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Does Mendi work?

Mendi is unlike other neurofeedback devices on the market, which may be one of the reasons why neurofeedback enthusiasts want to learn more about it. The Mendi headband uses functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) technology, which is an innovative approach to consumer-grade neurofeedback gadgets.

Therefore, if you want to learn whether the Mendi headband can really leverage the brain's neuroplasticity, you will soon discover it is just as effective as other devices using electroencephalography (EEG) technology. The secret lies in the way it trains your brain! Read on to learn how it works and what benefits you can expect.

Key Takeaways

• Mendi uses functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to monitor brain activity, focusing on the prefrontal cortex for improved cognitive functions like focus and emotion regulation.

• The Mendi device has been tested by neuroscientists who have confirmed its adherence to science and its potential to improve cognitive performance and overall well-being.

• User feedback suggests that regular use of Mendi—about three times a week—can lead to significant improvements in concentration, emotion regulation, and even sleep quality.

• While Mendi is an affordable option for neurofeedback training, it’s important to note that it is not a medical device and should not replace medical advice and treatment.

What Technology Does Mendi Use?

Mendi employs cutting-edge neurofeedback technology known as functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to monitor brain activity, specifically targeting the prefrontal cortex. This area of the brain is crucial for cognitive functions like focus, decision-making, and emotion regulation.

Unlike traditional EEG devices that measure electrical activity in the brain, Mendi measures blood flow and oxygenation. This approach offers a unique perspective on brain function, providing insights that electrical activity measurements might miss. The Mendi headset is designed to be user-friendly and comfortable, making it accessible for daily use.

Before exploring why exactly Mendi works and its benefits, it’s helpful to understand the core components of its technology, particularly fNIRS.

How fNIRS Works

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a non-invasive technology that measures brain activity and function using near-infrared light. The sensors in our headband are designed to face your forehead—the prefrontal cortex is located right behind it. These sensors detect changes in blood flow and oxygen levels while you're playing a game on our app.

You are probably wondering what role blood flow and oxygen levels play in training the brain, right? The answer has everything to do with a process called hemodynamic response. In simple terms, the more active your prefrontal cortex is, the higher the levels of oxygenated hemoglobin in your blood (hemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen throughout the body). By measuring oxygenated and deoxygenated levels in your prefrontal cortex, our headband outlines how focused you are and provides real-time feedback in the Mendi brain training app.

As such, when you are focused enough, you receive immediate feedback—the ball on the screen goes up. If you lose your focus (which means that the prefrontal activity decreases)—the ball on the screen goes down. This approach helps you actively strengthen and train your prefrontal cortex, enhancing its function over time.

If you want to learn more about this technology, you can check our comprehensive guide on this topic.

The Role of the Prefrontal Cortex

Think of your prefrontal cortex as the brain’s executive center. It’s responsible for higher-order cognitive functions such as decision-making, emotional control, and working memory. This part of the brain helps you stay focused, manage stress, and make informed decisions.

Mendi’s focus on the prefrontal cortex is deliberate. By aiming to train this particular brain region, the device can help you improve these critical functions, leading to better focus, emotional regulation, mental agility, and overall cognitive health.

Now that we've cleared everything up in terms of the technology incorporated in the Mendi headband and its mechanism of action, let's find out if this brain training technique really works.

Does Mendi Actually Work?

The Mendi device definitely works, as it uses evidence-based fNIRS technology. Its adherence to science and potential benefits have been confirmed by numerous neuroscientists. Additionally, more than 50,000 satisfied Mendi users have reported positive experiences with our headband.

First things first—fNIRS is an advanced neurofeedback technology that has been widely used in research settings for decades. It is currently used for hundreds of studies analyzing the human brain and its neuroplasticity. Even more, fNIRS is often preferred over conventional neurofeedback technology—electroencephalography (EEG)—particularly because it offers better spatial resolution, which indicates how accurately the activity it measures is localized within the brain.

Therefore, even though fNIRS seems a novel technology in the neurofeedback's consumer-grade field, it is widely used by neuroscientists to study the human brain. It is considered just as effective as EEG and other neurofeedback technologies like fMRI. Each of these technologies has strengths and weaknesses, which is why it would be difficult to state whether one or another is better. Ultimately, they are used in different settings and for different purposes.

Moreover, let's turn to user satisfaction—Mendi users have reported significant improvements in their ability to concentrate and manage distractions after using our headband on a regular basis. Although our product is not a medical device and should not substitute medical advice and treatment, some users with ADHD and PTSD have reported fewer negative thoughts after using Mendi. Other users have reported improved sleep, productivity, mental agility, and emotion regulation, as well as less anxiety.

Things to Consider

Like with other neurofeedback devices, the effectiveness of your neurofeedback sessions with Mendi depends on several factors:

1. Our device is sensitive to light. Therefore, it is best to perform your neurofeedback sessions away from direct sunlight or lamps.

2. You need to use our device regularly to reap its benefits to the fullest. Neurofeedback brain training only works if done regularly over a longer period.

3. It is important to track your progress so you can observe how your focus, emotion regulation skills, or stress management skills evolve.

4. If you have a mental health condition, it is of utmost importance to talk to your doctor before using Mendi. Our headband is not a medical device and does not substitute medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.

5. Before using our headband, it is extremely important to learn everything about it to be able to perform your sessions accordingly. This will help you fully harness neurofeedback's potential to enhance your overall well-being.

Comparing Mendi to Other Devices

If you're trying to choose the best neurofeedback device and wondering whether Mendi works, it will probably help to compare our headband with other neurofeedback devices on the market. This will give you a clearer understanding of exactly how it works and whether it suits your needs.

EEG vs fNIRS

As mentioned earlier, Mendi is one of the few consumer-grade neurofeedback devices that use fNIRS technology to measure brain activity. Other devices like Sens.ai, Muse, or FocusCalm use EEG technology to measure brain wave activity.

Here are a few differences between them:

• fNIRS measures blood flow and oxygenation in the prefrontal cortex; EEG captures electrical signals, measuring brain wave activity.

• While fNIRS has a higher spatial resolution (see above), EEG has a higher temporal resolution and sensitivity to rapid changes in brain activity.

• fNIRS is less sensitive to movement and noise, while EEG is less sensitive to light.

Therefore, when comparing neurofeedback technologies, it is not really a matter of which technology is better—they are equally effective when used correctly. It is a matter of users' goals and preferences.

Cost and Value Analysis

Mendi costs only $299 and requires no app subscriptions and no in-app purchases. Plus, it can be used by multiple users and they do not have to pay for an app subscription. Therefore, considering these benefits, as well as the fact that Mendi incorporates advanced, state-of-the-art technology, it is considered one of the most affordable neurofeedback devices on the market. The price of other neurofeedback devices ranges from $250 to $1,700+, but you may also have to pay extra for app subscriptions. Moreover, Mendi is perfect for both beginners and more experienced neurofeedback users. 

It’s important to note that the Mendi device is not FDA-cleared. It is not a medical device and should not be used by individuals with medical conditions before consulting with a healthcare professional. While the technology it uses is generally safe, potential users should be aware of these limitations when considering the device.

Scientific Support for Mendi

The fNIRS neurofeedback approach is supported by a growing body of research that recognizes its potential for various mental health applications. Research shows that fNIRS can be potentially used to study the following conditions:

• Alzheimer's disease

• Schizophrenia

• Dyslexia

• Parkinson's disease

• Childhood disorders

• Post-neurosurgery dysfunction

• Attention

• Functional connectivity

Additionally, studies have shown that fNIRS is a powerful alternative to EEG. In the future, it may be more commonly incorporated into consumer-grade and clinical-grade neurofeedback devices. Its potential to improve attention, help people manage ADHD symptoms, and control hemodynamic responses in the prefrontal brain areas has also been studied.

Furthermore, you can access the Mendi study aimed at validating our headband for measurement of frontal pole brain oxygenation. The scientists concluded that the Mendi device "provides valid measurements of brain activity."

Nonetheless, given that the application of fNIRS technology in consumer-grade devices is relatively recent, future research is undoubtedly required to explore and illustrate the full potential of this technology.

Practical Tips for Maximizing Results

Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your Mendi device:

• Position the headband correctly on your forehead—below the hairline and above the eyebrows—for optimal sensor readings. Make sure it's neither too tight nor too loose and that there's no hair between the sensors and your forehead.

• Start slowly. You can start with only 3 minutes per session and increase the duration gradually as you become more comfortable with the process.

• Use the device only in dimly lit rooms to ensure accurate results.

• Allow the device a few seconds to calibrate before starting the training session.

• Use the Mendi device only when you're relaxed and in a calm environment.

• Do not tense your muscles while wearing the Mendi headband. Try not to move your eyebrows or neck during the Mendi sessions.

• Don't give up if you feel like you can't control the ball at the beginning. Over time and with regular sessions, you'll notice that you're getting more control—it usually takes approximately 3-4 weeks to notice any benefits, but this really varies from person to person.

• Try staying relaxed, even though you're focusing on the ball. Or, even better, you don't even need to focus on the ball—you can focus on anything else, be it the phone you're holding, a positive memory, or your breathing. All of these can engage your prefrontal cortex, and the headband will register this increase and you'll see the ball moving upwards in the app.

Support Your Brain Health with Mendi!

Mendi offers an evidence-based neurofeedback alternative to EEG devices, so if you want to try something new to train your brain, something that targets the prefrontal cortex specifically, our headband may be exactly what you've been looking for!

With its user-friendly design, straightforward training approach, and advanced measurement technology, Mendi can become your ally in supporting mental health and improving cognitive performance long-term! Get your Mendi today and see for yourself how well it works! Plus, if you're not satisfied, you can return the headband within 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mendi neurofeedback accurate?

Mendi neurofeedback is extremely accurate because it uses fNIRS technology to measure prefrontal cortex activity. fNIRS is praised for having higher spatial resolution than EEG, which means it's better at determining a more accurate localization in the brain of the activity it measures. To ensure accurate results, it is important to follow the manufacturer's advice.

How long does it take for Mendi to work?

It may take a few weeks to see results from Mendi neurofeedback, depending on the duration and frequency of your sessions.

Does Mendi work for ADHD?

Mendi users have reported a reduction in ADHD symptoms, but the device has not been designed for people with ADHD. Before using it for ADHD or any other mental health condition, consult with a healthcare professional. The Mendi headband is not a medical device and should not substitute medical advice.

Does Mendi help with anxiety?

Mendi users have reported a reduction in anxiety symptoms, but the headband has not been designed for this purpose. Before using it to alleviate anxiety symptoms, consult with a healthcare professional. The Mendi headband is not a medical device.

Is Mendi effective for improving focus and emotional regulation?

Absolutely, many users have found that Mendi really helps boost their focus and manage distractions effectively. It's definitely worth trying if you're looking to enhance your concentration! Using Mendi regularly can also improve your emotion regulation skills and help you manage stress better. It’s a great way to find balance!

How often should I use Mendi for best results?

For the best results, aim to use Mendi three times a week, starting with short sessions of 3 minutes and increasing the duration to 15 minutes over time. This approach will help you maximize its benefits!