The home neurofeedback system market is thriving in 2023, thanks to the industry's most recent advancements. During the last five years, a slew of headbands and smartphone devices aimed at consumers have emerged. While this is a positive development, it has led to complications. The term "neurofeedback" lacks regulatory oversight, which has resulted in products with differing capabilities and benefits being sold under the same label. These systems can range from professional-grade EEG-based equipment adjusted for home use to low-cost headbands with minimal computing requirements, with prices ranging from a mere hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. This makes it difficult for consumers to navigate the plethora of available options. This article will clarify the differences between various systems, the scientific principles backing them, and what to expect from their use.
Professional-Grade Home Systems
We will look at three professional-grade home neurofeedback systems adapted for home use or supplied for clinician-monitored home use: BrainPaint®, Mynerva®, and NeurOptimal®. The initial two systems are part of the traditional protocol or linear neurofeedback generation, while NeurOptimal® represents the latest Dynamical Neurofeedback EEG neurotherapy generation.
Protocol/Linear Neurofeedback At Home
Protocol or linear neurofeedback therapy is a powerful treatment requiring a prior diagnosis or brain map. This therapy is suited for individuals with conditions such as anxiety, autism, or ADHD. During a session, EEG sensors are attached to the head, and feedback is delivered through either auditory or visual cues to prompt self-adjustment.
When adapted for home use, a clinician oversees the progress remotely and directs an adult in the home to administer the sessions. Patients can now track their progress with in-depth readings of brain maps, which provides quantitative data on changes in brain frequencies over time.
Home protocol systems offer the reassurance of clinician's oversight, providing a sense of control for the patient while improving their overall wellbeing. However, setting protocols and measuring progress can be daunting, especially when dealing with numerous symptoms. In rare cases, temporary side effects may occur, causing short-term discomfort, but these typically resolve on their own.
BrainPaint®
BrainPaint® is a cutting-edge neurofeedback device that utilizes a thorough questionnaire to determine the best protocol for your training. Through measuring brainwave activity with 1-3 sensors placed on the scalp, the data is analyzed by a computer that provides real-time audio and visual feedback to help train your brain to produce optimal brainwave patterns. The 25-30 minute session is designed to self-regulate and improve overall brain functioning.
BrainPaint® is an effective treatment option for various mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and sleep disorders. It also enhances cognitive performance and supports peak performance in athletes and high-performing individuals.
Prices vary but typically range from $675-1500 per month with a two-month minimum and an additional monthly fee for each additional user. Invest in the cutting-edge technology of BrainPaint® and revolutionize your mental health and cognitive performance today.
MyNeurva®
MyNeurva® is a cutting-edge neurofeedback system designed to help alleviate symptoms associated with conditions such as ADHD, depression, and anxiety. Our licensed mental health professionals will guide and support you throughout your training sessions, all of which can be completed remotely from the comfort of your home.
Before beginning your training, a home QEEG device will be used to create a comprehensive brain map, establishing a baseline for your personalized brain training protocols. Clinician will then evaluate your map to determine the program that best suits your needs.
The neurofeedback training sessions last one hour with thirty minutes of eyes-open and thirty minutes of eyes-closed training. You'll receive real-time feedback based on your individualized treatment plan, allowing for progress tracking throughout your journey.
MyNeurva's popular package includes 20 neurofeedback sessions for $4,899.00.
Dynamical Neurofeedback At Home
Dynamical neurofeedback is a cutting-edge system that brings self-regulation and improved brain function within reach. By using real-time brainwave monitoring instead of QEEG brain maps, this recently introduced method allows for a more effective, efficient, and personalized training experience.
At the core of this approach lies the principles of dynamical systems theory, which views the brain as a complex, non-linear, adaptive system that needs guidance to function efficiently and effectively. Unlike traditional systems that focus on specific symptoms, training with Dynamical Neurofeedback aims to teach your brain how to perform better not only during the sessions but also throughout the day.
With five sensors placed on the scalp and clipped to the ears, the Dynamical neurofeedback system measures your brainwave activity, which then gets amplified and analyzed in real-time using a computer that performs over 200,000 mathematical calculations per second. By pinpointing maladaptive patterns and providing instant auditory feedback, this safe and fully automated system helps you optimize your performance without triggering state changes or relying on screen-based cues.
This approach is especially beneficial for children who might struggle with screen-intensive methods or those looking to take control of their brain's function without clinician oversight. While some may opt for the added cost of including qualitative brain mapping data for more extensive study, Dynamical Neurofeedback already provides the latest and best the industry can offer, all from the comfort of your own home.
NeurOptimal®: The Revolutionary Dynamical System
NeurOptimal® is the only dynamical system available in the market that captures all maladaptive brainwaves for an enriching cognitive and emotional experience. Its professional and home versions are identical, except for the lack of backend data analysis for the latter. Its state-of-the-art AutoNav feature allows fully automated and hassle-free sessions without the need to change or set protocols.
This revolutionary system supports changes in areas ranging from sleep quality to mood regulation and cognitive performance, making it a top choice for anyone looking for cognitive and emotional transformations. With just 5 wet sensors attached to the head and ears using conductive paste, 33-minute sessions can be completed with or without conscious focus on the screen, while an auditory feedback mechanism provides instant user feedback.
For a rental price ranging from $650 to $950 per month, depending on the number of sessions, users can leverage guidance from certified trainers, all required equipment, and paste for sensors. For those interested in purchasing the system, two options are available, a Limited-Use System starting at $7495 and an Unlimited-Use system at just $9995.
Direct-To-Consumer Neurofeedback Systems: A Cost-Effective Option for Trying Out Neurofeedback Technology
Over the past decade, several simpler and relatively cheaper home neurofeedback devices have been introduced to the market for direct purchase by consumers. Compared to professional-grade systems, these devices use dry EEG sensors to monitor brain activity and are less precise than wet sensors that NeurOptimal® uses. These devices can create positive changes during use, but their effects are usually temporary and don't improve overall brain functioning.
The scientific literature for each device should be reviewed as they all have varying measurements and techniques to induce a state change. Critically, none of these systems trigger neural plasticity but reduce specific pre-conceived changes such as focus or relaxation. All of these devices employ operant conditioning to modify behavior through positive reinforcement or entrainment.
Considering the cost-effectiveness, users can explore these devices to experience the potential of neurofeedback technology without any hefty expenses.
BrainTap®
Introducing BrainTap®, a revolutionary device that utilizes light pulses and sound to stimulate relaxation, focus, and other desirable brain states. With guided visualization audio sessions, BrainTap works by synchronizing brain patterns with external stimuli. This cutting-edge modality of working with the brain is known as entrainment or migration. It is important to note that this is not an EEG device; it induces temporary shifts in brain patterns, allowing for state changes. BrainTap is compatible with a wide range of carriers, such as smartphones or tablets, making it accessible to users on the go. For a monthly subscription of $29.99, users can experience the transformative benefits of brainwave entrainment.
Mendi®
Mendi® is a sleek and innovative headband device that utilizes functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to detect changes in brain blood flow and oxygenation. Unlike traditional EEG devices, this system measures the brain's response to changes in activation, providing efficient and precise training. With sensors that measure fNIRS signals, proprietary algorithms translate this data into visual feedback in the form of a game. The user controls the movement of a ball, and the steeper the upward curve, the more blood flow is detected in the prefrontal cortex. Delivered through a user-friendly mobile app, Mendi makes brain training fun and engaging. Available for purchase at $299, Mendi is an affordable and effective way to train your brain.
Narbis®
Narbis® employs groundbreaking technology explicitly designed to train attention-related issues. Developed from a NASA-patented algorithm originally designed for pilots, Narbis gauges distractibility by tracking brain activity related to attention and relaxation states. With dry sensors and LED glasses, Narbis measures alpha, beta, theta, and gamma frequencies to determine when the user is unfocused. When distracted, LED lights gently flash in the user's peripheral vision, providing visual feedback that can train the "muscle" of attention. Over time, users can reduce the need for continued use of the glasses as their brains become conditioned to associate the flashes with the need to refocus. At around $600, Narbis is an investment in your cognitive health that can make a world of difference in everyday activities such as homework, reading, and work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, neurofeedback systems can be beneficial in learning to gain a sense of control over physiological and mental states. There are various products available on the market that meet different needs and budgets.
However, it's essential to remember that accurate information is key to making an informed purchase decision. Additionally, understanding the scientific principles and functionalities of each system is vital to assess whether it will be effective or not.
Before spending any money on a home neurofeedback system, consulting a certified neurofeedback trainer should be done in order to get tailored advice. It is important to research and reflect upon the benefits of potential choices so as to gain maximum benefit from any investment made - both for the individual's overall well-being as well as financial cost!