Holtrow Pulse · User Guide

How to use
your Holtrow Pulse

Everything you need to get a perfect 4-minute reset — from your first charge to your nightly routine.

Before you begin

What's in the box

Holtrow Pulse neckbandTitanium vagus-nerve stimulator with built-in electrodes.
USB-C charging cableFull charge in ~2 hours; 12 hr+ of use per charge.
Conductive gelImproves contact between the electrodes and your skin.
Quick-start guide + app accessScan the card to download the companion app and unlock guided programs.

First-time setup: Charge the device fully before first use, then download the Holtrow companion app and pair over Bluetooth to access all four modes and intensity control.

Holtrow Pulse

The 4-minute reset

Step by step

The whole routine takes about four minutes. Do it seated or lying down, somewhere you can relax.

1

Apply a little gel

Place a small drop of the conductive gel on each metal electrode (or directly on the left side of your neck). The gel helps the gentle pulse travel comfortably into the skin.

Tip: clean, dry skin works best — wipe off lotions or makeup first.
2

Place it on your neck

Rest the band around the base of your neck so the electrodes sit on the left side, just below the jaw where the vagus nerve runs closest to the surface. It should feel snug but never tight.

Tip: most people target the left side first — it's the branch most studied for calm.
3

Choose your mode & start

Press the power button once to turn on, then select a mode — Relax, Sleep, Focus or Recovery — with the button or in the app. Press start. You'll feel a light, rhythmic tingling: that's the stimulation working.

Tip: begin at a low intensity and raise it slowly until you feel a comfortable, steady pulse — never sharp or painful.
4

Relax for ~4 minutes

Breathe slowly and let the session run. Read, scroll, meditate or simply close your eyes. The device powers down automatically at the end of the cycle. Switch sides for a second cycle if you like.

Tip: pair it with slow nasal breathing (in for 4, out for 6) to deepen the calming effect.

Four guided modes

Pick the mode for the moment

Mode 01

Relax

A balanced, everyday calm session to take the edge off stress and reset a busy mind.

Best for · midday stress, after work
Mode 02

Sleep

A slower, lower-frequency wind-down that signals the body it's safe to switch off.

Best for · 30 min before bed
Mode 03

Focus

Quiets mental noise to help you settle into steady, sustained concentration.

Best for · before deep work
Mode 04

Recovery

Supports the rest-and-repair state your body uses to bounce back after hard days.

Best for · post-workout, high-stress days

How often

Build it into your day

Once or twice daily is ideal — 4 minutes per session. Consistency matters far more than long sessions.

Morning reset
  • Use Relax or Focus for 4 minutes with your coffee
  • Sets a calm, clear baseline before the day's demands
  • Great alternative to a second cup of caffeine
Evening wind-down
  • Use Sleep mode ~30 minutes before bed
  • Pair with dim lights and slow breathing
  • Helps quiet a racing mind and ease into sleep

Many people feel a wave of calm in their very first session. Deeper benefits to sleep and baseline stress build over 2–4 weeks of daily use — think of it like training a muscle.

Care & charging

Keep it in top shape

  • Wipe the electrodes with a soft, slightly damp cloth after each use to remove gel residue.
  • Never submerge the device in water; keep the charging port dry.
  • Recharge via USB-C when the indicator is low — a full charge takes about 2 hours.
  • Store in a cool, dry place; replace the conductive gel when it runs low for the best contact.
  • A 12 hr+ battery means most people only charge once a week.

Safety first

Important precautions

Holtrow Pulse is a non-invasive wellness device, not a medical treatment, and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any condition. The pulse should always feel gentle — if it's ever uncomfortable, lower the intensity or stop.

Do not use if you:

  • Are pregnant
  • Have a pacemaker or any implanted electronic/metallic device
  • Have epilepsy or a seizure disorder
  • Have a heart condition or arrhythmia
  • Have carotid artery disease or have had a stroke

Avoid placing the electrodes over broken skin. If you have a medical condition or any doubt, consult your doctor before use.

Troubleshooting

Quick fixes

I can't feel anything

Add a little more conductive gel, make sure the electrodes sit flush against the left side of your neck, and slowly raise the intensity. Dry skin or lotion is the most common cause of weak contact.

It feels too strong or sharp

Lower the intensity immediately. The sensation should be a gentle, steady tingle — never a sting. Re-positioning the band slightly often makes it more comfortable.

It won't turn on

Charge it for at least 30 minutes with the included USB-C cable. A solid indicator light means it's charging; if it still won't power on, try a different USB adapter.

It won't connect to the app

Turn on Bluetooth, keep the device within a few feet of your phone, and make sure it's powered on. Close and reopen the app to re-pair.

How long until I see results?

A calming effect is often felt in the first session. Sleep and baseline-stress improvements typically build over 2–4 weeks of daily, consistent use.

Ready for your first reset?

Shop Holtrow Pulse