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Neurofeedback devices have become more and more popular ever since we started working remotely and the number of people diagnosed with mental health issues increased significantly. Two of the most sought-after devices are Mendi and FocusCalm. If you've been researching the topic, you likely stumbled upon both.

As such, if you're trying to decide between Mendi vs FocusCalm for your neurofeedback training, we're here to help! We've compared both devices and shared a comprehensive and objective analysis of their functionalities.

Key Takeaways

• Mendi uses functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure blood flow and oxygen levels in the prefrontal cortex, while FocusCalm uses Electroencephalography (EEG) to measure electrical activity in your brain.
• Mendi is more cost-effective as it offers lifetime app membership, while FocusCalm requires a monthly, yearly, or lifetime app subscription.
• Mendi has only one game, which is perfect for people who are already used to meditation. FocusCalm has more games, which may be more interactive and easy to understand for children or elderly people.
• Both devices show potential to enhance mental well-being, with Mendi focusing on improving cognitive performance and FocusCalm assisting relaxation.

Mendi vs FocusCalm: Key Differences

Both Mendi and FocusCalm use cutting-edge neurofeedback technology that can help users enhance their mental well-being and cognitive performance. What exactly sets these two devices apart, and which one is the best for you? Here are the most important differences between them that can help you make a decision:

	Mendi	FocusCalm
Primary goal	Focus, stress resilience, overall wellbeing	Relaxation, focus, overall wellbeing
Price	$299	$249.99
Technology	fNIRS	EEG
Measures blood flow	✔	✘
Measures brain waves	✘	✔
Measures heart rate	✔	✘
Gamified experience	✔	✔
Safety	✔	✔
Subscription fees	$0	$149.99 for lifetime membership or monthly/yearly subscriptions
Number of users	Unlimited	Unlimited; 1 app account/user
Movement tolerance	High	Low
Noise tolerance	High	Low
Battery life	~ 5 hours or 60 sessions	~ 8 hours
Warranty	1-year warranty, 30-day money-back guarantee	30-day money-back guarantee

1. Technology: fNIRS vs EEG

The difference between Mendi and FocusCalm that matters the most is the technology they use. Mendi uses functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), while FocusCalm uses Electroencephalography (EEG). Is one better than the other? Let's see.

fNIRS measures blood flow and oxygenation in the prefrontal cortex. More precisely, it measures the amount of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin. Why does this matter? Because the activity in our prefrontal cortex is responsible for most of our reactions when it comes to emotion regulation, decision-making, focus, attention, and other executive functions. Well, when the activity in our prefrontal cortex increases, the amount of oxygenated hemoglobin increases as well. And that's exactly what fNIRS and Mendi rely on to measure how engaged the prefrontal cortex is and provide insights into cognitive workload.

On the other hand, EEG captures electrical impulses from the scalp and provides a view of the electrical activity produced by the brain's neural activity. FocusCalm's headband particularly targets alpha and theta waves, which are associated with relaxation. In essence, EEG's mechanism of action is similar to that of fNIRS, as it relies on the concepts of operant conditioning and neuroplasticity.

So, which one's better? Fundamentally, both fNIRS and EEG are excellent neurofeedback technologies. The only disadvantage EEG has is its inability to detect exactly where in the brain the electrical activity comes from. Mendi's use of fNIRS technology, on the other hand, provides extremely accurate indicators of the brain area that we want to control and strengthen.

2. Gamification

Both Mendi's and FocusCalm's neurofeedback approaches imply playing a game on their apps, and they both offer real-time feedback to help users understand their brain activity.

For example, when the Mendi headband detects an increase in prefrontal cortex activity (which indicates that you're more focused), you get rewarded by seeing the ball on the screen go up. If your mind goes elsewhere, the ball drops. The games in the FocusCalm app function on a similar principle, except that they're based on the activity of your brain waves.

The difference between them is that Mendi has only one game, while FocusCalm has more. This may or may not be in favor of FocusCalm. It all depends on your goals and preferences. Some people prefer Mendi's approach, as it induces a more meditative state. Others prefer FocusCalm's game diversity, especially if they've never practiced meditation or neurofeedback.

3. Score Measurement

Both Mendi and FocusCalm allow you to track your progress through a score, and here's how each calculates them.

The Mendi score is measured from 0 to 100. It takes into account Performance (which includes neural activity, resilience, and control) and Commitment (which consists of the length and frequency of your sessions). In essence, your score is a representation of how your prefrontal cortex activity has evolved since you started your neurofeedback training, as it compares it to your individual baseline.

The FocusCalm score is also measured from 0 to 100, but the calculation behind it is different. It is quantified based on 1250 data points in each user's brainwave signals.

4. Safety and Side Effects

EEG and fNIRS are equally safe. They are non-invasive methods that do not require any medication. These technologies are used for observation and measurement purposes only on a physiological level.

Generally, FocusCalm and Mendi users haven't reported any long-term side effects. However, you may experience headaches or eye strain if you're using these devices for too long.

Furthermore, it is not recommended to use any neurofeedback device before talking to your doctor if you have a mental health condition. Only your doctor can confirm if Mendi or FocusCalm is safe for you. They can also advise regarding therapy duration and frequency and track your progress.

5. Price and Subscription Fees

When it comes to price and subscription fees, the Mendi headband undoubtedly takes the lead. It costs only $299, and you don't have to pay for anything else. A lifetime app subscription is included in the price. And all your family members can use the same headband as long as they have their own app.

On the other hand, while the FocusCalm headband costs less - $249.99 - the app subscription isn't included in the price. You can either buy a lifetime membership for $149.99 or pay for a monthly or yearly subscription. So, even if the headband can be used by other family members, they'll also have to pay for the app subscription.

6. Movement, Noise, and Light Tolerance

fNIRS has a higher movement and noise tolerance than EEG. This means you don't have to be completely still or quiet while using the Mendi headband. The results will still be accurate. The Focus Calm headband, on the other hand, is slightly more restrictive in terms of movement and noise sensitivity, as it uses EEG technology.

It’s worth noting that the Mendi headband is best used away from bright LEDs or direct sunlight.

7. Benefits

To help you understand which neurofeedback device fits your wellness goals better, we’ve outlined the potential benefits of each.

Thanks to its advanced fNIRS technology, Mendi can help you:

• Improve focus and attention span
• Boost productivity
• Reduce anxiety
• Enhance overall cognitive performance
• Improve memory skills
• Strengthen stress resilience
• Improve emotion regulation skills
• Improve sleep quality
• Enhance overall well-being
• Prevent burnout

Conversely, FocusCalm can:

• Promote relaxation
• Improve sleep quality
• Improve overall well-being
• Reduce anxiety
• Reduce impulsivity
• Promote mindfulness
• Enhance focus and concentration
• Improve memory skills

As you can see, Mendi and FocusCalm headbands have similar benefits, so your choice will likely depend on other factors like price, technology, device design, or app interface.

Expert Endorsements

Expert endorsements are crucial in establishing the credibility of neurofeedback devices. Mendi has been reviewed by numerous neuroscientists and other field-related specialists. Dr. Ben Rein, a neuroscientist and science communicator from Stanford University stated that Mendi is bringing historically expensive brain imaging equipment directly to the public. This is a company that adheres closely to science, and I respect that tremendously.

Similarly, FocusCalm has received endorsements from mental health experts, including psychologists and neurologists, who advocate for its use in improving focus and reducing stress. They've emphasized the scientific foundation of FocusCalm’s EEG technology and its benefits in mental health treatments.

FocusCalm also partners with reputable organizations to further bolster its legitimacy as a trusted device for mental health improvement.

Should You Choose Mendi or FocusCalm?

As such, should you choose Mendi or FocusCalm? It depends on your preferences, goals, and budget.

Mendi is the best choice if:

• You want to try a cutting-edge neurofeedback technology like fNIRS.
• You are looking for a more budget-friendly neurofeedback device that doesn't require any app subscription fees or any other investments.
• You want to focus on training your prefrontal cortex.
• You want to improve your focus, stress resilience, emotion regulation skills, and overall cognitive function.

Conversely, FocusCalm is an excellent choice if:

• You want to balance your brain waves.
• You prefer a more diverse neurofeedback approach (as the FocusCalm app has multiple games to choose from).
• You don't mind sitting still while doing your neurofeedback sessions (as EEG is sensitive to movements and noise).
• You want to promote relaxation, improve your focus, and overall well-being.

Eager to Start Your Journey with Mendi?

If you've decided that Mendi is the best option to train your brain upon considering all the details mentioned above, hurry up and order your Mendi neurofeedback headband! Your brain health comes first!

Have we already mentioned that researchers prefer fNIRS to study brain activity and patterns? Now you can reap the benefits of this technology from the comfort of your own home!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Mendi and FocusCalm?

The main difference between Mendi and FocusCalm lies in their measurement technologies: Mendi uses Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure oxygenated blood flow in the prefrontal cortex, whereas FocusCalm uses Electroencephalography (EEG) to track brain waves.

Can these devices help reduce stress and anxiety?

Yes, Mendi and FocusCalm can potentially help reduce stress and anxiety by improving brain function, emotion regulation, and stress resilience. However, it is important to talk to your doctor if you have any mental health conditions before using Mendi or FocusCalm.

Are there any side effects from using Mendi or FocusCalm?

Mendi or FocusCalm are non-invasive brain training methods, although you may feel some eye strain or a mild headache afterward, especially if your training sessions are too long.