Comparison Review: The EmWave Personal Stress Reliever And The RESPeRATE Blood Pressure Lowering Device
5th September, 2010Today’s review is a little different in that we will be comparing two devices that I have already reviewed: The emWave Personal Stress Reliever and The RESPeRATE Blood Pressure Lowering Device. Before we get started, I should tell you that I believe that both of these products are very good overall. Both the emWave and RESPeRATE devices are similar in some primary respects – albeit, very different in others. Regardless, both of the devices do an excellent job at helping to relieve stress, which in turn also helps to lower blood pressure.
Ways They are the Same
I guess it will be easiest if I first tell you about how the two devices are similar. Both the emWave and RESPeRATE devices allow you to lower blood pressure and stress levels by helping you learn to control and slow your breathing pattern. The concept is nothing new and is one that has been taught in Yoga and other self meditation disciplines for centuries.
Actually the theory is amazingly simple; the slower you breathe – the calmer you will become and less stress that is placed on your heart. So, the fact that blood pressure is lowered and stress is relieved should not comes as a surprise. Although the process is simple enough to understand, many people find it hard to achieve without aid or instruction, and therein lies many people’s need for these types of devices.
Ways They are Different
Although both devices help you attain lower blood pressure and reduced stress by encouraging a more relaxed rate of breathing, the way the two machines handle the task is very different.
The emWave Device
The emWave product utilizes a series of blinking LED lights and a thumb sensor to help you attain a state of relaxed breathing. To use the emWave Personal Stress Reliever, a user need only place their thumb on the sensor and then the device will automatically detect the pulse of the user.
The device will then signal you through means of the LED lights, when to breathe in and out in order to help you lengthen the duration between breaths that, after a few minutes, results in a calmer and more relaxed frame of mind. Once you begin to breath more slowly and relax, your heart doesn’t have to work as hard – and your blood pressure is effectively lowered. The device also comes with an ear sensor, which can be used in place of the thumb sensor.
The RESPeRATE Device
The RESPeRATE device, on the other hand, performs the same function as the emWAVE machine – but, in a totally different manner. Rather than using a thumb or ear sensor and flashing lights, the RESPeRATE device uses a sensor belt and musical tones to achieve the same type of results.
To use the RESPeRATE device, you first place a sensor belt around your chest or waist that will detect your heartbeat and pulse. Then, you put on the headphones. After the machine detects your pulse rhythm, the device will begin to play series of pleasing and melodic tones. The first tone signals when you should breathe in and the second: when to breathe out.
The machine increases the duration of the tones until you are taking only about 10 breaths a minute - which is a very calm and relaxing breathing level. After you have reached the desired rate of breathing, you should notice a significant decrease in your stress level and blood pressure.
The Conclusion
Because both of these machines are effective in helping to slow breathing and reduce blood pressure and stress levels, choosing one over the other is rather difficult. Even so, many of you want a verdict – so, mine is:
If the $250 - $300 price of the RESPeRATE device doesn’t put you off, then you will probably find it easier and more convenient to use. I foresee that most people will find listening to music – rather than staring at blinking lights – will be more convenient in terms of ease of use. On the other hand, the $150 price tag of the emWave device makes it a much more attractive value in terms of affordability. For some, the appeal of $100+ saving might be the decider.
Tags: emwave, emwave personal stress reliever, heartmath, resperate