FAQs

What's The Science?

Sawft is a wellness device intended for relaxation.  It is not intended to treat or cure any medical conditions or diseases.

Sawft uses gentle Vagal Nerve Toning (VNT) to calm and energize your nervous system, and Low Light Stroboscopic Brainwave Entrainment to generate positive emotions.

There are around 300-500 scientific studies on Vagal Nerve Toning (VNT) and Stroboscopic Light Brainwave Entrainment to aid in areas including meditation, emotional regulation, pain management, treatment resistant depression and neurological disorder symptoms.

In the world of scientific research, this is practically nothing.  We’re doing our part to change that.

When we secure the funding to do so, we are planning a study with the Yale Department of Psychiatry to complete our first study on vibro-acoustic and stroboscopic light therapy.

Until then, Sawft programs stay within known intensity and signal levels as a safety precaution.  and optimum effectiveness

 

Is Sawft Safe?

Sawft is a wellness device intended for relaxation.  It is not intended to treat or cure any medical conditions or diseases.

Sawft uses gentle Vagal Nerve Toning (VNT) and Low Light Stroboscopic Brainwave Entrainment in order to remain useful to the most sensitive nervous systems, psychologies and trauma histories. 

While these wellness modalities are widely considered to be safe, certain health conditions may increase the risk of adverse effects. If you have any of the following conditions or considerations, please consult a doctor or nurse for guidance before using Sawft:

Epilepsy

Do not use Sawft if you have epilepsy.  Exposure to flashing lights at certain intensities and certain repeated visual patterns can trigger seizures.

Cardiac Conditions (e.g. heart disease, arrhythmia) 

VNT may slow the heart rate as part of the “rest and digest” response, which can affect the heart’s ability to pump blood.

Pulmonary Conditions (e.g. asthma, COPD)

The vagus nerve helps regulate airways and breathing. Stimulation may unintentionally tighten the airways or alter breathing patterns, which could pose a risk for people with lung disease.

Blood Disorders or Use of Blood Thinners

Those with blood clotting disorders or who take anticoagulants may bruise or bleed more easily. Even though stimulation is external, some users may experience bruising or local inflammation.

Implanted Devices (e.g. pacemakers, cochlear implants)

VNT may interfere with implanted electronic devices. To avoid malfunction or unintended interaction, ask a medical professional if VNT is safe. 

Prior Surgery or Chronic Pain in the Neck or Back

A vibrating pillow placed directly on the back or neck may not provide suitable support to the cervical spine for those with chronic pain. The vibrations may also affect scar tissue formation in cases of spinal fusion or rod implantation.

Epilepsy or Seizure Disorders

Although VNT is being studied for epilepsy treatment, unsupervised use may trigger seizures in sensitive individuals. 

Peptic Ulcer Disease

The vagus nerve helps regulate stomach acid and gut function. VNT can increase gastric secretions, which may worsen ulcer symptoms or interfere with healing.

Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

VNT may affect blood sugar levels and digestion speed. For people using insulin, this may impact blood sugar control or timing of insulin action.

Schizoaffective Disorder or Other Psychiatric Conditions

VNT can affect brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which are often involved in psychiatric conditions. This process may interfere with medication or worsen symptoms like hallucinations, mania, or depression.

Pregnancy

The vagus nerve is connected to multiple organs, including the uterus and digestive tract. Research is limited on how VNT may affect a developing fetus. To prioritize safety, we do not recommend using this product while pregnant.

When in Doubt: Ask Your Doctor

Everyone’s body is different. While VNT may help many people relax and feel more grounded, it may  not be safe for everyone. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or medical conditions not listed here.

Otherwise, Sawft is safe to use as a wellness device for relaxation purposes.

 

 

Can I use Sawft in my business?

Yes.  If you operate a wellness center, hotel, senior living or rehab and would like to use Sawft in your business operations, please write to us:  house@sawft.co

 

What is Sawft is too expensive for me to use?

 

Please feel free to write to us and see if there is room on our waiting list to receive a complimentary Sawft pillow set.

We have an active impact program.   Currently, for every ten Sawft pillows we sell B2C we give one away to community, and for every Sawft pillow annual subscription we sell B2B, we will give one away in-kind to our community partners.

 

What’s The Story?

Sawft Co-Founder and CEO Benjamin Taylor is a lifelong musician, inventor and sound healer with an insatiable curiosity and passion for art.

He has been using vibration-based vagal toning for his own anxiety since 2012.  During COVID-19, his sound healing clients began asking for zoom sound baths, and the idea for Sawft was born.  

Read more about his journey and feel free to reach out to him here.