iReliev TENS Unit Review

Introducing the iReliev Dual Channel Tens Massager

I should have read a simple iReliev TENS Unit Review, or at least a list of pros and cons before buying a TENS unit. The iReliev Dual Channel Pain Relief System is a portable TENS machine for home, work or travel.

This device is also called the iReliev Dual Channel TENS or iReliev Pain Management System. This technology works by using electrical stimulation and soft compression, which helps considerably with your pain.

The Dual Channel TENS Device includes eight preset TENS programs, four 2" x 2" reusable electrodes, 2 lead wires, a tote bag and easy carry clip holder.

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iReliev Dual Channel TENS Pain Relief System


Dual Channel TENS Technology

8 Pre-set TENS Modes

25 Intensity Levels

Use with 2 Pads or 4 Pads

Lock Function

PROS:

  • Easy to operate and intuitive
  • You can use either four or two pads at a time
  • Channels and keys are conveniently named
  • Pocket size

CONS:

  • No touch screen
  • Average/below average LCD display screen
  • Frequency and width of pulses is preset in the mode you choose
  • Display not backlit

Features and Benefits:

Programs and Modes

Each of the eight TENS therapy programs are preset and designed to treat either acute or chronic pain, but the program P8 can be used for both. They are labeled as program modes 1-8 or P1-P8.

As you can probably imagine, each individual mode functions a little differently and has adjusted frequencies and pulse widths.

Although it is easy to figure out which program does what, personal experience and trial and error are really the best methods to use when finding the suitable program/mode.

8 Pre-set TENS Modes

One program may be clearly written out to do something, but once you try it you may find that it doesn't work for you the way you thought it would. In the same way, a program or mode which you thought wouldn't work may end up giving you just the comfort you are seeking.

There are many potential advantages from finding that one right program and intensity, such as decreased muscle fatigue, endorphin release, muscle spasm relief, and of course pain relief.

iReliev has a guide to give you an idea of what you will feel during each session, and a detailed explanation of what each one essentially does.

The output is described as being massage-like, creating sensations that are variable wave-like, pulsing, and tingling—basically comfortable and pleasant as long as you find the correct intensity. This TENS unit machine essentially operates by blocking pain signals through short intermittent bursts of waveform signals.

Channels

You can use either four or two pads at a time because this product is a dual channel TENS unit. It is called this because there are two pads per channel, and each channel has an input where the lead wires are inserted.

Each channel also needs a minimum of two pads in order to function, as one pad sends a positive charge and the other sends a negative one.

The device already has 4 TENS unit electrode pads built into it. You also have the option of using the Pads & Leads Refill Kit, but it is sold individually.

Dual Channel & Use with two Pads or four Pads

You can adjust the intensity of each channel separately, and this is important if you are treating two different areas of your body simultaneously.

If you have two different kinds of pain, in two different areas, you may want a different intensity for each area. The majority of TENS devices out there will have independent intensity controls for each of the two channels, but not all do.

If you experience discomfort in more than one area of your body this is an important factor to keep in mind—but even if you don't, it is still something worth considering, especially since it is relatively easy to find a device that offers two channels with independent intensity controls.

Intensity Levels

The iReliev tens unit has 25 unique intensity levels, and this is one of the top TENS unit benefits. The more levels you have, the more variation. This increases the likelihood that you will be able to find the right degree of intensity for your pain.

The power of a device is not directly connected to the number of intensity levels it contains. Power is measured through overall output intensity which, in the case of the iReliev TENS Pain Relief System, is 80mA.

There are other devices available with higher mA ranges, and you may prefer one of these devices, but also keep in mind that a small current may still be effective as long as it can pass through the tissues efficiently.

Everyone experiences pain differently and has a different threshold for pain, so much of this depends on you as an individual.

25 Levels of Output Intensity

These intensity levels help you to control the increments on the power range. Each level increases or decreases by 4% which gives you greater precision.

A device with fewer intensity levels will give you a larger percentage between each levels. This essentially just means that while one level may be too intense for you, the next one down may not be powerful enough.

Some other devices may have levels which are separated by increments of 10%, which would be the case of a device with only 10 levels.

Ease of Use

iReliev TENS Pain Relief System - Usage

The entire device has only five keys, which keeps things simple. I know that if I am faced with a device —even a remote control—that has too many keys on it, it can be frustrating and confusing.

Too many keys means that you have to get acquainted with the function of all the keys, but fewer keys also means fewer (readily accessible) options.

If you also have issues with too many buttons I think you will find this simplicity refreshing. Aside from the obvious on+ and off- buttons, there is MODE, CH1, and CH2.

Before you use any electrotherapy device, including this one, you should always read the instruction manual so that you can heed all safety standards.

This is very important for proper TENS unit usage. If you decide to change the program at any point during the treatment it will be reset back down to 0, and some people have found this to be irritating.

It's a rather minor issue, however, and this likely isn't something you will even encounter very frequently. The screen, although not very large, is clear and has a decent layout that serves its purpose.

The biggest downside is that there is no backlight on the display, meaning you will have to get some other light source in order to see it. This isn't too big of a deal to me, personally, but it would still be nice.

Instruction Manual for iReliev Tens Unit

You can find the online instruction manual for iReliev Dual Channel Tens machine by clicking here. And here is the quick start guide for this tens machine.

Size and Portability

iReliev Dual Channel Pain Relief System - Size Comparison

The device is only about the size of a credit card, and its small size makes it incredibly portable. The exact size is about 4.41'' by 2.05'' and it weighs 2.5 oz. It is a little deeper than your smartphone due to the batteries, but they only take up minimal room and otherwise it is incredibly compact.

Something this little could even fit in your pocket, but if you are on the go you can also place it in your handbag or even wasteband.

What makes it even more accessible and portable is the quick-draw belt clip holster, which is included. You don't even have to unclip the device from your wasteband in order to adjust the settings of your therapy session, such as therapy mode, timer, or intensity, due to the belt clip holster.

It was designed so that you can make adjustments with only one hand. Although the iReliev is a TENS unit for home-use, it can also be brought outside the house with great ease.

Battery

The first set of batteries are conveniently included when you purchase the iReliev tens unit; it is powered by 3 AAA batteries. The downside here is that the device doesn't have any type of rechargeable battery, but the good news is that it has a battery level indicator—like most rechargeable devices do.

iReliev Dual Channel Tens - Battery Life

This is a tech-savvy benefit, in my opinion, and somewhat makes up for the fact that you can't charge it. Of course, you still have to buy batteries every so often.

A fresh set of AAA batteries have been maximized to last for about 15 hours, and when the batteries start getting drained you will see through the battery level indicator.

Knowing that your batteries are nearly dead gives you the opportunity to prepare for when they do go out by keeping a new set handy. Higher modes functioning at higher intensities could end up draining the batteries faster than 15 hours, as could lower quality batteries.

I think you can get a pretty good deal on some batteries, such as these Procell batteries offered by Duracell. You can purchase 24 batteries for only $10 online, and this would probably last you a while because you would have eight sets—good for hundreds of sessions.

Two Good Deals For Batteries

Here are two good deals for batteries on Amazon. Duracell Procell AAA 24 Pack and AmazonBasics AAA Performance Alkaline Batteries are both good in price, quality and customer reviews.

Whether or not you could handle AAA batteries as opposed to a rechargeable battery is a matter of individual taste more than anything.

What is Included in the Box?

iReliev Dual Channel Tens - Accesories

When you purchase your iReliev you will also be given: a tote bag, belt clip, the three AAA batteries I mentioned previously, 2 lead wires, and 4 total premium electrode pads.

If you choose the Bundled Version 1 you will get eight pads rather than 4, and if you pick the Bundled Version 2 you will get 20 pads. They all come with the same machine model ET-1313.

To maintain your device successfully you will only need batteries and iReliev replacement pads. Each pad will usually be good for 20-30 sessions, according to iReliev.

Of course, how long the pads last mostly depends on how well you take care of them and factors like humidity, storage, and usage.

The other good news about these pads is that they are the most common type: pin-type electrodes, meaning you have a lot of different vendors to go to when purchasing.

Some TENS devices require a special type of pad that you must pay extra for and purchase from the manufacturer.

Extending the Life of your Pads

Pads lose their stickiness with each use. You will eventually have to replace the pads but I recommend you give a try to the electrode gels before you throw them away. You can read more about how to improve stickness of your pads here or check this product on amazon, which is a bargain at its current price for 3 tubes.

Carrying Case For Tens Unit

Check out the 5 Layers Digital Gadget Case on Amazon, which is a versatile accessory for the iReliev tens unit because it can help you stay organized and keep the tens unit safe. It wasn't necessarily designed for this device, but it is the right size and could make a nice protective case.

Warranty

The standard version of this device includes a one-year warranty which covers labor and parts. If you decide to go with either one of the bundled versions you will get a two-year extended warranty.

iReliev Dual Channel Tens - 1 Year Warranty

In my experience it seems like whenever I don't buy a warranty the product is more likely to break down than if I do buy one, but if you would prefer a two-year warranty then it is only a few extra dollars ($8) plus you get extra pads.

It isn't very common for a TENS unit to have a two-year warranty, so this is a somewhat exclusive offer. I look at a warranty as insurance, and this is pretty inexpensive too.

Another great benefit is that you can return the product and get your money back if you aren't satisfied within the first two weeks. I haven't seen many people ask for their money back, but when they do it looks like the company stands by this promise.

Price

The MSRP for iReliev is about $70, but if you hunt around you could get it for around $50. To get this better TENS unit price I recommend checking Amazon, eBay, Puritan, Dick's Sporting Goods, and other websites to see their rates.

Finding the Best Price for iReliev Tens Unit

It is being sold for around $50 on ebay.com, puritan.com, dickssportinggoods.com and overstock.com. SamsClub.com has this tens unit for $40. Walgreens.com, walmart.com. Costco.com didn't have this model in stock. It looks like the best price you can find them for is around $40. At the time this review written, the price on Amazon was around the same price range (check the current price on amazon).

Prices are often being adjusted, so there is no guarantee for how much money you will have to spend. If you are interested in getting one of the two bundled options you will obviously have to pay a little more, possibly upwards of $100 if you are looking at the version which offers 20 pads.

If you shop around, however, you might get a chance to get a good deal on it for significantly less—like around $70 on other stores for the bundled version.

There are currently two bundled versions of this product. The standard version and the two bundled versions come with a 14-day satisfaction guarantee.

The differences are: the first bundled version has eight pads (as opposed to four) and an extended two-year warranty (as opposed to one year.)

The second bundled version comes with 20 pads, a two-year warranty, and a set of spare lead wires. It seems to me that this product would (obviously) be good for just about anyone who experiences chronic and acute pain, but especially those who have active jobs and/or lifestyles.


iReliev Pain Relief System Dual Channel Tens Massager

iReliev Pain Relief System Dual Channel Tens Massager - Bundled Version 1

iReliev Pain Relief System Dual Channel Tens Massager - Bundled Version 2
Pads 4 8 20
Warranty 1 Year Warranty 2 Year Warranty 2 Year Warranty
Lead Wires 2 2 4
Price $$ $$ $$

Customer Reviews for the iReliev Pain Relief System

There is a lot of good feedback online about iReliev. online stores gives the product around 4½ stars, which is a pretty good rating, but outside of Amazon, although number of reviews is not high enough, and it has positive reviews and this device is still quite wellliked.

The reason tens units like iReliev is liked by many is that it is not pharmaceutically derived, but it is still effective.

Online Store Number of Reviews 5 Star 4 Star 3 Star 2 Star 1 Star
DicksSportingGoods.com 6 5 - - - 1
SamsClub.com 1 1 - - - -

Alternatives to iReliev Pain Relief System

Below, you can find a detailed comparison of iReliev TENS unit with other TENS unit devices. If you are tight on budget, and looking for the most affordable TENS devices, take a look at this page that discusses choosing a TENS machine on a budget.

iReliev Pain Relief System Dual Channel Tens Massager

truMedic PL-009

iReliev Strength & Recovery TENS & EMS System

HealthmateForever Pro-12AB
Modes 8 5 14 12
Channels Dual Dual Dual Dual
Pads 4 4 4 4
Intensity 25 10 25 20
Touch Screen No No No No
EMS No No Yes Yes
Battery 3 x AAA 4 x AAA 3 x AAA Rechargeable lithium
Size (inches) (H x W x D) 3.5 x 2.06 x 0.76 7.8 x 2 x 0.8 3.5 x 2.06 x 0.76 3.5 x 1.75 x 0.25
Weight (oz) 2.65 6.4 2.65 1.8
Warranty 1 Year Warranty 90 Day Warranty 1 Year Warranty Lifetime Warranty in US and Canada
Price $$ $ $$ $$$
Rating 7.7 7.1 8.1 8.4

truMedic Tens Unit Electronic Pulse Massager

If you happen to be on a more strict budget, but you like a lot of the features or the overall vibe you get from iReliev, truMedic electronic pulse massager may be better suited to your needs.

The downside to this product is that it has only 10 intensity levels and five modes. It, like iReliev, requires AAA batteries (4). The biggest selling point about this particular alternative as opposed to iReliev is the comparatively great price.

I know what it's like to have a budget you need to stick to, and even though you have to sacrifice some of the qualities you would have gotten with iReliev you still get a pretty good product.

truMedic PL-009 tens Unit:

  • Better price
  • 10 intensity levels
  • 5 modes
  • Four AAA batteries

iReliev Tens Muscle Stimulator:

  • More expensive
  • 25 intensity levels
  • Eight modes
  • Three AAA batteries

iReliev Tens Ems Strength & Recovery System

This is another device also offered from the same TENS unit brand, iReliev. The difference in price is only around $10, but you will get ems support and more modes—as opposed to eight, you will get 14 different programs.

These two devices do share some similarities: You will still need three AAA batteries and you will also get 25 intensity levels. If you don't mind the extra money (which, as far as I am concerned, isn't a very big difference) and you are looking for a higher-quality TENS unit then this would be a better option. This is also a good choice if you stand behind the iReliev brand and you trust their products.

iReliev TENS + EMS Muscle Stimulator:

  • More expensive
  • Ems support
  • 14 modes
  • 25 intensity levels
  • Three AAA batteries

iReliev Dual Channel TENS Pain Relief System:

  • Less expensive
  • Eight modes
  • 25 intensity levels
  • Three AAA batteries

HealthmateForever Pro-12AB

Like I just said, if you are looking for a device that has more features but you don't mind spending a little extra, then this is another option worth looking into. It has rechargeable lithium batteries, two fully isolated dual channels, ems support, and it also has 12 modes rather than the eight from iReliev.

On the downside, however, it has only 20 intensity levels rather than 25—but this is still a pretty large amount and gives you quite a bit of diversity anyway.

The biggest advantage that the HealthmateForever Pro has over iReliev is its rechargeable batteries, if that is something you really want, but its other perks also make it a more quality product and alternative. This may help you in your TENS unit comparison:

HealthmateForever Pro-12AB:

  • More expensive
  • 12 modes
  • Ems support
  • Fully isolated dual channels
  • Rechargeable lithium batteries
  • 20 intensity levels

iReliev Tens Unit:

  • Less expensive
  • Eight modes
  • Dual channels
  • 25 intensity levels
  • Three AAA batteries
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iReliev Pain Relief System Dual Channel Tens Massager

The Bottom Line

The The iReliev Dual Channel TENS Pain Relief System is designed for people who experience chronic or acute pain in their muscles or joints. Overall this is a great TENS unit for pain, because of its intuitive design, number of intensity levels, and its comprehensive programs. Its primary drawbacks are the facts that it doesn't include a backlight and it doesn't have rechargeable batteries. If you want to have a look at the iReliev Pain Management System, click more details below.
7.7
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