Dreampad FAQs

What is the Dreampad?

The Dreampad is a sleep technology for reducing stress and improving sleep. It uses a patented audio method that relaxes the body and mind, and is audible only to the user. The Dreampad is supported by research and recommended by some of the top clinics and sleep doctors in the world. It is offered with a 30-day free trial, allowing users to return it if not satisfied.

 

How do I operate the Dreampad?

It’s a unique technology but it’s actually pretty simple. Here are the basic steps: 1. Choose your Dreampad pillow type. 2. Download the music app (Apple and Android). 3. Set your music, volume and timer. 4. Connect to the pillow. 5. Get to sleep.

 

How does the Dreampad technology work?

The Dreampad is different from traditional speakers in that the music travels from the pillow directly to your body, it doesn’t go out into the airwaves. As a result, only the person using it can hear the music.

 

Who should use the Dreampad?

The Dreampad is for all ages, from toddlers to seniors. More specifically, it is helpful for those who experience stress and have difficulty sleeping, including falling asleep and staying asleep. We caution against leaving it in the crib of a child under age one because of SIDS risk.

 

How quickly will I see results?

We are all unique and have different reactions to the Dreampad. Most people acclimate to the Dreampad within a day or two. We suggest you try it for at least a few nights before you judge whether or not it’s for you. Clinicians report positive results with about 80% of their patients in the areas of stress reduction and improved sleep. If it doesn’t work for you, we offer a 30-day risk-free trial so you can return it for a full refund.

 

How can I know if it will work for me?

The only way to know if it suits you is to try it. We offer a 30-day free trial, so you can return it for a full refund of the purchase price if you don’t like it.

 

Are there any health warnings regarding the Dreampad?

There are two health-related caveats around Dreampad usage. We recommend that those prone to motion sickness begin using the Dreampad in short sessions of, say, 5-10 minutes to make sure the vibrational music does not trigger a reaction a reaction similar to that of motion sickness. We also caution against leaving the Dreampad in the crib of a child one year or younger because of the risk of SIDS. Children and adults with medical conditions should consult their doctor before using.

 

Does the Dreampad emit electromagnetic radiation (EMR)?

The Dreampad device is functionally closer to a speaker than a phone, i.e. it does not emit EMR. However, many people are concerned about radio waves emitted from phones. For those who prefer to be cautious (including us), we suggest putting your phone on Airplane Mode when using it with the Dreampad. Alternatively, you can use the Dreampad Bluetooth. This emits EMR but at a miniscule level (for comparison purposes, think of your cell phone reaching a tower miles away vs. the Bluetooth which has a reach of about 33 feet). 

 

What is the youngest, and oldest age one can use the Dreampad? 

The Dreampad has been used safely with infants; however, we do not recommend using it with children under 12 months of age without adult supervision, and only for short periods of time, e.g. less than 30 minutes. Of course, the Dreampad, like all pillow-type products, should not be left in the crib of a child under 12 months of age because of the risk of suffocation. There is no age restriction for seniors using the product.

 

What’s the science behind the product? How does it work?

The Dreampad operates on the natural principle of ‘bone conduction.’ We all hear ourselves speak in 2 ways – sound waves from our mouth travel through the air and enter our outer ear, and sound vibrations from our voice box travel internally by bone to our inner ear. (This is why your voice sounds different on a recording: you’re not hearing it with the vibrational resonance you get when you speak). The Dreampad transducers replicate that natural sound vibration. As the music travels to your inner ear, it triggers your body’s relaxation response, the parasympathetic nervous system. This results in a calming effect that is conducive to falling asleep and staying asleep.

 

Is there any supporting research?

Yes, we have been fortunate to have many researchers contact us and conduct studies. Most notably, Columbia University completed a peer-reviewed study in 2016 showing the Dreampad’s effectiveness with stress related sleep problems. Other studies include: war veterans with PTSD, children with ADHD, children with autism, and the Dreampad effect compared to music through traditional speakers (heart rate variability study). All studies to date have shown statistical significance.

 

How is the Dreampad used?

There are a few ways to use the product:

1. Download the Dreampad app to your phone, put phone on Airplane Mode*, plug phone directly into Dreampad.  Place phone in Dreampad pocket.
   Have an old phone? You can download the Dreampad app to it without needing a service plan.
2. Use Bluetooth Receiver: After downloading the Dreampad app to your phone, pair phone with Bluetooth receiver (not included), connect Bluetooth to Dreampad.  Place phone on airplane Mode (no radio signals can come or go, no electromagnetic frequency risk, no incoming calls can wake you up).
3. Download Dreampad music files to an MP3 player and plug player directly into Dreampad.

Experiment with the Dreampad music options and volume levels to find what’s best for you.  Note: side sleepers will use a much lower volume level than back sleepers.

 

Should I use a pillowcase?

We recommend using an appropriately sized pillowcase with your Dreampad to keep it clean. Pillowcases are also available for purchase on the Dreampad website store. 

 

Can I keep the Dreampad on all night?

When you begin using the Dreampad, we recommend setting the music sessions at 2 hours or less. After a week or so, you should be acclimated to the vibrational music and you can set the timer for longer periods. In particular, those who tend to wake up during the night like to set the music to play throughout the night to bring them back into a sleep state if they wake up.

 

Is it okay to use the Dreampad under my pillow?

Yes, the sound vibration from the Dreampad usually conducts up through other pillows. You can hear it and will experience the same relaxing effect. You may want to increase the volume level slightly.

 

If I wake up in the middle of the night can I turn the Dreampad on again?

Yes, the program can be re-started in the middle of the night but this may not be conducive to falling back asleep. Alternatively, you can set the program to run for a specific number of hours so you don’t have to wake up and fuss with the timer in the middle of the night.

 

Does it take time to get comfortable with the Dreampad?

Some people find it takes several nights to acclimate to the Dreampad. Others love it the first night. It’s all about individual preferences.

 

Can I use the Dreampad while reading or doing homework?

Yes, reading or studying while using the Dreampad is fine and may actually help your focus and attention… unless, of course, you fall asleep.

 

May I lie on either my back or side?

Yes, either is fine. The volume should be lower when sleeping on your side. The volume control is easy to use (keep in mind that it’s easy to adjust the volume level by simply moving your head slightly toward, or away from, the center of the Dreampad).

 

Does my ear need to be against the center of the Dreampad (which emits the music) to receive the benefits?

As long as you can hear the music, you will receive the benefits.

 

What kind of music is included with the Dreampad?

Dreampad music is developed in house based on the latest sleep research findings, including the core aspects of tempo, frequency, nature sounds and brain wave activity during sleep. There are 10 music options on the app, all of which are ambient except for one classical choice. Ambient, or a-melodic, music is preferred for sleeping because the brain tends to engage in a melody and while it may be relaxing, it’s not ideal for falling asleep.

 

What is the ‘right’ volume level for the Dreampad?

The volume should be set at a comfortable level that allows you to relax and fall asleep. Too loud and you won’t be able to relax, too soft and you will find yourself straining to hear the music. Experiment with the volume; test it in different sleeping positions. A couple points to keep in mind: 1) the volume required to hear the music when lying on your back is typically higher than when sleeping on your side, 2) lie quietly for a minute and you will realize your ability to hear the music at a low volume improves as you listen.

  

How long can one continue to use the Dreampad?

There is no restriction on the duration of use, nor any known negative effects from extended use, although we recommend starting with shorter sessions to ensure that you are acclimated to the unique vibrational input (also called ‘bone conducted music’) before listening for longer periods of time.

 

Can I listen to my own music with the Dreampad?

The music that comes with the Dreampad is specifically created for use with Intrasound Technology for the purpose of falling and staying asleep. However, if you wish to listen to your own music through the Dreampad, we encourage you to experiment and enjoy different types of music.

 

I can’t hear the music. Am I supposed to?

Yes, the music should be audible; this is not a subliminal music program. If you can’t hear the music, a) make sure it’s playing by listening to it without the Dreampad, b) check your volume level, and c) make sure your connections are good. We recommend listening at a relatively low volume level. If there is ambient noise in the room, such as a fan or humidifier, this will interfere with your ability to hear the Dreampad music so we suggest either turning off the ambient sound or raising the volume of the Dreampad.

 

I like the music, but it makes me feel awake.

The music is probably either too loud or too engaging. First, make sure the volume isn’t so loud that it is preventing sleep. Second, consider changing to one of the other music options.

 

Can I return the Dreampad if I don’t like it?

We think you will love the Dreampad, but if you are not happy with your purchase you can return it within 30 days for a full refund. The Dreampad must be returned in the original packaging with all parts and accessories in good condition to receive a refund. Note: Some people take a few days to adjust to the Dreampad. We recommend you try it for at least a few days before deciding to return the product.

 

Can I wash the Dreampad?

The Dreampad contains electronic components that cannot be washed. Please spot clean only and use a washable pillow cover (available on the website as an accessory).

 

Is there a product warranty?

The Dreampad is warranted for one year from the date of purchase against manufacturer defects. Coverage is valid only with proof of purchase. Alteration of the Dreampad will void the warranty.

 

How does your return policy work?

If you are not satisfied with the Dreampad, return it within 30-days for a full refund. We’ll send you a return confirmation and return label. You send back the Dreampad and we then process a credit.

 

Can I exchange my Dreampad for another type?

If you would like a different type of Dreampad, you need to return your original purchase for a full refund and then place an order for the replacement.