FAQs
Quick answers about your Hoolest Mini, gel tips, orders, returns and warranty.
Using your Hoolest Mini
Setup, sessions, charging and safety. The full guide is on the Get Started page.
How do I turn my Hoolest Mini on and off?
Press and hold (+) for about 1 second until the lights come on. A quick tap won't do it. To turn it off, hold (−) until all the lights are off, then put the magnetic cap back on. It also switches itself off after 2 minutes if you don't press a button right after turning it on, and after 15 minutes with no button presses.
Where exactly do I put it on my neck?
Find the soft spot right under your earlobe, just behind your jawbone. Hold the Mini upright, in line with your neck, and press both gel tips in with medium to firm pressure. If you're pressing behind your ear, you're too far back.
What should it feel like? Does it hurt?
Most people feel a steady buzz or tingle that runs up into the ear; the first time, it can feel like pins and needles. It should feel strong but comfortable, never painful: if it stings, press (−), push the gel tips all the way in, or try a fresh pair. If it still feels sharp with fresh tips, stop and email support@hoolest.com.
I don't feel anything. What should I check?
Move the Mini slowly, a few millimeters at a time, and press a little firmer. Make sure the gel tips are fresh and pushed all the way in, then press (+) one step at a time, and charge it if the battery light is red. Still nothing? Email support@hoolest.com and we'll help.
How long should a session be, and how often can I use it?
A full session is 5 minutes on each side of your neck (10 minutes in total); short on time, 1 to 5 minutes per side works, and one side on its own is fine too. Use it whenever you feel stressed. As a routine, try twice a day (morning and before bed) for 2 to 3 weeks, then once a day or a few times a week.
How do I change the strength, and what do the lights mean?
Your Mini always starts at strength 1, the gentlest. Press (+) on the right to go up or (−) on the left to go down, from 1 to 10; the 5 lights show your strength, and all 5 bright means 10. Once you feel the buzz, turn it up until it's as strong as you can comfortably handle.
How do I charge it, and how long does the battery last?
Use only the USB-C cable that came with your Mini and plug it in while it's off: the lights fill left to right, and all 5 stay on when it's full. A full charge takes about 1 hour and runs up to about 2.5 hours at full strength. The battery light is green above 25% and red below 25%, so charge it soon when it's red.
Who should not use the Hoolest Mini?
Don't use it if you have a pacemaker or other implanted medical device, metal implants in your head or neck, or a metal stent, plate or screw at or near your neck; heart disease or a heart-rhythm problem, carotid artery disease, a history of seizures or epilepsy, a recent stroke, a chronic nervous system condition, or skin problems where it goes; or if you are pregnant or under 18. Don't use it while driving or operating machinery. If you're not sure, ask your doctor first; the full list is on the Get Started page.
Are there side effects? When should I stop a session?
Some people notice minor effects, such as tingling where the device was. Stop right away if it feels painful or uncomfortable, or if you notice shortness of breath, a change in your voice or taste, skin irritation, muscle twitching, dizziness or fainting, ringing in your ears, a headache that gets worse, an abnormal heart rhythm, pins and needles that lasts after your session, or the device getting uncomfortably hot. If symptoms continue, get medical care; the full list is on the Get Started page.
Is the Mini waterproof, and how do I clean it?
No, it's not waterproof: never rinse it or put it in water, and don't use it with wet skin or right after a shower, bath or swim. If it's been dropped into water, don't use it; email support@hoolest.com. After each use, wipe it with a soft, dry cloth, then with 70% isopropyl alcohol, and let it dry completely (the alcohol is for the device, not the gel tips).
Which device do I have, a Hoolest Mini or a VeRelief Prime?
The Hoolest Mini is keychain-size with one mode and + / − buttons. The VeRelief Prime is about twice the size, with five modes, and has its own video center. Hoolest Pro (formerly VeRelief Pro) is the headphones. Not sure? Email support@hoolest.com and a real person will help.
Does it work? What does the research say?
In a real-world survey of more than 1,000 first responders, 94% felt calmer after a single session. Hoolest Mini is a wellness device, not a medical device. The research page has more on vagus nerve stimulation.
Gel tips & GABA
Gel tips fit every Hoolest device. GABA Calm Pouches are a dietary supplement.
How long does a pair of gel tips last?
A pair lasts up to 2 weeks or about 20 uses, whichever comes first. Swap sooner if sessions feel weaker, the tips look dirty or dry, or it starts to feel sharp. Weak sessions are most often old tips, so try a fresh pair before emailing support.
How do I put in new gel tips?
Slide off the magnetic cap and pull out the old pair. Place a fresh pair into the ports narrow side down and press until they're all the way in. There's no gel or paste to apply.
Which devices do the gel tips fit?
They fit every Hoolest device: Hoolest Mini, VeRelief Prime and Hoolest Pro. The original 2020 VeRelief Mini uses different tips, so email support@hoolest.com to order those.
Which gel tip supply should I buy? Is it a subscription?
At one pair every 2 weeks, 6 pairs (12 gel tips) last about 3 months, 12 pairs (24 gel tips) about 6 months, and 24 pairs (48 gel tips) about 12 months. You pay once: nothing renews and there's nothing to cancel. Current prices are on the gel tips page.
Do I need a discount code for the gel tip savings?
No. The saving goes into your cart automatically when you tap Add to Cart. Some device offers can't be combined with it, so with one of those in your cart, gel tips may show at the store price.
How do I keep my gel tips from drying out? I lost my cap.
Put the cap back on after every session and keep your device somewhere cool and dry. Unopened pouches kept sealed at room temperature, out of direct sun, stay fresh for up to 2 years. Lost your cap? A replacement cap for the Hoolest Mini or VeRelief Prime is $9.95; choose your device when you add it.
Can I share my gel tips with someone else?
Technically yes, but for hygiene and performance we recommend everyone uses their own pair. Gel tips are affordable and easy to swap.
What's in the GABA Calm Pouches, and how do I use them?
Each nicotine-free spearmint pouch has 75mg GABA and 75mg L-theanine, with 20 pouches per can. Place one pouch under your lip. Full ingredients and directions are on the GABA Calm Pouches page.* *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Who should not take the GABA pouches?
They're not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or anyone taking sedatives, sleep medication or blood pressure medication. If you have a medical condition or take prescription drugs, ask your doctor before using them.
Orders & shipping
US standard shipping is free on orders of $29 or more.
How much does shipping cost?
US standard shipping is free on orders of $29 or more, and $5 on orders under $29. Alaska and Hawaii get the same rates, plus an Express option (2-3 business days) for $49.99 at checkout.
When will my order ship, and when will it arrive?
Orders ship within 1-2 business days (Monday to Friday, not holidays), so weekend orders go out the following Monday or Tuesday. US standard delivery takes about 4-7 business days. We email your tracking number as soon as it ships.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, by DHL Express. You'll see the cost and the countries we ship to at checkout, and free shipping doesn't apply outside the US. Delivery time depends on the carrier, and you pay any import taxes, duties or VAT. If a parcel is refused because those fees weren't paid, the return costs and a $10 processing fee are taken out of your refund.
Can I pay with HSA/FSA?
Yes, the Hoolest Mini is HSA/FSA eligible. GABA Calm Pouches are not.
How do I change my order or talk to a real person?
Email support@hoolest.com with your order number and a real person will reply. To change an order or a gel tip subscription, email us and we'll take care of it. Support hours are 9am to 5pm MST, Monday to Friday. Active customers hear back within 24 hours during business hours, and other questions within 1 to 2 business days, not counting weekends or holidays.
Delivery problems
Orders since October 19, 2026 can be covered by SavedBy Package Protection.
My order is late or never arrived. What do I do?
Orders ship within 1-2 business days, and US standard delivery usually takes 4-7 business days after that. Check the tracking link in your shipping email first. If your order has a 'SavedBy Package Protection' line, file at savedby.io/file-a-claim or email claims@savedby.io; SavedBy will reship or refund, usually the same day. If you ordered before October 19, 2026 and have Route, file with Route. With no protection, file a lost or stolen claim with the carrier (international orders: contact DHL first). If a repeat order or subscription order is late, email support@hoolest.com for a refund or replacement.
My package arrived damaged. What now?
With SavedBy Package Protection, file at savedby.io/file-a-claim; SavedBy will tell you what they need, such as photos. Older orders with Route file with Route. Without protection, email support@hoolest.com within 10 days of delivery with photos.
My package was sent back to you because of an address problem. What happens?
If a package comes back to us because of an address problem or another customer-side reason, email support@hoolest.com. We can resend it to the address on your order, and you pay the estimated shipping cost. If you'd rather not have it reshipped, a flat fee of $20 applies ($30 for international orders). Exceptions may be made with management approval.
Returns & warranty
Start any return or warranty claim at hoolest.com/pages/returns.
How long do I have to return my device?
From your delivery date: 30 days for the Hoolest Mini and VeRelief Prime (60 days on the Lasting Relief Bundle), and 60 days for the Hoolest Pro and Mini Max PEMF. The money-back guarantee covers the first unit of each product type, though exceptions may be made for bundle orders. Thinking of sending it back? Email us first, in case it's an easy fix.
Are returns free? What comes out of my refund?
Hoolest Mini and VeRelief Prime returns in the US are free: we email you a prepaid label, and there's no processing or restocking fee. For other products, you pay return shipping, a $10 processing fee is deducted, and a 15% restocking fee applies if the original packaging is missing. Mini Max PEMF also has a $30 restocking fee. Original shipping and package protection fees aren't refunded. Hoolest Sleep has its own terms (see below).
How do I start a return, and how fast will I get my refund?
Go to hoolest.com/pages/returns and choose 'I want to return my order', or email support@hoolest.com with your order number. We'll email you return instructions. Send it back in its original packaging, with everything it came with, in like-new condition. Refunds are processed within 3 business days of us receiving it, to your original payment method, and can take up to 10 days to show in your account.
Can I return gel tips or GABA pouches?
Only if they're unopened: gel tips within 60 days of delivery and GABA pouches within 30 days. Opened ones can't be returned for health and safety reasons. You pay return shipping, and a $10 processing fee applies.
Can I get a refund on Hoolest Sleep?
Yes. Your first order of Hoolest Sleep has a 30-day money-back guarantee from delivery, for up to 3 bottles (even partly used ones), and you don't need to send anything back. Just email support@hoolest.com. Original shipping fees aren't refunded.
How long is the warranty, and what does it cover?
The Hoolest Mini, VeRelief Prime and Hoolest Pro have 1 year; the Mini Max PEMF has 2 years (5 with the optional Extended Warranty), and a Certified Refurbished Prime has 90 days, all from your delivery date. It covers defects in materials and workmanship. It doesn't cover accessories like gel tips and cables, loss, theft, liquid exposure or cosmetic wear.
My device stopped working. How do I make a warranty claim?
Go to hoolest.com/pages/returns and choose 'My device isn't working', or email support@hoolest.com with your order number, shipping address and what's happening (a photo or video helps). Once the defect is confirmed, we send a replacement with a return label. Send the faulty unit back within 7 business days of the replacement arriving, or you may be charged the replacement's shipping. Warranty support covers the US, Canada, UK and Australia. Outside the US, photo or video proof is required and you don't need to return the unit.
I bought my device on Amazon. Can I still return it or make a warranty claim?
Yes. We handle returns and warranty claims for devices bought from our official Amazon store, with the same standard warranty. Start at hoolest.com/pages/returns, choose 'Amazon' under 'Where did you buy?', and enter your Amazon order number.
Subscriptions & account
Gel tip supplies are one-time purchases. These questions cover existing subscriptions and plans.
How do I cancel or change my subscription?
Email support@hoolest.com before your next billing date and we'll take care of it. Cancelling stops future shipments at no cost, but orders already billed can't be refunded (unless one arrives late, damaged or wrong). If your subscription includes lifetime warranty coverage, that coverage ends when you cancel and your device goes back to its standard warranty.
How does the Daily Calm Starter Pack subscription work?
You pay $99 today for the Hoolest Mini, your first 30-day supply of GABA Calm Pouches and 2 pairs (4 gel tips). Then a 30-day supply of pouches plus 2 pairs (4 gel tips) arrives every 4 weeks for $29, with free US shipping, until you cancel. The Mini itself never renews; a one-time option is $147.
I have a lifetime plan (Stress Protection Plan, gel subscription warranty or Care Plan). Is it still valid?
Yes, as long as your plan is still active. These plans are no longer sold to new customers, but existing members keep their terms. Lifetime coverage lasts only while your subscription or membership stays active and in good standing. If you cancel, your device goes back to its standard warranty, counted from your original delivery date. Your plan's full terms are on the Warranty page under Warranty Coverage by Product.
Still need help?
Email support@hoolest.com with your order number and what's going on, and our team will get back to you. For returns and device problems, you can also start online at hoolest.com/pages/returns.
