to the limited number of peer-reviewed publications.

Note
Apollo is considered a general wellness device that is not intended to treat, cure, or mitigate any disease.

How much does Apollo cost?

Purchase optionsPriceMoney-back guaranteeWhat is included
Apollo Wearable$299.00Within 30 daysApollo Wearable, access to the Apollo Neuro app (iOS and Android), 1 Apollo Medium Band, 1 Apollo Clip, and Micro-USB charging cord
Certified Refurbished Apollo Wearable$199.00Within 30 daysCertified Refurbished Apollo Wearable, access to the Apollo Neuro app (iOS and Android), 1 Medium Band, and Micro-USB charging cord

Additionally, you can purchase Apollo Clips and Bands separately, the latter coming in 3 different sizes, for $20 and $25 respectively.

Moreover, in addition to a 30-day refund policy, Apollo users may benefit from a 1-year warranty.

How soon can you expect results?

The time it takes to experience results from using the Apollo device can vary between individuals and depends on the specific issues being addressed.

According to the preliminary results of some pilot studies, users like nursing staff reported a 40% reduction in stress scores within two weeks of use. According to the provider, it can take up to 30 days of continual use to realize the device has an effect on you.

However, future studies should be designed to regularly assess the results of Apollo use over time. The lack of data makes it difficult to evaluate the time it takes to notice the expected resuts.

Always keep in mind that personal experiences may differ, and it may require consistent use over an extended period to notice substantial changes.

Customer feedback about Apollo

Apollo has garnered a fair number of customer reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Amazon, and Reddit. A thorough look at these reviews shows a range of opinions, with many users sharing positive experiences, though some opinions do vary.

First, let's look at Trustpilot and see what Apollo users had to say about their experiences. The general consensus from users on Trustpilot is relatively mixed, with a 3.2-star rating reflecting this sentiment. But it seems like the positives still outweigh the negatives. The majority of positive reviews highlight how the wearable helped users improve their sleep quality. On the other hand, negative reviews often point to the high price and perceived lack of significant benefits, particularly when it comes to managing stress.

Now, the reviews on Amazon are a bit more positive, with a 3.6-star rating to back it up. If we're talking performance, Amazon users, just like those on Trustpilot, are pretty happy with how the wearable has improved their sleep quality. They particularly appreciate how it helps them fall asleep and stay asleep. Apollo also gets a thumbs-up from customers for the multiple modes it supports.

However, there are also a few downsides. Some people mention connectivity problems and difficulty syncing the wearable with its app. But the biggest complaint from Amazon users appears to be its battery life — many find it simply too short.

What Reddit users are saying about Apollo

And if you're wondering what Reddit users — a community that usually tells it like it is — think about Apollo, we've got you covered. Below are both the positives and negatives.

  • Positive. Looking at the positives first, many Redditors have shared great experiences with Apollo. They say it's helped them improve their meditation skills and get better sleep — similar stories to what we encountered on Amazon. Some even find Apollo calming and effective during panic attacks.
  • Negative. There are two sides to the coin — for others, Apollo falls short. They feel the wearable is overpriced for what it delivers, describing its effects as subtle and not worth the price tag. Then there are those who question its performance fundamentally, suggesting the placebo effect might be behind the perceived benefits. Battery life is another common concern — several have complained that it takes a long time to recharge.

Alternatives of Apollo

When it comes to alternatives to the Apollo device, several other products offer unique approaches to enhancing mental and physical well-being:

  • Pulsetto. A cost-effective tVNS device worn around the neck, Pulsetto pairs with an app to offer 5 stimulation programs for anxiety, burnout, pain management, sleep, and stress. The device is FCC-certified and priced at $269, making it the cheapest on this list. We compared Pulsetto vs Apollo so you can choose the best device for your needs more easily.
  • Sensate. Unlike traditional tVNS devices, Sensate uses soundwaves for vagus nerve toning. Placed on the chest, it emits frequencies that promote relaxation and costs between $299 and $1196 based on package options.
  • Hapbee. This unique tVNS device employs ultra-low radio frequency energy. Worn around the neck, it comes with 6 modes targeting specific states of mind and costs $399, with bundle options available.
  • Nurosym. Priced at $699, Nurosym is recognized by the medical community. It leverages transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation via an earpiece. The device has been shown to have potential therapeutic utility in addressing Long Covid-associated symptoms.

Each alternative has its own set of pros and cons, such as the need for more clinical research, different body placement, and varying price points. Knowing your specific needs will help you select the best device for you.

Apollo review conclusion

Overall, we think that the Apollo device offers an innovative and well-thought-out approach to well-being, although it could benefit from improvements in several areas.

What we like

In our opinion, the Apollo device's versatility stands out. You can wear it as a bracelet or clip it to your clothes, making it convenient for daily use. The research-based approach adds credibility, and the silent vibrations ensure you can use the device discreetly.

We particularly appreciate its compatibility with health-tracking apps, providing an integrated wellness experience.

What we don’t like

Our view on the downsides centers around its battery life and charging time. Compared to other devices in the market, Apollo takes longer to charge and has a shorter battery lifespan, which could be an inconvenience for some users.

Furthermore, despite numerous claims about having undertaken clinical trials, only some of them seem to be published.

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