Reliefband Neurowave wants to help combat VR motion sickness

CES 2017: Meet the wristband that's built for tackling nausea
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We've already explored in detail why VR makes some of us sick and motion sickness definitely has a big part to play in that.

One company that's hoping it can provide a solution to the problem is Reliefband, with its wrist worn Neurowave wearable that offers drug-free relief from nausea, retching and vomiting caused by motion sickness, but also from travelling or amusement rides.

The clinically proven, FDA-cleared device works by applying programmed pulses with highly specific waveforms, frequency and intensity to the median nerve, which is found on the underside of the wrist. The process is called 'neuromodulation' and uses the body's natural neural pathways to block the waves of nausea produced by the stomach.

This is the company's second wearable and the Neurowave is significantly slimmer than its predecessor. It has also jumped from 5 to 10 intensity settings, which can be controlled by two physical buttons on the side of the device. There's also a very easy to read display and a new hypoallergenic 316 surgical steel contacts to ensure transmission of the neuromodulation is more efficient.

Reliefband Neurowave wants to help combat VR motion sickness

We tried out the band, which uses a simple metal clasp to secure it in place ensuring that the contacts sit correctly on the band. You'll need to apply a small amount of gel that we're told ensures there's good contact between the skin and the device to tap into the median nerve.

Essential reading: The best VR headsets

After a few seconds of playing around with the intensity settings, you'll begin to feel a noticeable tingle in your fingers. It's not uncomfortable any way and crucially, the band doesn't have to sit too tightly around the wrist to apply the treatment.

If you like the idea of ditching the drugs to deal with nausea, the Neurowave is going to be available to buy for $150 and is set to land in Q2 2017.

Reliefband Neurowave wants to help combat VR motion sickness



How we test



Michael Sawh

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Michael Sawh has been covering the wearable tech industry since the very first Fitbit landed back in 2011. Previously the resident wearable tech expert at Trusted Reviews, he also marshaled the features section of T3.com.

He also regularly contributed to T3 magazine when they needed someone to talk about fitness trackers, running watches, headphones, tablets, and phones.

Michael writes for GQ, Wired, Coach Mag, Metro, MSN, BBC Focus, Stuff, TechRadar and has made several appearances on the BBC Travel Show to talk all things tech. 

Michael is a lover of all things sports and fitness-tech related, clocking up over 15 marathons and has put in serious hours in the pool all in the name of testing every fitness wearable going. Expect to see him with a minimum of two wearables at any given time.


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