VeRelief Electrodes are a standout product in the electrical stimulation space. With a proprietary and special mix of materials, they deliver stimulation comfortably without the need for wet gel or saline solution. There's also no need to clean the device or yourself after use, making it convenient and user-friendly.
Despite these innovative features, these electrodes, like all others, aren't permanent and need to be replaced occasionally. This article aims to provide you with some best practices to maximize the lifespan and efficacy of your VeRelief Electrodes.
Reasons Why Electrodes May Stop Working
At some point, you will need to replace the electrode gels because you won't get effective stimulation from them anymore. This can occur anytime between 3 - 14 days after putting a fresh pair of electrodes into the device.
There are three primary reasons why electrodes don't last as long for some people as others.
- Climate
- Frequency of use
- Nerve health
Climate
If you live in a dry environment (like Arizona), electrodes will not last as long as if you live in a humid environment (like Florida). This is because the electrodes are water-based and the water will evaporate faster in a dry climate.
When the water evaporates, the electrodes can lose their conductivity and therefore they will not be as effective.
Frequency of Use
If you use the electrodes more than 3 times per day, there is a good chance the electrodes will shrink faster than if you only used it 2 times or less per day. This is because the combination of exposure to air and pressure applied to the electrodes will cause the water to evaporate from the electrodes faster.
When the water evaporates, the electrodes can lose their conductivity and therefore they will not be as effective.
Nerve Health
As humans age, a number of changes occur to our nerves that affect nerve conduction and therefore decreased function. This can include nerve degeneration and loss of nerve fibers, myelin sheath degradation which results in less efficient communication between nerves and neurons, and reduced nerve regeneration which makes it more difficult to recover from a nerve injury.
These factors affect electrode use life in such a way that you may not feel the stimulation coming from the electrodes anymore even when they are only a few days old.
Hopefully the tips described below are sufficient to address any challenges you might have with VeRelief Electrodes.
Proper Storage
Unlike other vagal nerve stimulators, VeRelief electrodes are designed to be stored in the device when not in use, virtually eliminating any setup time. However, to maintain their optimal condition, it's important to keep the lid on the device when you're not using it. This helps prevent the electrodes from drying out.
For an added layer of preservation, consider removing the electrodes from the device and storing them in an empty jar when not in use. Adding a few drops of saline or saltwater solution to the jar can help keep the electrodes moist and prolong their usability. While these strategies can extend the lifespan of your electrodes, they aren't a permanent solution.
Revitalizing Dry Electrodes with Moisturizer
Over time, it's natural for your VeRelief electrodes to become dry. When this happens, they may feel sharp, cause irritation, or not conduct stimulation as effectively as before. Fortunately, there's a simple fix for these issues - applying a small amount of skin lotion, gel, or moisturizer to the area of your neck where you apply the electrodes.
This small act can dramatically improve your experience. The lotion helps moisturize the skin, improving its conductivity and ultimately enhancing the performance of an older, dry set of electrodes. If you don’t have lotion readily available, tap water can serve as a quick alternative.
This also serves to extend the total use life of the electrodes. Some people with dry skin or over a certain age struggle to feel the stimulation, even after 2-3 days of use. Applying a skin lotion or gel can improve the performance of an old pair of electrodes and extend the total use life.
In Conclusion
While VeRelief electrodes boast an impressive lifespan and user-friendly features, following these best practices can ensure you get the most out of your VeRelief experience. Proper storage and knowing how to revive dry electrodes can go a long way in maximizing the life and performance of these unique components. Your journey to wellness deserves to be as effective and convenient as possible. With these tips, we hope to help you do just that.