August 15, 2023

Your Guide To CEFALY Hypoallergenic Electrodes

Electrodes are small, adhesive gel pads that transmit CEFALY’s tiny electrical impulses to the trigeminal nerve in your forehead. Here’s a question we often hear from CEFALY users: Should I try the hypoallergenic electrodes?

Yes, if:

You have sensitive skin that reacts to certain skin care products.
You’ve noticed a new rash, itching or sensitivity after using the standard CEFALY electrodes.
You have a known sensitivity to acrylates, which are synthetic resins used in products such as eyelash glues, acrylic nails and some cosmetics.

The standard CEFALY gel electrode contains water, glycerin, polyacrylate copolymer and potassium chloride. The hypoallergenic blue gel electrode contains only water, povidone, and polyethylene oxide.

What should I do if I have a reaction to the CEFALY electrode?

If you notice that your forehead appears reddened or blotchy after using CEFALY, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re having an allergic reaction! This redness results from CEFALY activating the skin’s blood circulation. It’s an uncommon side effect that usually goes away within 15 minutes.

If a rash develops, on the other hand, that may indicate an allergy to the electrode gel. Stop using your CEFALY until the rash heals (an anti-inflammatory cream may help). Consider trying the hypoallergenic electrode to see if that helps.

How do I make my hypoallergenic electrodes last longer?

Because of their special formulation, the blue gel electrodes typically last for fewer uses compared to the standard electrodes). To make each electrode last as long as possible, carefully follow these guidelines:

Always, always clean your forehead with soap and water and pat it dry before applying the electrode. If you skip this step, the natural oils on your skin will prevent the electrode from sticking properly. Avoid using alcohol wipes to clean your skin, because these will cause the electrode to break down over time. Also, avoid facial cleansers that contain moisturizers (and don’t apply moisturizer to your forehead after washing).
Wash your hands before touching the electrode. Touch only the edges, and try to handle it as little as possible. Even clean hands still have oils that can compromise the electrode’s adhesion.
Recline or lie down with your head tilted back when using your CEFALY. Movement can weaken the electrode’s adhesion.
When you’re finished your CEFALY session, never leave the electrode sitting out. Replace the electrode on its plastic sheet, adhesive side down, and store it in the sealed silver pouch. You also can place the pouch into a sealed zip-close bag.
Once you notice the electrode is losing adhesion, you can add a few drops of distilled or tap water to the gel to re-humidify it.
Never re-use an electrode that’s dirty or drying out, because your CEFALY treatment won’t be effective.

How can I save money on CEFALY hypoallergenic electrodes?

CEFALY hypoallergenic blue gel electrodes are patented and only available from CEFALY. There’s no generic/off-brand version available.

The best way to save on replacement electrodes is to sign up for electrode auto-delivery! You’ll save 5% and get free shipping. Plus, you can choose the quantity and frequency of your electrode order, so you always have enough on hand.

Also: Did you know you can use your HSA (health savings account) or FSA (flexible spending account) to purchase CEFALY electrodes? Both tax-advantaged accounts are used to pay for qualified medical expenses. The funds must be used by the end of the year or shortly after — so stock up on electrodes now!