A vagus nerve stimulation devices aim to help you maintain and restore the balance in your body by affecting various bodily systems, such as digestion and heart rate. If you live in the UK, you might be wondering where to find the best options. Finding a high-quality vagus nerve stimulation device that’s accessible and affordable can be somewhat daunting.
In this article, you’ll find a carefully curated list of the best vagus nerve stimulation devices in the UK, and options that can be shipped to the UK at a reasonable cost. By introducing our expert research on potential benefits, we hope you make an informed decision.
Best vagus nerve stimulation device in the UK: shortlist
- Nurosym — best vagus nerve stimulation device in the UK
- Pulsetto — top-class vagus nerve stimulator with free shipping to the UK
- Neuvana — portable vagus nerve stimulation device available in the UK
- Hoolest — vagus nerve stimulation device for stress relief
- Truvaga Plus — compact vagus nerve stimulator for at-home use
How we ranked the top vagus nerve stimulation devices in the UK
To find the best vagus nerve stimulation devices in the UK, we explored and analyzed numerous at-home options and narrowed down our list to help you make an informed decision. Here are the factors we used to rank the top vagus nerve stimulation devices:
Availability | Features | Technology used | Price |
Available in the UK, worldwide shipping | Easy controls, multiple modes and intensity levels | tVNS (transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation) | £212–599 |
- Availability. We prioritized devices that are readily available for purchase or shipping within the UK to guarantee a convenient experience.
- Features. We also considered additional functionalities such as intensity levels, stimulation modes, and app compatibility to evaluate the overall device experience.
- Technology. We assessed the type of stimulation technology used and what region the device stimulates, such as taVNS (transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation) or tcVNS (transcutaneous cervical vagus nerve stimulation), and considered its ease of use.
- Price. We compared device prices to their features and benefits to make sure you get value for money.
Best Vagus Nerve Stimulation Device in the UK in 2024: overview
Now that we've covered how we chose the best UK vagus nerve stimulation devices, let's dive into the specifics. Here's a breakdown of some of the best VNS devices available in the UK and how each of them stands out in the crowd:
1. Nurosym — advanced technology vagus nerve stimulation device in the UK
Nurosym is one of the best vagus nerve stimulation devices for the UK in 2024. This transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulator is known for its innovative neuromodulation capabilities created to optimize health.
It comes with an earpiece, which uses specifically engineered signals to target your vagus nerve. While it doesn’t have an integrated app, you manage the device with an intuitive control, which lets you choose the mode.
You can get a Nurosym device for £599 and mostly free shipping in the UK. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee included and a 2-year warranty, ensuring its longevity.
2. Pulsetto — top-tier vagus nerve stimulator with free shipping to the UK
Pulsetto is another great-value vagus nerve stimulator that’s available in the UK. It’s a non-invasive cervical vagus nerve stimulation device that you comfortably wear on your neck and can seamlessly blend into your daily routines.
Pulsetto’s mobile app covers potential tcVNS benefits by allowing users to choose from five stimulation programs and eight frequency levels. Once you choose the program and frequency level, Pulsetto emits electric pulses via its electrodes connected to skin, providing a skin-tingling sensation.
Purchase the Pulsetto device for £212 with free worldwide shipping. This means you can get it to your home in the UK or any other location free of charge. A money-back guarantee is for 30 days, while the warranty is for 2 years.
3. Neuvana — flexible use vagus nerve stimulation device available in the UK
Neuvana Xen is a flexible auricular vagus nerve stimulation device that is available in the UK. This type of VNS targets the vagus nerve through gentle electrical stimulation delivered via earbuds.
Besides its discreet design, you control the device via an app, which allows you to choose 3 pre-programmed modes: Ambient, Sensation, and Sync. Neuvana Xen also lets you listen to your favourite music simultaneously while stimulating your vagus nerve.
You can get a Neuvana device for £409.01. Depending on the location in the UK, you might be eligible for free shipping. You also get a 1-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
4. Hoolest — handheld stress relief tool with 5 stimulation modes
Hoolest is a non-invasive VNS device. The brand plans to expand its market beyond the United States, Canada, and Australia and, hopefully, soon to be available in the UK.
This handheld VNS device option uses a single electrode, which you place just under your ear to target the vagus nerve. There are 5 stimulation modes with customized intensity levels. These intuitive controls make Hoolest user-friendly and easy to use. You don’t need to install any apps or connect it to your phone.
Hoolest is priced at $399.95 in the US. In any case, you get a 1-year warranty and a 60-day money-back guarantee.
5. Truvaga Plus — small and compact vagus nerve stimulator with unlimited sessions
Truvaga Plus is a small vagus nerve stimulation device designed for quick and gentle vagus nerve stimulation.
This stimulator provides unlimited sessions and a free integrated app for managing and customizing your sessions and progress. Using the device is quite simple. Just apply the provided gel to the electrodes and place it on the side of your neck, aiming to target the cervical part of the vagus nerve.
You can get Truvaga Plus for $499. While there’s no information about the warranty, you can use a 30-day unconditional refund guarantee. Currently, Truvaga devices are only available for distribution in the U.S.
Comparing the best vagus nerve stimulation devices available in the UK
Brand | Price | Technology | Key features | App integration | Warranty | Money-back guarantee |
Nurosym | £599 | taVNS | Modern design, CE certification, multiple modes | No | 2-year | 30-day |
Pulsetto | £212 | tcVNS | 5 stimulation programs, free shipping to the UK, CE certification | Yes | 2-year | 30-day |
Neuvana | £409.01 | taVNS | 3 modes, integrated app, portable design | Yes | 1-year | 30-day |
Hoolest | $399.95 | tcVNS | 5 stimulation modes, handheld design | No | 1-year | 60-day |
Truvaga Plus | $499 | tcVNS | Handheld, simple use, unlimited sessions | Yes | N/A | 30-day |
What is vagus nerve stimulation?
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a method that involves sending electrical signals to the vagus nerve. This long cranial nerve travels widely throughout your body, connecting to various organs along the way. It's often referred to as the body's wandering nerve due to its extensive reach.
The vagus nerve stimulation goal is to influence the body's autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, and respiration. This can possibly contribute to helping regulate mood, sleep, and potentially help with pain.
It's important to note that while VNS has shown promise in treating certain conditions, such as treatment-resistant epilepsy and depression, invasive devices are implanted in rare instances. On the other side, non-invasive at-home VNS devices for general well-being are still being researched. While some people have expressed it has improved their mood and stress, the evidence for these applications is still ongoing.
Benefits of vagus nerve stimulation
Noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation devices for home use have shown the potential to support a range of health conditions. Emerging research suggests they may offer benefits for people with stress, migraines, and headaches. Additionally, these devices could potentially help manage symptoms of sleep issues like insomnia.
The effectiveness of at-home VNS devices can vary significantly between individuals, and more research is needed to fully understand its long-term efficacy. Even though some users have noted positive results, you need to consult a healthcare professional to determine if vagus nerve stimulation is an option for your specific case. Non-invasive at-home VNS devices reviewed in this article cannot be considered as a treatment for serious health concerns.
How to use a vagus nerve stimulation device
Using an at-home, non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation device is generally pretty easy. Most at-home devices are designed with user-friendliness in mind.
Typically, you'll place the device on a part of your ear or neck. Some people find it helpful to apply a bit of gel (some tVNS devices come with gels) to the contact point for better conductivity. Once in place, you'll activate the device, often by pressing a button or within the app. The device then delivers gentle electrical pulses to stimulate the nerve.
Safety and side effects
Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is generally considered pretty safe when used as it should be. Meaning, not exceeding its recommended time of use, using it on the recommended parts of the body, and listening to your body responses. But, like anything, there can be a few side effects. Some might feel slight discomfort in the place of application or a slight headache.
It's important to remember that everyone's different, and what's fine for one person might not be for another. If you're thinking of giving a non-invasive VNS device a go, it's always best to chat with your GP first. They can give you the lowdown and make sure there's nothing to worry about.
FAQ
Can vagus nerve stimulation help reduce anxiety?
It may. Vagus nerve stimulation might help reduce anxiety-related symptoms by activating the body's relaxation response. While some studies show promise, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness for anxiety specifically.
How much do vagus nerve devices cost?
At-home vagus nerve devices typically cost between £100 and £600. Prices can vary depending on features, brand, and other criteria. The transcutaneous VNS devices for the UK from our list range between £212-£599.
Are vagus nerve devices FDA-approved?
FDA approval typically applies to medical devices for specific conditions. While some VNS devices have FDA clearance for certain uses, not all at-home devices will have this approval. Always check before buying.
7 resources
- StatPearls Publishing. Neuroanatomy, Cranial Nerve 10 (Vagus Nerve).
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Vagus Nerve Stimulation.
- The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. Vagus nerve stimulation.
- Bioelectronics in Medicine. Is There a Role for Vagus Nerve Stimulation in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder?
- Frontiers in Neurology. Management of auricular transcutaneous neuromodulation and electro-acupuncture of the vagus nerve for chronic migraine: a systematic review.
- Journal of the American Heart Association. Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Inflammation in Cardiovascular Disease: A State‐of‐the‐Art Review.
- Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Effect of Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation at Auricular Concha for Insomnia: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
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