(Web Desk) - Hoping to fill the gap left by popular over-the-counter decongestants that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has deemed ineffective, the creators of the NasoCalm want people who struggle with a stuffy nose to consider strapping an electric nasal massager to their face.
With spring on the way and countless allergens and months of unpleasant nasal congestion coming with it, the NasoCalm could be the relief many are looking for —assuming both its creators can meet an estimated delivery date of March, and that users are willing to strap the contraption to their faces.
It certainly doesn't have the same visual appeal of the Apple Vision Pro strapped to your face.
Although described as a massager, the NasoCalm doesn't work like the Therabody Theragun or similar devices that vibrate against the skin to help relieve sore muscles. Instead, inside the nasal mask there are six electrodes that send electrical impulses into the skin to make muscles around the nose and nasal cavity contract, similar to the electrical signals the brain sends out to make us move.
Its makers claim a 15-minute daily massage of "nasal acupoints" with the NasoCalm can "improve nose circulation and promote muscle contractions," which will, in turn, help relieve congestion and clear airways so users can breath easier.
They also promise the device can relax users... although presumably only in a private setting where they're not self-conscious about wearing it.
Users can select five different levels of massage intensity on the mask itself (there is no smartphone app connectivity).
While the NasoCalm does produce about 55 decibels of sound while it's running, that's comparable to the background noise in the average home.
A full charge provides enough power for up to 3.5 hours of continuous use, although mileage will vary depending on the intensity of those electrical impulses.
There is valid skepticism around the NasoCalm's claims, particularly for those of us with allergies who've never successfully alleviated a stuffy nose with a facial massage.
Another reason to be skeptical of the device is that its creators have opted for a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign to help put it into production, which puts most of the financial risk on those who back it.
Kickstarters that over-promise but under-deliver are unfortunately common, particularly when it comes to electronics.