CalmiGo’s new handheld device helps stop your panic attacks

CalmiGo has launched the second generation of its mental health device that helps stop people from having panic attacks or other anxiety.

Clinically tested, the CalmiGo Plus device and its new mobile app leverage gaming technology to improve outcomes faster and effectively manage anxiety every day, said Adi Wallach, CEO of New York-based CalmiGo, in an interview with GamesBeat.

She said CalmiGo is the first and only mental health platform that provides immediate relief and long-term care to users suffering from anxiety, post traumatic stress discorder (PTSD), and panic attacks.

CalmiGo Plus is a breathing device that helps you get control of your breathing when you’re having a panic attack. It helps manage anxiety within minutes and track data insights, Wallach said.

The new platform includes both the CalmiGo device and new app that leverages gaming technology to improve outcomes faster and effectively manage their anxiety each day. 

The habit-forming game in the app was developed from principles in psychology to aid users in the healing process. The app also creates individual treatment plans and provides rewards to further encourage users on their journey of managing their anxiety.

CalmiGo merged the habit-forming expertise of gaming with psychological principles to aid users in their healing journey. The challenge in developing the app was to design a game that seamlessly integrated with the device’s usage, appeal to non-gamers, and offer universal accessibility—regardless of age or background.

To achieve this, CalmiGo incorporated the gaming industry concept of a “core loop,” making the CalmiGo device itself the “currency” of the game.

“To progress, users must engage with the device, earn rewards, and level up within the game,” said Iko Hason, chief growth officer of CalmiGo.

Similar to the gaming industry, CalmiGo expects a variety of player types and true to their core value of providing relief to all, developed the app to cater to users with diverse preferences. Some may embrace the full gaming experience, while others might prefer progress monitoring, a relaxing music timer, or simply syncing their device every few weeks. This ensures that all users, regardless of preference, can benefit from the app and expedite their healing process.

The app is easy-to-use and intuitive so that anyone — of any age or background — can benefit from it. CalmiGo developed the app as an optional add-on for users with various preferences — some will prefer the gaming features while others can use the progress monitoring offering, a timer with relaxing music, or just use the app every two weeks just to sync the device.

This ensures that every user, regardless of their preference, can benefit from the app and expedite their healing. The CalmiGo app also enables an accessibility mode for screen readers to make access available to anyone.

“Oftentimes anxiety and panic attacks can cast a heavy burden on individuals and as a consequence they avoid situations and places and live in fear of the next attack,” said Wallach. “CalmiGo is designed to empower users with a device so that they can go anywhere knowing that they have relief in their pocket at all times and now the new app creates the  habit of regular use effortlessly.”

The CalmiGo device is a scientifically-proven device that reduces stress hormone levels and provides immediate drug-free relief, enabling users to step out of the vicious anxiety cycle and regain control of their life – no matter where they are located.

The device is a unique portable exhaler developed with patented technology that combines sensors and machine learning to regulate breathing patterns. It learns each user’s individual breathing patterns in real time and provides guidance and feedback to help extend the length of exhalation between breathing cycles.

Gradually extended exhalation activates the parasympathetic system, which counteracts the “fight or flight” response triggered by the sympathetic nervous system in high-stress situations.  

To date, over 100,000 users have benefited from the first version of CalmiGo. The company recently created availability to more users through payment plans, FSA/HSA plans, and key partnerships.

Additionally, CalmiGo collaborated with healthcare providers, insurance plans, and healthcare institutions and clinics that subsidize the device for their patients, including a unique partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The subscription plans range from $199 to $349, depending on the length of time for the subscriptions. To access the app, visit the iOS app store or Google play.

The team has 18 people split between multiple locations, and it has raised $18 million to date.

Wallach said that the founders saw that the level of stress for some people is so severe that they need not only to be diagnosed but immediately addressed so they can calm down. And this is not a matter of just talking to someone, but integrating behavior into their daily routines using scientifically tested methods.

“This is scientifically proven, very easy to use, and easy to integrate into the daily routine or whenever they need to use it, wherever they are,” Wallach said.

The device helps people realize when they are hyperventilating or otherwise panicking and they need to slow down their breathing. It uses well-established methods for calming the nervous system. Breathing is one of those. But it also unleashes smells that people associate with pleasant memories, like the smell of lavender that can help people fall asleep. By looking at the lights on the device, users can tell how to elongate their exhaling in a way that activates the parasympathetic nervous system. This can work whether the user is six years old or 65 years old, Wallach said. The device is designed in a way to gently stimulate all the senses (except taste) in a treatment dubbed multisensory stimulation.

Patients are often told to listen to a voice or look at a picture if they’re feeling overwhelmed. That detaches the user from the state that is overwhelming them.

The first device came out in 2018, and the company has been able to release multiple studies of clinical research showing the improvement in patients, who have lower stress, less anxiety and fewer episodes. Then the company worked on the plus version and developed the app. Since the device is classified as a “low-risk device,” it does not require FDA approval.