The EmWave Personal Stress Reliever Versus The RESPeRATE Blood Pressure Lowering Device

In our review today, we are going to do something a little different and compare two products we have previously written about: the emWave Personal Stress Reliever and the RESPeRATE Blood Pressure Lowering Device. Let me begin by saying that I really like both devices and that a lot of thought has been put into this review. Both of these products share some basic similarities as well as some primary differences. However, they are both are at effective at helping you relieve stress and lower your blood pressure – so, in that respect they are clearly both winners.

Ways They are the Same

To start, let’s talk about the ways the two devices are similar. Both of the devices help you to reduce stress levels and blood pressure by training you in breathing in a more controlled and relaxed manner. The idea of controlled breathing is not a new concept in relieving stress and is one that has been taught by Yoga masters for hundreds of years.

The idea is simple – if you can breathe in and out in a slower and more relaxed manner, your heart does not work as hard and you become calmer. Therefore, the end result of lower blood pressure and reduced stress is not at all surprising. While the ideas is relatively simple to grasp, it is still something many people cannot achieve without some assistance and that is where these devices can help.

The Differences

Though both the emWave and RESPeRATE devices assist in attaining more relaxed breathing patterns, the two devices achive the task in different ways.

The emWave Personal Stress Reliever

The emWave product utilizes a series of blinking LED lights and a thumb sensor to help you attain a state of relaxed breathing. To operate the machine, you simply press your thumb on the sensor and the device will determine your current stress level based on the rate of your heartbeat and pulse.

After the emWave device properly detects your pulse rate, the machine will let you know when to breathe in and out by signaling you with LED light sequences – which will then help to cause a more relaxed state 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. For times when using the thumb sensor is not practical, the unit also has an ear sensor that you can use as an alternative.

 

The RESPeRATE Device

With the RESPeRATE device, you don’t use lights to help control your breathing. Instead, the RESPeRATE Blood Pressure Lowering Device detects your pulse with a sensor belt and helps you control your breathing by playing melodic tones that not only guide your breathing but also are calming and soothing.

In order to use the RESPeRATE device, you must place a senor belt around either your chest or waist; the sensor will then detect your heart rate and pulse. Next, you simply don the included headphones, and the machine will start to play two different musical tones. The first tone signals when you should breathe in and the second: when to breathe out.

Once the music starts playing, the RESPeRATE device will incrementally increase the duration of the tones until you are taking only about 10 breaths per minute – which is about the number of breaths you take when your are very relaxed or  asleep. Once you reach this rate of breathing, you should feel much more relaxed, the result of which is reduced stress and lowered blood pressure.

Our Recommendation

Both of machines do an excellent job of helping you relieve your stress and lower blood pressure; therefore, it is rather difficult to choose a clear-cut winner. Nevertheless, a comparison usually calls for a decision – so, this is mine:

Aside from the $250 - $300 price tag of the RESPeRATE device, you will probably find it easier to use than the emWave product. I believe that most users will find the method of listening to music with headphones to be more relaxing than trying to follow a winking light pattern. However, if you are on a budget – but still want an effective product – then the emWave is the more attractive choice.  Saving $100+ might have appeal for some!