Customer Care & FAQ

Customer Care Contact Information

Phone

(888) 437-0700, open 8am to 8pm EST Monday through Friday

Email

support@stresseraser.com

What is the StressEraser?

The StressEraser is an award-winning, FDA-regulated medical device that helps you relax your body and quiet your mind – through real-time biofeedback and guided breathing - in as little as 15 minutes. It’s portable, cordless, cost-effective, non-invasive and very easy to use.

How do I use the StressEraser?

The best way to get started using the StressEraser is to watch our instructional videos. If you prefer, you can read our Web-based instructions. And you can find are the Quicks-Start card and Owner's Manual online.

What is the StressEraser used for?

The StressEraser is intended for stress reduction, relaxation and relaxation training.

Has the StressEraser been clinically tested?

Yes. You can learn more about our past and ongoing research on the research page.

Is there a computer connection?

You don’t ever have to hook the StressEraser to a computer. The StressEraser is completely self contained, discrete and portable – so you can use it wherever you wish.

What is the StressEraser made of?

The StressEraser is manufactured with standard medical-grade materials.

• Sleek, brushed chrome finish
• FDA-grade polycarbonate plastic trim
• Infrared, LED-based, transmissive heart rate monitor—tested accurate against ECG
• Ambient light readable monochrome LCD graphics display with anti-scratch coated surface
• White backlight for operation in low light
• Built-in speaker provides tones for audio feedback

How does it know I am taking a breath?

By watching your pulse rate wave ,you will see that your breathing has an immediate effect on your heart rate. In fact, the reason we call your wave the StressEraser Breathwave® is that it allows you to see the immediate impact that breathing has on your nervous system.

How long does it take?

The minimum recommended session length is 5-7 minutes. For long-lasting therapeutic benefits, we recommend at least 15 minutes a day.

What is the StressEraser measuring?

Using an infrared sensor, the StressEraser is measuring your pulse rate from your fingertip. It then converts this information into a wave on the display screen. The wave displays the rise and fall of your heart rate from moment to moment, reflecting the real-time activity of your nervous system. This measurement is known in the scientific community as a type of heart rate variability, or HRV. HRV is considered one of the most accurate measurements of nervous system activity.

How is the StressEraser different from a heart rate monitor?

Unlike a heart rate monitor, the StressEraser doesn’t just measure your pulse. It measures the distance between pulses, a much more complex measurement. The StressEraser has a patent pending on a type of HRV biofeedback called “intra-wave consecutive heart periods,” or CHP. This biofeedback allows you to use your breathing to control your heart rate. And it tells you whether or not you are doing it correctly. This is something you otherwise cannot be sure of. Heart rate monitors do not provide this sort of feedback.

Does insurance cover the StressEraser?

Coverage is not guaranteed, but some insurers have covered the StressEraser in the past. It is up to you to submit the claim to your insurer.

How big is the StressEraser?

The StressEraser has a very compact design. It comfortably fits in the palm of your hand, and can easily be carried in your pocket, purse, or traveling bag. The StressEraser dimensions are:

• 3 7/8 inches long
• 2 1/2 inches wide
• 3/4 of an inch deep

How heavy is the StressEraser?

The StressEraser only weighs 4 ounces so you can bring it anywhere you go.

How durable is the StressEraser?

Like cell phones and other electronic devices, the StressEraser should be handled with care. It comes with a stylish case to protect the screen from scratches when you carry it.

Does it come with batteries?

Yes. The StressEraser is powered by 2 AAA batteries. Batteries are included with your purchase.

When should I use the StressEraser?

You can use the StressEraser any time you choose. We suggest using it at night because that is when you have time to wind down. But since the StressEraser is portable, you can use it anytime, anywhere. Some people like to use it in the morning before they start their day to help them feel more focused.

Do I have to use it before bed?

You can use the StressEraser whenever you want to. You should use it whenever it fits best into your routine. The most important thing is that you use it every day.

Where can I use it?

You can take the StressEraser everywhere you go. Don't use the StressEraser while driving a car or operating heavy machinery.

How long should I use it?

Reach at least 30 points per session (about 5-7 minutes once you are familiar with the StressEraser) and at least 100 points per day (about 20 minutes). For best results, use it every day. The goal is to condition your body to be less reactive so you don't become overwhelmed by stress. Don't worry if you aren't getting points that quickly at first. The StressEraser will get easier with practice. The more you use it, the more you will get used to controlling your breathing and the easier it will become.

How often should I use it?

You can use it as often as you want. To realize the full benefit, be sure to use it for at least 15 minutes a day.

How quickly will I see results?

StressEraser sessions are analogous to a physical fitness program. You'll feel better immediately after each session, and more relaxed at the end of the day. After a few days you'll notice it's helping you to be more relaxed all through the day. After a few weeks or months you'll notice you're less stressed overall. In the long term, the StressEraser can have a profound impact on your ability to recuperate from stress. To maintain the benefit, it is important to make it a part of your daily routine.

Can I listen to music while using the StressEraser?

Yes, whatever helps you to relax. Some people relax better with music, others with complete silence.

Can I use the StressEraser in a car, bus, train or plane?

Yes, as long as you are not driving! On airplanes, the StressEraser should be shut off during take-off and landing.

Is it OK to use the StressEraser when lying down?

Yes, as long as your breathing is comfortable and you are able to get 2- or 3-square waves. Some people get more sensor errors lying down. If this happens, try sitting.

Why do I have to count my exhale?

The counting encourages you to extend your exhale, which relaxes your body. It also helps you to focus your mind away from stressful thoughts, which calms your mind. If you prefer, rather than counting you can repeat a focus phrase.

Can I use StressEraser while on the phone, watching TV, or reading?

No. The StressEraser requires that you focus your mind. For best results, you should use your StressEraser when you are alone or in a peaceful environment.

Where do I insert the batteries?

Open the door on the bottom-left panel of the StressEraser with your thumb. Insert the batteries according to the + and - signs marked on the door. For a demonstration of setting up and using the StressEraser, please watch the How to Use video. You can also read the instructions in the Owner's Manual.

What causes sensor errors?

Sensor errors can be caused by a variety of factors. Many of these are listed below. For additional tips, please watch Tips & Guidance.

Direct sunlight or bright light

Cold finger

Try warming your hands is by running them under hot water. Another alternative is to try a different finger on your left hand.

Holding the StressEraser too high or too low

The StressEraser operates best at the same height as your heart. If you get sensor errors while lying down, try sitting up straight.

Adjustment time

Sometimes the sensor takes up to a minute to read your pulse. Keep your finger in for at least 60 seconds before taking it out.

A reboot is required

Sometimes it can be helpful to open up the battery door for a moment, then close it and restart the device.

If none of these solutions work, have someone else try the device. If they are able to get a wave without trouble it may simply be that you are of the few people for whom the device will not work. Unfortunately, for a small percentage of the population the StressEraser will not display a wave. If no one else can get a wave, your StressEraser may be damaged or malfunctioning. If you have purchased the StressEraser within the past 12 months, we will happily arrange an exchange.

What do I do if the triangles are coming too quickly?

For beginners, the speed of the triangles can be frustrating. First, read the StressEraser Breathing Tips. Then, try slowing down your breathing without looking at the screen. After you have taken 5 or 6 slow gentle breaths take a look at the screen again. The triangles should be further apart now and you can start to sync your exhale with the fall of the wave.

When I turn the light on, it flashes and then turns off again.Did I break it?

No, it's not broken. This happens when the batteries are low. It means your batteries have enough power to run your StressEraser for a few hours without the light on.

The StressEraser is uncomfortable to hold. What should I do?

Try resting your StressEraser in your right hand, in your lap, or on a pillow.

What should I do if I get drowsy or fall asleep?

End your session. It probably means that you have achieved a state of deep relaxation.

What should I do if I get a headache or feel light-headed when using the StressEraser?

Take a break from using the StressEraser. Taking too deep a breath can cause you to feel light-headed or have a headache. Comfortable slow breathing is more important than deep breathing. So try again breathing in gently. For more helpful information please go to StressEraser Breathing Tips.

What should I do if I get nausea?

This may happen while using the StressEraser in a moving vehicle. If you get nauseous, take a break from using the StressEraser. Try it again once you reach your destination.

What if my finger or hand goes numb or starts to ache?

Take a break from using the StressEraser. If this happens frequently, try using it for shorter sessions. Or try resting it in your right hand, in your lap, or on a pillow.

What if I get eyestrain?

Try using your StressEraser for shorter sessions. Or close your eyes and follow the sound cues. You will hear a tone each time a triangle appears. The pitch of the tone tells you the score of your previous wave.

How does it work?

From beat to beat, tiny changes in your heart rate reflect the activity of your stimulating and pacifying nerves. The StressEraser displays these tiny changes as waves on the screen. You can control these changes in heart rate with your breathing. The StressEraser guides you to slow down your breathing and then it gives you feedback on how your breathing is affecting your body. It gives you a point for each good relaxing breath you take. So the more points you get, the more relaxed you feel. By the end of a session you feel calm, focused, and relaxed.

What does the Breathe button do?

The Breathe button will help you if you are having trouble scoring points. A program helps you experiment with different exhale counts. If you have already found a breathing pattern that leads to 2 or 3 square waves, you don't need to use the Breathe button.

Instructions can be found on pages 22 and 23 of your Owner's Manual. Please note that you are NOT setting an exhale time in the Breathe program.

How does the sound feature work?

To access the sound function, simply press the [O] button. For more information on the sound check out the features video.

How does the timer work?

To access the time function, simply press the arrow button. For more information on the timer check out the features video.

How does the StressEraser measure my wave?

A highly sensitive infrared light sensor detects tiny changes in the rate with which blood pulses through your fingertip. The wave-like movement of your pulse rate is then displayed in real time on the screen.

How do I read my Breathwave®?

There are three simple things you should be paying attention to: the height and length of each wave, the smoothness of the wave, and how often you make long and smooth waves. Your goal is to make your waves look like this [picture].

Why does my wave suddenly grow bigger or smaller?

As your pulse rate decreases, your StressEraser dynamically rescales and resizes the display area. If it didn't, your wave might sometimes expand off the screen or become too small to see. The StressEraser rescales to always provide the best view of your wave.

Will the StressEraser tell me how stressed I am?

No. The StressEraser is not a stress meter. In fact, it is quite the opposite. The StressEraser tells you whether or not your body and mind are relaxing and guides you to get into a relaxed state.

What is biofeedback?

It's a way of using specialized devices to help people learn how to control body functions that are typically thought of as involuntary - for example heart rate or muscle tension. In the case of the StressEraser you are using your breathing to control changes in your heart rate and your stimulating and pacifying nerves. The StressEraser's visual and audio cues let you know how effectively you are doing that. Once you learn to use your breathing to control changes in your physiology, you can use that skill to achieve deep relaxation.

What is the science behind the StressEraser?

You can learn all about the science of the StressEraser on the Science Page.

What does breathing have to do with stress?

When you experience stress, your breathing becomes shallow, rapid and irregular. There are numerous studies highlighting the benefits of slow breathing. The StressEraser helps you restore a slower, deeper and more regular breathing pattern that is unique to you. This is known as your resonant frequency. By breathing at this rate you can engage your body's natural relaxation response.

Why do I need a device to tell me how to breathe?

Without the device it is difficult to tell whether your body is benefiting from your breathing. Also, it is really hard to do slow breathing for 15 minutes without having something to focus on. Our minds tend to wander and we forget to do the breathing. Then we stop relaxing. With the StressEraser you stop getting points the minute you stop relaxing. This helps you maintain focus and get the full benefit from your breathing.

Who should use the StressEraser?

The StressEraser is intended to be used by any adult or young adult who suffers from stress. If you have a stress-related condition, consult your healthcare professional. The StressEraser is intended to be used for relaxation, relaxation training, and stress reduction. Please note, the FDA has not approved the StressEraser for the treatment of any condition.

Does the StressEraser have any side effects?

The StressEraser involves no medication and has no long-term side effects. In the short term, some people have experienced mild anxiety due to watching their physiology in real-time (known as biofeedback-induced anxiety), sleepiness, dizziness, finger numbness, or headache. The side effects are mild and short lived.

Make sure your breathing depth and pace are always comfortable. Stop using the StressEraser immediately if you experience discomfort. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery during or immediately after StressEraser use.

Is the StressEraser completely safe?

There is no clinical evidence of unsafe or ineffective outcomes from StressEraser use. When used as described in the Owner's Manual, the StressEraser has no known safety concerns. Here are some times for safe usage of the StressEraser:

• Do not use the StressEraser for any purpose other than that described in the in the Owner's Manual, and instructional videos. Handle with care!
• Do not open or tamper with the StressEraser in any way. This will void the warranty and could affect the accuracy.
• Before using the StressEraser, review all information in the instructional videos, Owner's Manual, and any other information included in the packaging.

What if I have a heart condition or if I have trouble breathing—can I still use the StressEraser?

Yes, with permission from your physician. If your heart condition is treated with medication that regulates your heart rate or a with a pacemaker it may be difficult for you to benefit from the StressEraser.

Proper use of the StressEraser requires breathing. Special patient populations who are challenged by breathing should consult with a physician before using the StressEraser. These might include:

• People with conditions that cause them to frequently become lightheaded or short of breath
• People with lung or breathing conditions such as asthma
• People with irregular heartbeats, regulated heartbeats, or certain heart conditions
• People taking certain medications that regulate the heart or the blood

Does the StressEraser interact with any medications?

The StressEraser is non-invasive and there are no known contraindications. However, medications that regulate the heart rate may make it more difficult for you to benefit from the StressEraser because some medications make it more difficult for you to manipulate the StressEraser Breathwave.

What if I have low circulation in my fingers?

People with low circulation or Raynaud's Syndrome may have trouble getting a pulse reading. To troubleshoot this problem, you might try warming your index finger, perhaps by running it under warm water. If that doesn't work, try using other fingers until you get a reading.

Watching my StressEraser Breathwave makes me anxious. What should I do?

Biofeedback-induced anxiety is not uncommon. Some people naturally become anxious when watching their mind and body feedback in real time. Anxiety may occur if you have difficulty learning to use the StressEraser. If you become anxious, stop using the StressEraser. Try again later when you feel relaxed, maybe after you have exercised. Thy this the first few times you use the StressEraser.

Another suggestion: try breathing slowly for a couple of minutes without looking at the screen. After a few minutes, begin looking at the screen when you start inhaling. The start to sync you exhale with the triangles.

What should I do if I get drowsy or fall asleep?

End your session. It probably means that you have achieved a state of deep relaxation.

What should I do if I get a headache?

Stop using the StressEraser immediately. Usually this means that you were inhaling too deeply. The StressEraser works by synchronizing the pace of your breathing, not the depth. You do not need to breathe too deeply.

What should I do if I get dizzy or light-headed?

Stop using the StressEraser until you feel better. You are probably inhaling too deeply.

What should I do if I get eye strain?

Try using the StressEraser for shorter sessions. Or, instead of watching the wave on screen, close your eyes and follow the StressEraser using the sound option.

Can the StressEraser help me relax before sleeping?

The StressEraser is the drug-free way to erase stress built up throughout the day. With the StressEraser you can stop the worrying thoughts that sometimes race through your mind at night and won't let you fall asleep. In just 15 minutes your mind is quiet and you are ready for a restful and relaxing night.

Can the StressEraser help me deal with intense stress?

Yes, the StressEraser was designed to help you become calm even during an intensely stressful life event. But it may be difficult to use when you are experiencing intense stress, especially the first time you use it. When you are first learning to use the StressEraser, try it when you are already feeling calm or are in a neutral situation. Once you have gotten the hang of it, you can try it before, during, or after a stressful event.

When you have an extremely stressful situation, your mind dwells on some painful thought regarding the situation. The key to dealing with intense stress is to use the StressEraser until you notice random, non-stressful thoughts popping into your mind. Continue to use the StressEraser for at least 30 more points after that, and you will find you can feel calm and relaxed after your session is over.

Can the StressEraser help me deal with everyday stress?

Learning to relax with the StressEraser is one of many important ways to help manage your everyday stress. We recommend that you combine regular StressEraser sessions with healthy living practices. Talk to your healthcare professional about how the following can help you with stress:

• Activities and exercise
• Healthy eating
• Regular sleep
• Yoga and meditation
• Counseling and therapy

What is the StressEraser refund policy?

The StressEraser may be returned for a full refund within 30 days of the date of receipt (minus the cost of shipping and handling). The returned device must be postmarked 30 days or less from the date of receipt. Devices shipped after that point will be returned to the customer in lieu of a refund. All returned devices must be in good condition. If it is not, it will be returned to the customer in lieu of a refund. Once the StressEraser has been returned, it takes 7-10 business days for the credit to appear on your card.

How do I return the StressEraser for a refund?

Please call (888) 437-0700.

Will you pay for return shipping?

No. The customer is responsible for return shipping costs.

What is the StressEraser warranty policy?

Your StressEraser is warranted to be free from defect in materials or workmanship for one year from the date of receipt. Your broken device will be replaced with either a brand new or a certified refurbished device.

If my StressEraser doesn't work, how do I arrange an exchange?

If you think you need an exchange please call (888) 437-0700.

If you purchased the StressEraser from a licensed StressEraser retailer you must contact that company directly in order to arrange an exchange.

Ground: $14.95
2nd Business Day: $24.95
Next Business Day: $39.95

Can you ship outside of the U.S.?

Unfortunately, no, the StressEraser is not yet available to ship outside of the United States. Please send an email to info@stresseraser.com with your contact information, and we will be happy to keep your message on file and notify you when the StressEraser is available to ship to your country. We currently have no timetable, but we could begin the process of applying for our international certifications in 2008.

How will the StressEraser ship?

Via FedEx.

Can you also ship to a P.O. Box?

Yes. Destinations with P.O. Boxes ship via U.S. Mail.

Can I pay with a check?

Yes. Please make your check payable to HELICOR INC. Include your name and shipping address. Mail your check to:

Helicor, Inc.
19 Fulton St. Suite 407
New York, NY 10038

Please include shipping charges and any applicable sales tax: $26.29 for New York and $11.96 for South Dakota. Unless the StressEraser is back-ordered, we will send you're your StressEraser as soon as your check clears.

Can I pay with installments via check?

No, but you may take advantage of our installment billing program when you pay with a credit card.

How can I find out how many payments do I have left?

Please email support@stresseraser.com

I returned my StressEraser. Have can I find out if I been refunded?

Please email support@stresseraser.com or call 888-437-0700.

[return to top]

• How to Use
• Science
• Research
• Testimonials
• Customer Care
• Press
• Videos
• Reviews
• Awards
• Contact
• Scientific Advisory Board
• Order Now