Platoscience PlatoWork User manual
PlatoWork Manual
PlatoWork Manual
Getting started 3
Your PlatoWork 3
Prepare the Essentials 4
Start a neurostimulation session 5
Step by step 5
Using the PlatoWork headset 6
Ensuring good contact 6
Select mode 6
Red marks under the electrodes 6
Adjusting the intensity slider 6
Headset light indicators 7
Sleep mode 7
Customization 7
Forum and communication 7
Maintaining the headset 8
After each use: 8
After every 5 sessions or when needed: 8
When sponges get worn out: 8
When the water bottle is empty: 8
Troubleshooting 9
I cannot turn on the PlatoWork headset 9
I cannot get the PlatoWork headset to connect to my phone 9
I cannot get past the electrode test 9
I have red marks under the electrodes after stimulation, is this normal? 9
I feel an itch when using the PlatoWork headset 9
I wear glasses - can I use PlatoWork? 10
What if I have really thick hair? 10
What's in the box 11
The three white sponges 11
What’s in the bottle? 11
Charging the battery with the USB cable 11
The Paper thin sponges 11
The Case 11
Additional information 12
General tips for neurostimulation 12
The effect 12
1
Getting started
Download the PlatoWork app here: platoscience.com/app
Your PlatoWork
Turning on PlatoWork
To turn on your PlatoWork, simply unfold the headset. To turn it off, collapse the
headset again. You will know the headset is open and ON when you hear the
“CLICK” sound and when the PlatoWork logo on the side of the headset starts
blinking blue.
Once PlatoWork is turned on and the PlatoWork App is open, the app will
automatically connect to your headset. There is no need to go into your phone
settings for bluetooth pairing.
Sleep mode
After 20 minutes of not using PlatoWork, the headset will go into sleep mode, and turn off to save
energy. To turn it on again, simply close and reopen PlatoWork.
3
Charging the headset
When you receive PlatoWork, the built-in battery is already charged.
The app will indicate when your headset needs charging. You can find the charging
port on the side, which is only accessible when you collapse the headset. Connect
the cable that is present in the box and the other end to any USB port.
A small green light next to the charging port will indicate that the battery is
recharging. The light will turn off when the battery is fully charged. Recharging a
flat battery will take approximately 1 hour.
Sliders
The grey areas of PlatoWork have four adjustable sliders, which can be adjusted
to fit your head size. The sliders are each marked with I II III IIIIIII to indicate from
smallest to largest head size.
Prepare the Essentials
Salt water:
You will need to make sure that the bottle provided is filled with salt water. To
make the salt water, remove the screw cap and fill the bottle with drinkable
water. Then, fill the top lid of the screw cap with regular kitchen salt and add it to
the water.
The salt water helps ensure good contact between the electrodes and your head.
For the salt water to have an effect, it needs to have around 0.5g per 100ml (volume
of provided bottle). If you prefer, you can purchase standard saline water.
Sponges
The sponges provided are compressed and need to be hydrated before
use. Moisten three dry sponges (1 mm thickness) with the salt water until
they are fully expanded (5 mm thickness).
Tip:
Fill the sponges’ case with salt water and
dip the dry sponge in it.
4
Start a neurostimulation session
Now that you are familiar with PlatoWork and you have prepared the essentials you are ready
to start a neurostimulation session.
As with most new devices, it might take some attempts to find the right fit and get the first
session going. As you become familiar with your PlatoWork headset, setting up gets easier and
easier.
We recommend starting with the “Learn” mode on your app, for your first session. Our users
have found that this mode gives the best first time experience.
Step by step
1. Activate the headset by simply unfolding it (it will make a 'click' sound when it’s fully
opened). When the headset is turned on, the logo on the left side of the headset will blink
blue.
2. Connect. Open the PlatoWork App, and the headset will automatically connect with your
phone (make sure your phone’s bluetooth is turned on). The logo on the headset will turn
from blinking blue to solid blue once it is connected.
3. Place the sponges. Make sure that the sponges are fully moist with salt water, but not
dripping wet. Place a sponge in each of the three black electrodes.
4. Put the headset on.Make sure that the two textured silicone pads are placed right
above the ears, and that you have two sponges in the front and one in the back. Use four
fingers to measure the distance between the centre of your eyebrows and the bottom of
the two front sponges to ensure that the headset is correctly placed.
5. Ensure headset fit. For the headset to work, it has to sit tightly on your head so all
three sponges are firmly pressed against your skull.If the headset feels too loose,adjust
the sliders to obtain a tight fit between the sponges and your head.
6. Select mode. When you have ensured a good headset fit, select your stimulation mode
in the app. When starting the session, the app will first test that the headset has sufficient
contact to your head. When the test is successful, you can put your phone away and begin
your task.
5
Using the PlatoWork headset
Important
Never take the headset off or adjust it during an active session, as this could lead to a short but
uncomfortable ‘sting’ under the active electrodes (
more info below
).
Keep the usage to a maximum of one full session, or 30 minutes total, per day per user (
more info
below
).
Ensuring good contact
For neurostimulation to work, the electrodes need to have good contact to the head. Good
contact is ensured by a combination of 1. Wet sponges, 2. Pressure, and 3. Sponge surface
touching the head. When starting a session, the headset will test if the relevant electrodes
have sufficient contact, and ask you to improve contact if they don’t. If asked to improve the
contact by adjusting the headset, please make sure that:
1. The sponges are moist.
2. The headset is fitted tightly to your head.
3. The angle of the electrodes is aligned with your head so the whole surface of the sponge is
touching the head.
4. There is not too much dry hair directly underneath the electrodes.
Tip: If you are having trouble, look at the instructions in the Getting Started section and try
adjusting the headset again.
Select mode
In the app you need to choose between four modes: Learn, Create, Concentrate and Rethink.
You have to decide if you need to focus on a task at hand or create new ideas. We suggest you
try out each mode with different tasks to figure out what works best for you.
Red marks under the electrodes
Some users experience temporary red marks on the skin under the electrodes after
stimulation; this is normal and always disappear again quickly after the session. The marks are
caused by a combination of heat, current and the salt water used to moist the sponges. These
marks can be reduced by rinsing the sponges under running tap water often, thereby lessening
the amount of salt building up in the electrodes.
Adjusting the intensity slider
During stimulation, the app offers a slider to adjust the intensity of the stimulation. The slider
is there to enable users to adjust the sensation on the skin under the electrodes to their pain
6
tolerance, as the same current might be experienced differently from user to user. The
relationship between the intensity slider and the effect of the stimulation is not linear, so feel
free to adjust up or down as you prefer.
If the current feels too intense on the skin in the beginning, you can always turn the intensity
down step by step to find a comfortable level. Normally the sensitivity of the skin is reduced
during a session, so after 5-7 minutes you can try to turn the intensity back up and see how it
feels.
Headset light indicators
●Blue-blinking: Awaiting connection with Bluetooth
●Blue: Connected via Bluetooth
●Green-blinking: Testing electrode connection
●Green-slowly pulsating: Ongoing session
●No light: closed headset or sleep mode
Sleep mode
If the headset is open (and thus turned on) but not in use for 20 minutes, it will enter sleep
mode to save battery. To wake it up from sleep mode, simply close and reopen the headset.
PlatoAcademy
We operate a facebook group called PlatoAcademy. PlatoAcademy enacts as a closer user
forum for all PlatoWork users, where we can all share our experiences and discuss topics
related to neurostimulation. Within the next six months, it's our ambition to host this
community on our website, where - as well as a discussion forum - you will also be able to see
historic usage data from the app, examine your cognitive test results, and more.
Maintaining the headset
After each use:
Take out the sponges from the headset and rinse them under tap water. Ideally let them air dry
first before placing them back into plastic case. Rinse the sponges under running lukewarm
tap water. Before next usage, they need to be moistened with salt water from the bottle. Doing
this will help maintain the sponges.
After every 5 sessions or when needed:
Charge the headset with the provided USB cable. The battery should
last for more than 10 sessions, but we recommend you to charge it
more often, so that you can be sure your headset works when you
need it and all the way through your session.
7
When sponges get worn out:
Your sponges can last for many (100+) sessions if treated correctly. But if they begin to get
worn out and having serious miscolours, write to us at [email protected] and we arrange
for some new sponges to be sent to you.
When the water bottle is empty:
The salt water in the bottle is normal water with a very weak concentration of normal kitchen
salt. You can easily refill it yourself:
1. Remove the screw cap and fill the bottle with potable water.
2. Fill the top lip of the screw cap with regular kitchen salt and
add it to the salt water.
3. Shake the mixture.
8
Troubleshooting
I cannot turn on the PlatoWork headset
Gently fold PlatoWork and reopen it. PlatoWork turns ON automatically once you open it and hear
the “click” sound.
The headset goes into sleep mode if it is not used for more than 5 minutes. Also make sure your
phone’s bluetooth is on or try to recharge the headset for 1 minute.
I cannot get the PlatoWork headset to connect to my phone
Try the following steps:
1. Open the app and initiate a stimulation session. If there is no connection, the app will
show an error message.
2. Ensure that your phone’s Bluetooth is turned on.
3. Go to App Store and download the newest version of the PlatoWork app.
I cannot get past the electrode test
This problem is caused by insufficient contact between the headset electrodes and your skin.
Try to follow the Getting Started instructions again to ensure proper contact.
Things you can do:
1. Readjust the headset so it is fitted tightly to your head.
2. The angle of the electrodes are aligned with your head so the whole surface of the sponge is
touching the head.
3. Make sure the sponges are sufficiently moist.
4. Check your bluetooth is on.
5. There is not too much dry hair directly underneath the electrodes.
If you are still having trouble, try to lay a hand on the front of the headset and press it gently
inwards against your forehead. Still having trouble? Please contact us and we will do our best
to help you.
I have red marks under the electrodes after stimulation, is this normal?
Some users experience temporary red marks under the electrodes after stimulation; this is normal
and always disappear again quickly after the session. The marks are caused by a combination of
heat, current and the salt water used to moist the sponges. These marks can be reduced by rinsing
the sponges under running tap water often, thereby lessening the amount of salt building up in the
electrodes.
My skin itches when using the PlatoWork headset
This feeling is quite normal and caused by individual levels of skin sensitivity. If you experience
an itching sensation while running a session, try to lower the intensity or add more water to
the sponges. Your skin will most likely adjust to this sensation the more you use the headset.
Most users don’t even notice this after getting familiar with the headset.
9
I wear glasses - can I use PlatoWork?
PlatoWork is fixed just above the ears and can be worn with most types of glasses.
What if I have really thick hair?
Very thick hair, or big curls, can be a challenge but is not a deal breaker. Usually the problem can
be solved by adding more salt water to the sponges and parting the hair in a way to allow the
sponge to have maximum contact with the scalp.
10
What's in the box
The three white sponges
The purpose of the sponges is to ensure good contact between the headset and the skin.
●Detach: Store the sponges in the plastic casing. We recommend allowing them air dry
before placing them in the plastic case.
●Rinse: After every session, rinse the sponges under running lukewarm tap water. Before
next usage they need to be moistened with salt water from the bottle.
●Replace: If the sponges wear out (get too thin, stop holding water, get dirty etc.), reach out
to us at [email protected] and we will arrange for some replacement sponges to be
sent to you.
What’s in the bottle?
The bottle contains a salt water solution, used to moist the white sponges before a session.
The amount of salt is important: too little salt and there’ll be bad contact between the
electrodes and the skin, too much salt can cause irritations on the skin. When bottle is emptied
you can easily refill it yourself by following these instructions.
Charging the battery with the USB cable
The provided USB-cable is for charging the headset. The headset runs on an internal lithium
ion battery, which lasts for ≈10 sessions with normal headset connection. On the home screen
of the app you can see the battery status, and whether it is enough for one session. If it gets
too low, you can charge the device using the cable provided in the headset case or any other
standard micro USB cable. Collapse the headset, and insert the micro-USB into the headset on
the left side. The other end of the cable is a regular USB, and will fit any USB port. There is a
green light indicator next to the USB, when the device is charging, and the indicator will turn
off when the battery is fully charged.
The Paper thin sponges
In the plastic case provided, there are three paper thin sponges.
The Case
PlatoWork is provided with a black case for protecting the headset and having a place to keep
the headset together with its accessories. The casing can resist rough handling and is water
resistant. This should be sufficient for normal use.
11
Additional information
General tips for neurostimulation
When you get to know your PlatoWork, you will learn how the various modes work for you. All
brains are different, so it is impossible to predict the exact effects for each user. We encourage
you to try the modes for different tasks and see what works for you. Some modes can give a
mild effect, while others can give a quite strong cognitive sensation. In general, try to avoid
focusing too much on the fact that you're being stimulated, and rather find a relevant task to
work on during the stimulation. Feel free to combine all four modes, but from our experience
we have found that a creative mode quickly followed by a focus mode (or vice versa) will
neutralize the effects.
The effect
While tDCS is a well proven technology, the experience varies from person to person and
depends on the state of mind you are in while using it.
A stimulation session lasts for 30 minutes and the effect will appear slowly after 3-5 minutes.
After the session ends, the effect will last for approximately 1 hour, but this is very individual.
In the app you have the possibility to send us feedback about your experience with the
stimulation. Please use this opportunity and help us improve your neurostimulation
experience.
Why should I not take the headset off during use?
Never take the headset off or adjust it during an active session, as this could lead to a small but
uncomfortable ‘sting’ under the active electrodes. The explanation is simple: A rapid change in
current can be uncomfortable to the skin, and taking the headset off, moving it, lifting and
putting it back on, etc. will potentially cause an immediate change in the current reaching the
skin. This is not dangerous but can be a bit painful, and/or give the sensation of a sting and
sometimes a small visual flash.
Why maximum 30 minutes per day?
For safety reasons we ask all users to keep the usage to a maximum of one full session, or 30
minutes total, per day per user. There are no reports of negative effects caused by longer
usage, but there are also no rigorous longitudinal studies of potential negative effects of 30+
minutes stimulation.
12
Disclaimer of responsibility
To the fullest extent permitted by law, PlatoScience shall not be liable to any person for any
loss or damage which may arise from the use or misuse of the product(s), including death or
personal injury resulting from negligence, fraud or deceit, beyond defective parts or flaws that
occur due to problems in the manufacture.
This disclaimer of liability for damages will not be affected if any remedy provided shall fail of
its essential purpose. In any case, the total compensation liabilities of PlatoScience shall not
exceed the price paid for the product(s) by the purchaser.
In addition to the damages which may occur due to the use of the product(s), PlatoScience will
not be liable for damages of the product(s) which occur due to the following events:
●In the event the product(s) is misused or used for purposes other than its intended
purposes.
●In the event the product(s) is damaged because the user does not follow this product
manual.
●In the event the product(s) is damaged because the user has disassembled, repaired, or
modified it in such way as is not explained in this product manual.
●In the event the product(s) is damaged by a third party.
●In the event the product(s) is damaged due to a force majeure event, including but not
limited to fire, flood, earthquake, storm, hurricane or other natural disaster.
●In the event the surface of the product(s) is damaged by use.
13
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