General
Below are some common questions about Shiftwave.
How long does the warranty last, and what should I do if I need assistance?
Shiftwave includes one free year of ShiftCare. After the first year, customers can purchase extended ShiftCare coverage. ShiftCare ensures all issues or malfunctions are fully handled.
What is a 'Protocol'?
Shiftwave protocols are guided sessions that combine pulsed pressure waves, audio, and breathwork to help you shift your state, whether you need calm, focus, energy, or deep rest. Each protocol uses a different rhythm and pattern of vibrations, paired with audio and breathing cues, to guide your body and mind into the state you’re aiming for. Think of them as personalized playlists for your nervous system: each one is designed with a specific goal in mind.
What are the weight and dimensions of Shiftwave?
Shiftwave is designed to fit comfortably in both home and professional settings.
Upright Position: 30.5" Width × 35.8" Height × 35.4" Depth
Reclined Position: 30.5" Width × 68.1" Height × 68.1" Depth
Travel Bag: 47.2" Width × 31.5" Height × 7.9" Depth
Packed Weight: 47 lbs.
Is Shiftwave FDA-approved?
Shiftwave is a patented, FDA-exempt Class II wellness device. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition.
Can children use Shiftwave?
Absolutely! Shiftwave is safe for kids, and many children love it. The “For Kids” program offers a space-themed experience with age-specific options for ages 6-9 and 9-12. These programs have capped intensity levels, allowing kids to “turn it up all the way” safely at a gentler power. While these are the designated age groups, children as young as three have also enjoyed Shiftwave.
Children can also safely explore other programs, as long as they’re mindful of the intensity setting. We encourage parents to try these programs themselves to get a feel for the experience. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult your family physician.
Is Shiftwave safe to use?
Yes. Shiftwave is safe to use so long as you don't have any of the listed contraindications: unstable angina, epilepsy, detached retina, deep vein thrombosis, and pregnancy. If you have had any heart condition, recent surgery, or any implanted medical devices such as shunts, stents, meshes, venous filters, aneurysm clips, or pacemakers, please consult your medical professional before using Shiftwave. View contraindications.
How portable is Shiftwave, and can I travel with it easily?
Shiftwave folds down easily for transport or storage. The full system weighs under 50 lbs, light enough for one person to carry or check as standard luggage for flights.
Where can I try Shiftwave?
We would love to show you what Shiftwave feels like. Just reach out through this page, and we’ll arrange a personal demonstration.
Pricing & Financing
Below are some common questions about pricing & financing.
Do you offer financing?
Yes! Starting at $415/mo or 0% APR with Affirm.
When you add your Shiftwave to the cart, simply select Affirm at checkout to explore your financing options.
Rates from 0–36% APR. Payment options through Affirm are subject to an eligibility check and are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders. Options depend on your purchase amount, and a down payment may be required. CA residents: Loans by Affirm Loan Services, LLC are made or arranged pursuant to a California Financing Law license. For licenses and disclosures, see affirm.com/licenses.
Do you have commercial financing options?
Yes! we offer commercial financing options via Brickhouse Capital.
Is Shiftwave eligible for HRA programs?
Yes. Shiftwave is eligible for MyCigna HRA (Health Reimbursement Arrangement) programs, including those available to retired NFL players.
We recommend confirming eligibility with your benefits administrator before purchasing.
Is Shiftwave eligible for HSA/FSA?
Yes. Shiftwave is eligible for HSA and FSA purchases through TrueMed.
During checkout, simply choose TrueMed as your payment option. TrueMed will guide you through obtaining a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), a short online form that allows you to use pre-tax HSA/FSA funds.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept most common forms of payment, these are displayed in the checkout process.
Product & Technical Support
Below are some common questions about our product.
What are Shiftwave’s power requirements?
Shiftwave draws less than 150W. For safe and reliable operation, we recommend using a power cord rated for at least 10A. The device is compatible with a voltage range of 90-264V AC, making it suitable for use internationally with the correct power cord.
What is the maximum weight the chair can hold?
The standard weight capacity is 280lbs for normal use. This capacity can be expanded to 350+lbs with the reinforcement option.
What are the best programs for after a workout?
Try Disconap 20 for a quick shift into recovery and Core Recovery for a deep and powerful shift.
How many Protocols are there?
There are currently 50+ protocols available and more released regularly.
How should I track my HRV score?
Since HRV can fluctuate based on factors like age, fitness, time of day, stress, and hormonal cycles, it’s best to track your score under consistent conditions (same protocol, same time of day) over time. Focus on longer-term trends, as regular use may lead to gradual improvements.
What is BioDrive® and how does it work?
BioDrive® is an advanced HRV training biofeedback algorithm that enhances autonomic nervous system tone and promotes coherence by mimicking natural heart rate variability patterns. Using real-time heart rate data from the included pulse oximeter, BioDrive® generates pulsed pressure waves that sync with your heart's natural response to your breath (see 'What is respiratory sinus arrhythmia' for more). With practice, you’ll learn to amplify these pressure waves as you inhale and ease them as you exhale, building resilience and coherence in your nervous system. View our BioDrive® Guide
How do I use BioDrive®?
Activate BioDrive® by placing a finger into the provided pulse-oximeter and pressing the BioDrive® button on the touch screen of the control box. When BioDrive® is active the standard vibrational programming is replaced with the heart rate-informed pulsed pressure waves, as dictated by the BioDrive® algorithm. This transition allows the system to align the vibrations with your immediate physiological state, complementing the music and narrative of your chosen protocol. View our BioDrive® Guide
How often do I need to use it? How long do the effects last?
For optimal results, we recommend using Shiftwave regularly, ideally daily. However, even using it once or twice a week can significantly help with acute stress, pain, and recovery. The immediate post-session relaxation ('zen') effect lasts for a few minutes as your nervous system readjusts to your environment, but consistent use can lead to lasting improvements in stress management, resilience, and nervous system responsiveness, helping you handle daily challenges more effectively.
Can I fly on an airplane with the chair?
Yes, Shiftwave can be checked in as luggage using the carrying case. We have done it thousands of times!
Science & Technology
Below are some of are common questions about science and technology.
What is heart rate variability (HRV)?
Heart rate variability (HRV) is a measurement of the tiny variations in time between each heartbeat, reflecting your body's ability to handle stress and adapt to changes. It provides a window into the responsiveness of your autonomic nervous system and overall resilience. Enhanced HRV has been linked to resistance to illness and longevity. Additionally, HRV-based treatment modalities have been used as treatments for a wide range of illnesses including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological, and psychiatric conditions.
How does Shiftwave enhance heart rate variability (HRV)?
Shiftwave’s patent-pending technology strengthens the autonomic nervous system (ANS) enhancing a person’s heart rate variability. Using scientifically derived pulsed-pressure-waves Shiftwave drives both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activation. Shiftwave’s ability to activate both sides of the ANS leads to improved ANS tone and enhanced HRV. For more information on the relationship between HRV and the ANS we recommend reading this excellent review article.
What does my HRV score mean?
Your HRV score at the end of each Shiftwave protocol reflects the balance and resilience of your autonomic nervous system. Generally, a higher HRV indicates a healthier, more adaptive nervous system.
What HRV scores are typical?
The HRV score is the standard deviation of heartbeat intervals over a five-minute window, shown in milliseconds. Shiftwave uses the five-minute window with the highest variation. Scores range from single digits to the high 50s, with most new users starting in the 20s and 30s.
Why is the HRV score from Shiftwave different from the HRV score on my wearable?
Wearable devices typically report HRV from a specific window during sleep, when HRV tends to be at its highest. In contrast, the HRV score from Shiftwave reflects your heart’s ability to dynamically respond to the controlled challenge of a protocol during waking hours. As a result, the Shiftwave HRV score will generally be lower than your sleep-based HRV score from a wearable.
What is Synthetic Sleep®?
Synthetic Sleep® is a restorative state akin to deep sleep, induced by aligning slow and regular pulsed pressure waves with deep and slow breathing, creating a uniquely high level of psychophysiological coherence. This state, characterized by the synchronization of multiple bodily signals and presence of signals seen only in deep stage sleep, was pioneered at the Shiftwave Institute's advanced psychophysiology research lab, offering a profound level of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Do you have any clinical studies/research?
Shiftwave has conducted research that includes a formal study at the Tulane University School of Medicine led by Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jeff Rouse on its effects on stress and anxiety, autonomic nervous system tone, and brain activity.
We've conducted qualitative survey studies in high-stress environments with the military, Ukrainian combat soldiers and medical staff, and extensive internal research at the Shiftwave Institute's advanced psychophysiological research lab.
We're also collaborating with military and academic groups for further clinical studies on sleep and recovery. These efforts are key to our commitment to scientifically-validated wellness solutions.
How does Shiftwave stimulate the parasympathetic (vagus) nerve?
Shiftwave engages the parasympathetic nervous system, which includes the vagus nerve, through cycles of vibrational activation and recovery.
By guiding the body into a heightened sympathetic state and then suddenly stopping the stimulation, Shiftwave encourages the body to reflexively activate the parasympathetic nervous system in response. This "reflexive recovery" process enhances vagal tone, allowing for deeper relaxation and recovery.
The rhythmic patterns of Shiftwave’s vibrations also mirror naturally calming rhythms, like respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), further promoting a coherent and calming effect on the vagus nerve.
Over time, these cycles train the body to respond more effectively to stress and improve overall nervous system resilience.
What is respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA)?
Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) is a natural variation in heart rate that occurs during the breathing cycle.
It's characterized by an increase in heart rate during inhalation and a decrease during exhalation.
This phenomenon is regulated by the autonomic nervous system and reflects a healthy interaction between the heart and the lungs.
RSA is generally seen as a positive indicator of heart health and autonomic nervous system balance, as it shows the heart’s adaptability to physiological changes.
Shiftwave incorporates this process by synchronizes pulsed-pressure waves with breathing queues to further enhance nervous system training and entrainment.
How are the protocols validated?
For individual protocols, validation is initiated foundational psychophysiology data and with expert insights.
While we aim to align each protocol with its intended benefits, we recognize the importance of user experiences and feedback in understanding the impact of our protocols.
Currently, our focus is on collecting and understanding diverse user experiences in the form of biometric and self-report data to inform future refinements and additional protocol creation.
We acknowledge that individual responses can vary, and we encourage users to explore and find the journeys that best resonate with their personal wellness goals.
Why do a few people feel itchy when they first use the Shiftwave chair?
Some users do experience a temporary itchy or tingling feeling during Shiftwave sessions, especially early on. This is a well-known phenomenon often called “runner’s itch,” and it’s typically a normal response to vibrational stimulation. Here’s what’s happening in your body:
- Vibration stimulates the skin and underlying tissues
- This can: Activate mechanoreceptors, which are nerve endings that detect touch and vibration - leading to tingling or heightened body awareness. And/ Or Trigger nearby mast cells (a type of immune cell) to release histamine, especially if the area hasn’t been stimulated in this way before.
- Histamine activates itch-sensitive nerves (called C-fibers), creating the sensation of itching or tingling.
This isn’t an allergic reaction - it’s just the body responding to a new form of mechanical input. It usually:
- Goes away quickly after the vibration stops
- Improves with consistent use as your body adapts
- Can be eased by lowering the session intensity (try staying below 40 if you’re feeling itchy)
In rare cases, a condition called vibratory urticaria can cause a stronger histamine response, but that’s uncommon.
So while it can feel strange at first, this is generally a benign and temporary reaction that reflects your body adjusting to a new, beneficial stimulus.
Shipping & Returns
Below are some common questions about shipping, returns, and exchanges.
Will Shiftwave include the correct power adapter for my country?
Our MeanWell power supply is designed to support a wide voltage range of 90-264V AC and a frequency range of 47-63Hz, making it compatible worldwide. All international shipments come with the appropriate power cord for your region.
What is the shipment size and weight?
The shipping box is 46 x 32 x 10”, weight is 56 lbs.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship internationally! With the exception of Russia, Ukraine, Cuba, or any countries restricted by the USA.
International Overseas customers are responsible for paying customs duties and taxes, which will be included in the quote.
What is your return policy?
We offer a 30-Day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try Shiftwave risk-free. If you’re not satisfied, you can return it within 30 days.
Please note that customers are responsible for return shipping costs, and we recommend keeping the original packaging for a smooth return process.
