Apollo Neuro Review – My Findings After 2 Years of Use
The Apollo Neuro is a device that you wear like a watch to control your heart rate variability (HRV) and thus affect your mood and energy levels. The Apollo was created in a lab at the University of Pittsburgh by Drs. David Rabin MD, PhD and Greg Siegle PhD. They discovered that using inaudible sound waves which are felt as vibrations, can change how we feel through our sense of touch. The Apollo Neuro was created after 5 years of development and is the least intrusive and least time-consuming device I have used for moderating my mood.
It works by delivering gentle vibrations, called “touch therapy,” which are scientifically proven to activate the body’s natural relaxation response.
The device was developed by a team of physicians, neuroscientists, and engineers who studied the effects of touch on the human body. They discovered that certain vibration patterns could significantly reduce stress and anxiety, leading to the creation of the Apollo Neuro.
The Apollo Neuro can be worn on the wrist or ankle, and it pairs with a smartphone app that allows users to choose from various modes designed for specific situations, such as relaxation, focus, and sleep. The device uses Bluetooth technology to communicate with the app and can be customized to fit individual preferences.
Through its gentle vibrations, the Apollo Neuro helps users achieve a more balanced nervous system by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and relaxation. It’s an innovative approach to stress management and mental well-being, using technology to help people lead healthier, more balanced lives.
In this review, I will be sharing my findings after a couple of weeks of use. At first, I was most interested in how it prepared me for sleep but now I use it throughout the day to moderate stress and help me concentrate.
Ordering the Apollo Neuro
Right now the Apollo is only available exclusively through their website. Shipping is fast and comes with tracking so you know exactly when to expect it at your doorstep. It will arrive in a box like the one below.
Inside you will find the following:
- Apollo Neuro stress relief wearable
- Free access to the Apollo Neuro App (iOS and Android)
- One Medium and one Large band (fits most adult ankles and wrists).
- Micro-USB charging cord
Aside from the device and accessories, there are a couple of quick setup cards included so you don’t have to keep referring to the website.
How Much Does the Apollo Neuro Cost?
This device currently retails for $349 and comes with free shipping. They also offer financing through Affirm which can break down the payments to as low as $32/month. It comes with a 1-year warranty and a 30-day trial. They offer free return shipping on domestic returns within the USA, international returns will have some fees associated.
Apollo Neuro offeres a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing customers to try the device risk-free. If you are not satisfied with the device within this trial period, you can return it for a full refund. Please note that the return policy may change over time, so it’s important to check the current terms and conditions on the official website.
In addition, Apollo Neuro typically provides a one-year limited warranty covering any defects in materials or workmanship under normal use. The warranty starts from the date of purchase and is valid for the original purchaser only. If you encounter any issues with the device within the warranty period, the company may repair or replace the product at their discretion. Make sure to check the official website or contact customer support for the most up-to-date information on the warranty policy, as terms and conditions may change over time.
How to Setup Your Apollo Neuro
I recommend charging the device first. That way you can start using it immediately after setup. The first step is to install the Apollo Neur App on your iPhone or Android. When you first open the app you will be asked to create an account and then it will walk you through a brief questionnaire. Once that is finished, your phone will then connect to the Apollo via Bluetooth.
To set up your Apollo Neuro device, follow these steps:
- Charge the device: Before using your Apollo Neuro for the first time, charge it using the included USB charging cable. Connect the cable to the charging port on the device and plug the other end into a USB power source.
- Download the Apollo Neuro app: The Apollo Neuro device works in conjunction with a smartphone app. Download the app from the Apple App Store for iOS devices or the Google Play Store for Android devices. Search for “Apollo Neuro” in the respective app store and install the app on your smartphone.
- Turn on Bluetooth: Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone. The Apollo Neuro device uses Bluetooth to connect to the app.
- Create an account: Open the Apollo Neuro app and follow the prompts to create an account. You will need to provide your email address and create a password.
- Pair the device: Follow the in-app instructions to pair your Apollo Neuro device with your smartphone. Make sure the device is nearby and fully charged. The app will guide you through the pairing process.
- Customize your settings: Once your device is paired, you can customize your settings within the app. You can choose from various modes, such as relaxation, focus, and sleep, and adjust the intensity of the vibrations.
- Wear the device: Place the Apollo Neuro on your wrist or ankle, depending on your preference. The device should be worn snugly but comfortably, with the sensors making contact with your skin.
- Start a session: Choose a mode in the app, and the Apollo Neuro will begin delivering gentle vibrations. You can adjust the intensity and duration of the session as needed.
- Monitor your progress: The app will track your usage and provide insights on your progress over time. You can use this information to better understand your stress levels and make adjustments as needed.
Remember to keep the Apollo Neuro app and firmware up to date to ensure optimal performance and access to new features.
How Does Apollo Neuro Work?
The science behind the Apollo Neuro is complicated but from what I can glean, it all centers around heart rate variability (HRV) if you have good HRV you are able to recover better from stress. Poor HRV could be a sign of chronic stress which is very common these days. The Apollo regulates HRV through the Autonomic nervous system of which there is the parasympathetic branch which is associated with calm and the sympathetic branch which is our “fight or flight” response.
The Apollo Neuro device works by utilizing a technique called “touch therapy,” which involves delivering gentle vibrations to the user’s skin. These vibrations are specifically designed to activate the body’s natural relaxation response and help regulate the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the “fight or flight” response, while the parasympathetic nervous system governs the “rest and digest” state. By stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, the Apollo Neuro helps users achieve a more balanced state, reducing stress, improving focus, and supporting better sleep.
The device is worn on the wrist or ankle and is controlled through a smartphone app. Users can choose from various modes tailored to specific situations, such as relaxation, focus, and sleep. These modes offer different vibration patterns that have been scientifically tested and optimized for each desired outcome.
As the user wears the Apollo Neuro and experiences the gentle vibrations, their body responds by shifting towards a more balanced, relaxed state. This can lead to a variety of benefits, including reduced stress, increased focus, better mood, and improved sleep quality.
Overall, the Apollo Neuro works by leveraging the power of touch therapy and the body’s natural relaxation response to help users achieve better mental and emotional well-being.
My Apollo Neuro Findings
I was a bit skeptical of this device since it promises so much in a small package. The appeal is that this is a passive device that you basically just turn on and forget. Unlike meditation or exercise, you don’t have to dedicate time to it. I can use the Apollo while I work or watch TV. It doesn’t matter whether or not I focus on the vibrations for it to work.
Here you can see what the device itself looks like and is the size of a wristwatch.
There are buttons on the side where you can manually increase or decrease intensity. I keep my intensity at 80% or more but you may want to start lower until you get used to it.
You need to charge the Apollo through the USB port on the back of the device. I can go about 2 days before I need to recharge. Obviously, if you use it with higher intensity, it will drain the battery faster. The app will tell you how much battery life you have left so after some consistent use you will know how often you need to recharge. I keep the charging cable by my nightstand and just plug it in before I go to sleep.
How Does the Apollo Neuro Feel?
I can best describe the feeling as your phone constantly vibrating on your wrist. It took me a little while to relax and not instinctively reach for my phone. It’s a subtle pulse vibration that will vary depending on what program you choose. As you might expect, the sleep and meditation modes have longer, slower vibrations while the energy and focus modes have shorter more intense vibrations.
My two favorite modes are “Clear and Focused” and “Sleep and Renew”. The Clear and Focused program is great when you need to focus on a difficult task for work.
Using the Apollo Neuro for Sleep
Normally when I know that I will have difficulty falling asleep, either because I’m anxious, excited or maybe had too much caffeine close to bedtime, I will reach for a sleep supplement with melatonin. This definitely helps but if I am really wired, I will usually wake up a few hours after falling asleep and may have trouble falling back asleep. I have been using the Apollo sleep program for the past week and it helps my body calm down which in turn will slow down any racing thoughts or anxiety I have. It’s a great natural alternative to sleep supplements. I would recommend using this for sleep as an addition to whatever other nighttime rituals you have.
My Apollo Neuro Final Thoughts
I’m always on the hunt for products that can get me a better night’s rest and the Apollo delivers by getting my body ready for sleep. After using the sleep program for at least 30 minutes before going to bed, I feel more relaxed and I’m able to fall asleep faster, without the use of sleep supplements. I also get the benefit of the other programs that can be used throughout the day to optimize my HRV and improve my overall health. This device is a glimpse into the future of how we can use technology to passively regulate ourselves to live more productive and healthy lives.
Please note that this is not an instant fix. It will take time for you to feel its effects and it may not work for everyone.
Apollo 2 Year Update
I have been wearing the Apollo band off and on for 2 years now and it couldn’t have come at a better time in my life. I have gone through a lot of stressors with my business and using the Apollo keeps me grounded and focused on tasks at hand. If you commit to wearing it regularly, the effects will be cumulative and subtle.
When I look back on my time using the band vs. not using it, there is a noticeable difference in the amount I can accomplish in a day and the level of stress I have at the end of the day. I recently bought a pixel watch, similar to an Apple watch so rather than wearing on my wrist, I switch to strapping it around my ankle. Same effects, just less noticeable. Just be prepared for the occasional surprise from strangers who mistake it for a tracking device. I have to reassure them I’m not on house arrest.
Apollo Complaints
The Apollo Neuro is a relatively new device, so there are not as many complaints online as there are for some other wearables. However, here are some of the most common complaints that have been reported:
- Battery life: Some users have reported that the Apollo Neuro battery life is not as good as advertised. They say that they need to charge it every day, even if they are not using it very much.
- Comfort: Some users have reported that the Apollo Neuro is not comfortable to wear for long periods of time. They say that the band can be too tight or too loose, and that the device can be bulky and heavy.
- Effectiveness: Some users have reported that the Apollo Neuro is not effective for them. They say that they do not feel any difference when they use it, even if they use it consistently.
Apollo Neuro Durability
The Apollo Neuro is made of durable materials, such as aluminum and silicone. It is also water-resistant to 50 meters, so you can wear it in the shower or pool without any problems. However, it is important to note that the Apollo Neuro is still a delicate electronic device, so it is important to take care of it.
Here are some tips for increasing the durability of your Apollo Neuro:
- Avoid dropping or banging your Apollo Neuro.
- Clean your Apollo Neuro regularly with a soft, damp cloth.
- Avoid exposing your Apollo Neuro to extreme temperatures.
- Store your Apollo Neuro in a safe place when you are not using it.
Overall, the Apollo Neuro is a well-made device that is designed to last. However, it is important to take care of it to avoid damaging it.
FAQs
Is It FDA Approved?
The Apollo Neuro device is not FDA-approved. It’s important to note that the FDA approval process is generally reserved for medical devices, drugs, and treatments that claim to diagnose, prevent, or treat specific diseases or health conditions.
The Apollo Neuro is a wellness device designed to help manage stress, improve focus, and support restful sleep by using gentle vibrations. While it is based on scientific research and has been developed by a team of physicians, neuroscientists, and engineers, it does not make specific medical claims that would require FDA approval.
However, the lack of FDA approval does not necessarily mean the device is not effective or safe. Many wellness devices and products are not FDA-approved, but they can still provide benefits for users. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before using any new device or product, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or concerns.
Does It Acutally Work?
The Apollo Neuro device has received positive feedback from users and has been developed based on scientific research. While individual experiences may vary, many users have reported improvements in stress management, focus, and sleep quality when using the device consistently.
Does it Help With Anxiety?
The Apollo Neuro device has received positive feedback from users and has been developed based on scientific research. While individual experiences may vary, many users have reported improvements in stress management, focus, and sleep quality when using the device consistently.
