Pain During Session

While a mild tingle, itch, or prickle is completely normal, especially during the first few minutes, your sessions should never feel painful.

If you experience sharp discomfort or pain during a session, it almost always comes down to how the headset and the pads interact with your skin. Here is what usually causes it and how to fix it.

The headset is too loose. If your headset does not fit snugly, the pads might lift or shift while you wear it. This disturbs the connection with your skin. When the pads lack full contact, the flow concentrates on a much smaller area and creates a sharp sensation. Adjust the band so the headset feels secure and the pads press firmly against your skin.

The pads are not wet enough. This is the most common culprit. Moisture is what spreads the electrical current evenly across your skin. If the pads are too dry, the current tries to force its way through tiny areas, which causes a sharp sting. Because Mave’s pads are pre-soaked, the best way to avoid this is to make sure you are using a fresh pair for every session. Straight out of the package, they should feel wet to the touch, but not dripping.

Hair is getting in the way. Hair is a natural insulator. If a thick layer of hair sits between the pad and your skin, the current struggles to pass through and can concentrate in small areas. This causes a sharp pinch. Take an extra moment to firmly part your hair so the pads sit directly against your skin.

Skin irritation or cuts. If you have a scratch, a small cut, or a patch of severely dry skin under the pads, the current naturally gravitates toward that break in the skin barrier. This feels like a sharp sting. Double-check your skin before your session to make sure it is intact.

What to do next?

Pay close attention to your pad setup, headset fit, and hair parting. If the pain continues even with thoroughly wet pads and good skin contact, stop the session immediately. You can always reach out to us at contact@mavehealth.com so we can help you troubleshoot.