A close to perfect TENS device.
After more than a decade of using TENS machines and this is my third. Frankly, I have been very happy with all of them and this one is no exception. While a TENS treatment does not cure permanently but it does give such relief and it’s so reassuring to know that you have this tiny, portable machine that can make a such difference. (I don’t use either EMS mode nor massage mode, but they are available in this machine).<br /><br />What I like about this one is that it has a size and shape that easily slips into a pocket. It is so intuitive to use you almost don’t need the very clear and almost perfect instruction booklet. I say “almost” because there are some things left unexplained. They weren’t explained in my old unit either but I had hoped to gain some insight now and didn’t.<br /><br />The cables that attach to the electrode pads have red and black tips. Like with jumping cables, red is positive and black is negative. The placement diagrams give no explanation as to why sometimes polarity matters and sometimes it doesn’t. Another gap is that no explanation is given as to the difference between program parameters. My old machine had 4 program modes, this one has 6. I’ve always assumed that P1 is weaker than the higher levels, but it’s never explained.<br /><br />Other than that, even if this is your first TENS machine, you’re going to find it easy-to-use and you will be comfortable with it from the get-go. It is logical and doesn’t waste your time having to choose a body part like other devices. This is a ridiculous choice. Once you set the time, the program mode, and the intensity of treatment the machine will provide the exact output you selected anywhere you place the electrode pads.<br /><br />The treatments are excellent—deep and intense--but, if you’re used to another device, the output modes are not standardized between devices. An output mode (strength of the pulsating current) set to 5 on this one is the equivalent of a setting of 15 on my previous one. This unit  has a feature that allows you to set the duration of treatment, although I’ve found the default of 30 minutes is ideal. It provides the relief you need, a longer time doesn’t really seem to add any benefit.<br /><br />It comes with two channels which means that two cords can be plugged in with two sets of electrode pads placed on different parts of the body. Maybe you want to treat your neck and lower back at the same time. Or you can use both sets of pads around one painful area. This is a scenario in which the positive and negative charges come into play, so check the diagram for that body part or the shape you want to use (like containing your painful area within a square).<br /><br />I have a pacemaker. While my doctors didn’t feel that the TENS waves would interfere with it, I still took the unit to my cardiologist’s office and had the technician check. They ran the pacemaker interrogator without the TENS and again with the TENS placed at shoulder level on the opposite side of the pacemaker and there was no interference. You might want to take a similar precaution for your own peace of mind.<br /><br />Other than the info I wish had been included in the booklet, my only other objection is that the sticky pads have to be stored on easy-to-lose transparent thick paper holders. If you drop it or put it on your desk, you lose it. A thicker, plastic holder should be provided. These pads are expensive and must be protected. For these two deficits, I’ve deducted one star to an otherwise close to perfect TENS machine—probably the best I’ve had when it comes to performance.
Rating: 5 stars