iMRS system is the flagship PEMF system by Swiss Bionic Solutions, a company with its HQ based in Switzerland. The system is consist of a controller, 3 PEMF applicators (Full body Mat, Pillow, and Probe), optional bio-feedback sensor and a brainwave entrainment system that can be used together with the PEMF system. In this article, we share with you what was not usually mentioned in the product brochures to give you a better insight of the features and functionalities of the iMRS system – your complete buyer’s guide to your first iMRS system.
KEY FEATURES OF IMRS
- Registered as Class IIa medical device in Europe (MDC) and Canada (Health Canada), and FDA registered Class I device
- Simple to use, push-button based operation, with easy to connect applicators. Recommended for users who value simplicity
- Foldable Full-body Mat in 3 sections. The Mat also generates three different level of intensity at the different section of the mat, offering better-customized intensities needed by the different section of our body.
- Medical grade materials for all applicators, and are very durable and suitable for use in almost any type climate (especially humid and hot environment)
- Same hardware controller for all three models (wellfit, complete and professional). Upgrading is through an update of software via SD-CARD.
- Ability to connect to multiple applicators at the same time (though not using them concurrently)
- The professional model comes with iGuide, a built-in software feature that contains preset profile (for suggested intensity and duration when used with different applicators) for close to 300 types of alignments.
- Optional bio-feedback system (iMORE) using Heart Rate Variable
- Optional audio-visual brainwave entrainment system, multicolor (red, green, blue) with integrated earphone (iSLRS)
iMRS Configuration
iMRS comes in 3 configuration – Wellfit, Complete, Professional. They all share the same hardware controller, just different in the applicators included, and features enabled.
- The Wellfit model comes with Controller, full-body mat and pillow. The timer comes in 8, 16 and 24 minutes and 7 level of intensity (sensitive, 10, 25, 50, 100, 150 200) to choose from.
- The complete model is Wellfit model + additional Probe applicator and comes with 8 level of intensity (level 400)
- The professional model is Complete Model + iGuide software feature and has timer setting of 1-60 minutes interval to choose from.
All the three models can be paired with optional bio-feedback (iMORE) and audio-visual brainwave entrainment (iSLRS). The optional bundle is available as “SET” when both iMORE and iSLRS are included in either of the models. i.e. Wellfit SET means Wellfit plus iMORE and iSLRS. You can also purchase an optional iMRS Travel Bag, which is sold separately.
Frequencies, Magnetic Strength, and Waveform – available in all systems
The current design was first released in the year 2010 and later was updated in the year 2014. All iMRS PEMF systems design are based on low frequencies (3-25Hz) and low magnetic field intensity, from as low as 0.09μT (when used with Full body Mat applicator) to 300μT (max when used with Probe applicator). There is two type of waveforms available, depending on the type of applicator used. The full body mat uses Sawtooth waveform, which is better at delivering multiple frequencies to the body and achieves resonance state in a very short period. The Pillow and Probe applicators use Square wave waveform – which is known to offers better pain-relief and cell simulations due to its higher potential drop and rise. As such, as a general guideline, we recommend using pillow and probe applicators for localized treatments.
About Sawtooth
The waveform is a composite of a large number of harmonic sine waves in the low-frequency range. Unlike simple waveform, the sawtooth electromagnetic signal changes continuously, creating a constant varying stimulation to the body’s tissues via induction, maximizing ion displacement and avoid fatigue symptom from monotonous stimulation. The frequencies range and variations are based on the Chinese organ clock concept, which is explained in the below section.
Organ Clock – Available in All systems
The iMRS system does not allow manual configuration of a specific frequency. However, it comes with four built-in programs with varied frequencies range. The four programmed frequencies ranges are automatically activated according to the time of day of usage. The principle is based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)’s organ clock mechanic – where different body organs are active at a different time of day. As different organs have a different resonating frequency, the activated program will focus more on the frequencies of the active organs during the period of the treatment. This what is known as ORGAN CLOCK in iMRS System. The user, however, can also manually select the program. The Organ Clock program is only activated when using the full body mattress. When using localized applicators (i.e. Pillow or Probe), Organ Clock program will not be available. Organ clock is part of the features of all the iMRS system.
- Morning program – 5am – 10am.
- Noon program – 10am -3 pm.
- Evening program – 3pm – 8pm
- Night program – 8pm – 5am
Regardless which program is running, the polarity is reversed every 2 minutes. Meaning you don’t have to worry about the facing of the applicator during use. You can use the applicators at any facing position. People working shift do not need to adjust the organ clock.
iGUIDE – available in Professional/Professional set
Many people mistaken iGuide offers treatment programs for various alignments. This is not correct, as it does not provide specific frequencies range to target at a particular problem or physical condition. What it offers instead, is a recommended duration (time) and strength (intensity) to use with the choice of applicators you use. For instance, if you are suffering from burnout and you wish to use full body mat in the daytime, the system will recommend a setting of 16 minutes at an intensity of 25. Whereas if you are using at night, then the system will use sensitive setting. iGuide, in essence, is an extension of the three user-customizable user profiles setting option.
The figure below illustrates how the iGuide work. When you purchased a Professional configuration, you will see an iGUIDE option at the bottom right corner of the controller’s LCD panel. Before the start of the session, choose iGuide, and the LCD panel will show you a list of alphabetically arranged conditions (A-Z). Only the first condition in each of the alphabetical category is shown. You have to press the category once more (i.e., Acne) for the screen to bring you to a list of all the conditions in that alphabetical group (i.e., Acne). Next choose the applicator you wish to use (i.e., Pillow, Probe or Mat). Upon selection of the applicator (i.e., Pillow), the iGuide will automatically set the time, and intensity recommended for the hour (i.e., 16 minutes and intensity level 25).
When you have multiple conditions, there is no requirement for you to run multiple sessions based on the iGuide recommendation for each condition, as the frequencies range applied to your body essentially is the same. Just choose a condition that you wish to deal with the most. In general, they are still effective to address your other conditions (though not the optimal). iGuide is only available in the Professional model.
BIO-FEEDBACK (IMORE) – included in SET
integrated MOnitoring and REgulation (iMORE) is one feature that one may ponder over its actual application. iMORE biofeedback system is based on Heart Rate Variable (HRV), a clinically proven method to collect and analyze your health condition. The latest version is using a finger sensor, based on photoplethysmographic sensor technology. The iMRS prepares this data and calculates the individual heart rate variability to dynamically regulate the intensity (flux / magnetic density) during an iMRS application. In iMORE, there is 7 level of health status. The system will analyze and present a health level status every minute when you are using it with the full body mat. With the ups and downs of the level, the iMRS system will automatically adjust the magnetic field intensity of the full body mat so it can better deliver what your body needs.
Figure showing the real-time reading, a minute-by-minute update of the HRV level.
Figure showing the end of session summary screen showing the adjusted intensity during the session based on the HRV reading.
Insight:
Now, iMORE is not a health analyzing tool in any way, as it does not keep history logs of the reading nor it has multiple user profiles. It’s a real-time bio-feedback system solely aiming to adjust the magnetic field intensity of the full body mat during use. Such feature will be helpful for settings like Clinic, Centres where there are many different users of the systems with unknown sensitivity level to the PEMF stimulation. For chronically ill or weak person, such real-time feedback system will prove useful to offer dynamic adjustment to optimize the treatment. iMORE does not work with Pillow or Probe applicator.
Using iMORE with iGuide
When using iMORE together with iGuide, the system will use the suggested intensity from iGuide. The system will continue to adjust the intensity level according to the iMORE reading. If you have to choose between getting an iGuide or iMORE, iMORE may serve a more practical purpose in comparison. Of course with both systems in use, you don’t have to guess the settings and make the entire operation dummy prove.
Audio Visual Brainwave Entrainment System (iSLRS) – included in SET
First of all, iMRS iSLRS is not a PEMF system. It is an integrated audio-visual brainwave entrainment system that offers brainwave regulation based on the selected program (organ clock) – which can influence your mental state. The iSLRS entrainment session will follow the selected (or activated) organ clock program. There are three colors to choose from (Red, Blue, and Green). Find out more about brainwave technology here. Together with the eye set, it also comes with an integrated earplug that provides audio tone entrainment and background music. The light, audio tone, and music can be enabled or turned off individually. For best effect, close your eyes. The flashing light will still pass through your eyelids, and the filter will also create a light dispersion effect that allows fuller coverage of your light receptors to send the signal to your visual cortex.
The entrainment programs in iSLRS are not for specific treatment. In general, the morning and noon session offer brain activation and concentration (beta)- whereas evening session offers relaxation and meditation (alpha), and night session use for sleep and relaxation (delta/theta). Most people experienced the best effect when using together with the full body mat. However, you can also use the iSLRS when using the pillow or probe. iSLRS will not works when no applicator is plugged into the system.
NOTE: People with a history of Photo-Seizure should use the iSLRS under supervision, and should avoid using intense red color option. Never use the system when you are standing upright.
Choosing which model of iMRS (Wellfit, Complete, Professional), add-on accessories (iMORE, iSLRS) can be a daunting task for first-time buyers. Though most of the purchase behavior is also driven by the month’s promotion (which one should take advantage of), it’s still important for you to understand your essential needs and good to have options. Price differences between the basic configuration (Wellfit) and the full configuration (Professional SET) can be up to 40%. Invest in what you will need but take advantage of the promotion whenever possible without forking out more than what you need and your usage pattern. You do not want to have all the optional items ended up as a white elephant, collecting dust at one corner of your house. Following section offer some basic guideline for your purchase decision.
CHOOSE IMRS WELLFIT IF
You are just looking at general well-being using the full body mat for most of the time, with occasional localized treatment using the pillow. You are not getting anything lesser with a limitation of the three timer settings only (8/16/24 minutes) and intensity (7 levels instead of 8 levels). The reason being we seldom recommend user to use more than 24 minutes for full body mat per session anyway, and for most full-body mat application, intensity level recommendation usually is around the initial 3-4 levels (sensitive, 10, 25, 50) and occasionally 100/150 for more acute conditions. The highest level intensity (400) was designed to use with the probe, to allow it to reach an intensity level of 300μT.
Choose iMRS Complete IF
You think you are going to utilize the Probe. The Probe can be a very powerful and useful treatment applicator, especially for pain relief as it offers a very concentrated level of magnetic field targeting the problem area. It is most effective when one can identify the root point or Ashi point of pain. It can also replace acupuncture for many other treatments since it’s nonintrusive and easy to apply. If you are operating any form of services that offering pain-relief treatment, Probe will be an important tool to consider. As one usually need to hold on the probe during use, the application does take a little bit more effort. For the position that’s out of your reach, you will need another person to assist you to hold the probe in the right position.
Do not choose COMPLETE just because it has an additional level of intensity.
Choose iMRS Professional IF
Aside from you simply want the best and all features, choose professional if you wish to have more control over the time setting (1-60 minutes) duration and have instant access to a database (close to 300 conditions) of preset profiles for various alignments and conditions. iGuide is ideal for clinical or center environments when the system may be used by many different users on a daily basis. The database will come in handy for the health professionals to quickly identify the recommended time and intensity settings for various conditions, especially when the operations are carried out by health assistants who may not be familiar with PEMF. In essence, what you gain in Professional is just convenience (with iGuide to quickly retrieve the recommended setting for specific alignment) and better control of time duration (1-60 minutes). One very important perception one should understand – you are not less covered if you are not getting a professional model. The organ clock programs are the same regardless of model – which is the most important aspect of any Earth-based frequencies and intensity PEMF system.
DO YOU NEED IMORE?
Our opinion is no if you are using purely for home use for general well-being. By saying that, we are not negating the usefulness of such wonderful technology, but given the actual result it may bring to you, we believe you can do without iMORE perfectly fine. Nevertheless, iMORE will be handy for clinical or center settings where there are many different users with different body conditions using the full-body system, or you are using the iMRS on a person who is chronically weak or is very sensitive to EMF. Consider getting a SET bundle (together with iSLRS) if you are trying to get either iSLRS or iMORE, as SET represent close to 30% discount off the listed price when purchasing both together.
DO YOU NEED ISLRS?
Audio-visual brainwave entrainment (AVE) technology is a very exciting piece of technology on its own. Most people can benefits from the entrainment effect when using the iSLRS system, and it is a very good complement to the full body PEMF system. If you already have other standalone 3rd party brainwave entrainment system, you don’t have to invest in iSLRS. You can reuse your existing AVE system together with the iMRS, though not integrated like iSLRS that work seamlessly with the system. If you are using iMRS to improve both your body and mental well-being, iSLRS will be highly recommended. If you are getting iMRS system to address specific chronic conditions, then iSLRS will not necessarily be the right accessory to address that, even for a mental condition.
Despite iSLRS is not designed to treat a mental condition, we have seen many positive results for those with depression, sleep issue, anxiety, etc.
Need more advice? Contact us now. We will offer you nonbiased advice on the right system for you.