MagnaWave PEMF Therapy: A Review and Comparison

 

PEMF therapy is continually being identified as a wonderful therapeutic tool with diverse applications for people of many different ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

As the audience for PEMF therapy continues to grow, the market for PEMF therapy devices also continues to grow, with each new company offering different specifications designed to titillate new customers.

The MagnaWave PEMF machines are one of the PEMF devices currently on the market, offering the ability to conduct PEMF sessions from the comfort of home.

 

An Overview of PEMF Therapy

PEMF therapy is a type of energy therapy that delivers pulses of electromagnetic energy to the body through a mat, wand, or other device that is applied directly to the body.

PEMF therapy has a long history, with its first iteration having been developed almost 100 years ago, as an alternative therapy to treat bacterial infections.

Although its use as a bacterial infection treatment has long been seen as ineffective, its application in other areas of health and wellness have increasingly been identified in research studies.

These uses include the primary treatment of depression, bone fractures and bone loss, post-surgical wound healing, and arthritis.

Areas in which PEMF is an up-and-coming treatment include inflammation, anxiety, pain management, and nerve damage, with potential uses as a supplementary therapy during chemotherapy.

PEMF therapy was once considered something of a fringe therapy, but mainstream medical research has identified just how powerful and useful PEMF therapy can be, which has led to a surge in PEMF interest and popularity.

Although PEMF therapy can be delivered in clinical settings, many PEMF companies recognize the need for PEMF therapy as a home treatment option.

With an extremely high safety rating and few (if any) risks associated with use, PEMF can be an ideal therapy for home settings.

 

The MagnaWave: Features and Claims to Fame

The MagnaWave PEMF machines focus entirely on PEMF therapy, and do not offer any additional therapies, such as infrared or crystal therapy.

This may explain, in part, why the PEMF machine places a hefty emphasis on using high intensity levels, as there are no additional therapies used to boost or otherwise support the energy pulses being delivered by the machine.

MagnaWave machines are among the most expensive on the market, and among the most highly powered.

These combine to create machines that are typically more suited for use in clinical settings, rather than home settings, though the B2 MagnaWave model is small and compact and boasts the lowest intensity of MagnaWave’s products.

MagnaWave’s PEMF machines may be more well-known a professional devices than personal ones, with some extending up to Gauss levels as high as 10,000—a setting that has the potential to be problematic in at-home, unsupervised PEMF therapy sessions.

 

Research on MagnaWave’s Design

Although the research on PEMF therapy as a whole is substantial, there are not any research studies that suggest the MagnaWave is the ideal PEMF machine.

Despite the prevalence of PEMF research studies, the MagnaWave does not deliver any particular enhancement to the general beneficial aspects of PEMF therapy that make researching this particular machine vital to research teams focusing on PEMF.

This is not to say that the MagnaWave is not an effective machine; instead, it simply means that the MagnaWave is not uniquely qualified to deliver PEMF therapy above any of its competitors.

 

MagnaWave Specifications: Frequency, Waveform, and Intensity

The frequency, waveform, and intensity of a PEMF machine is often the greatest factor being used to set one machine apart from another.

Some machines credit their high intensity settings for the superiority of their devices, while others promise patented waveforms that are capable of delivering healing energy unlike any other machine.

The MagnaWave is no exception, and the company often cites both its waveform and intensity as unique enough to warrant considering MagnaWave alone the best possible PEMF therapy option.

 

Frequency

MagnaWave machines offer frequency settings of between 0.5 and 100 Hz, with 8 individual programs.

There is not a manual control for the frequency of MagnaWave machines, however, so the frequency cannot be set in conjunction with other components to create a fully customized PEMF session.

Instead, the settings are pre-programmed, which allow you to choose a series of linked settings in order to find which of those programs you prefer.

While this may not initially be problematic, some customers might find it difficult to be unable to fully customize settings as time goes on and they grow more familiar with their own wants and needs.

 

Waveform

Determining the waveform of the MagnaWave machines is interesting, as the exact manner of delivery is described as “ringing out.”

That being said, the MagnaWave PEMF device uses both square waveforms and saw tooth waveforms simultaneously, with square waveforms being the primary type used, and saw tooth being used as the session tapers off.

Both square and saw tooth waveforms have been studied at length, and are considered effective waveforms in PEMF therapy delivery.

 

Intensity

MagnaWave machine’s intensity is similar to its frequency settings, in that the intensity cannot be manipulated or changed manually, to create a highly customized experience.

Instead, different intensities are linked to different pre-programmed settings on the machine.

Finding a precise identification of each of the available intensity levels for MagnaWave’s machines proves quite difficult, as most MagnaWave literature simply states that the average intensity level for MagnaWave products is 500 Gauss, with the highest possible intensity for MagnaWave products coming in at 10,000 Gauss.

At the highest intensity, MagnaWave claims that users can actually feel the impact of PEMF therapy through a series of “thuds” in the body.

The least expensive at-home MagnaWave model does not get quite so high, however, capping at around 500 Gauss in intensity.

 

MagnaWave Design

The design of MagnaWave’s machines is different from most of its competitor’s designs, as it either does not include a mat at all (as is the case with the high-intensity machines, though mats can be purchased as accessories), or it comes equipped with a small mat that is not intended for use as a full-body mat.

The B2 model identified above has a small, rectangular mat measuring under two feet, and a paddle or wand.

This differs significantly from most of its competitors, as most other at-home PEMF therapy mats possess mats intended for full-body use and full-body coverage, but does not necessarily suggest that the MagnaWave mat cannot be useful for at-home applications.

 

MagnaWave Pricing

MagnaWave mats are more expensive than similar mats, with the lowest model coming in at over $3,000, and high-end models capping off at just under $25,000.

MagnaWave offers 10 different PEMF machines, most of the price differences coming from differences in machine intensity.

Although the MagnaWave can be found for lower prices through secondhand retailers or via local buy/sell sites, standard prices make it one of the more expensive at-home PEMF machines available on the market.

 

MagnaWave Certification

MagnaWave products bear the “CE” marking, which is a mark identifying the device’s conformity to rules put forth by the European Union.

Although it might seem that the CE marking is as good as FDA approval, it is not quite the same.

The “CE” mark attests to the safety of the product from a practical point of view; that is, the device was created using proper safety practices, and will not combust during use.

This does not, however, mean that the device has been tested and proven effective at delivering PEMF therapy.

It also bears mentioning that the CE marking is not tested or verified.

Conceivably, any company could place a stamp saying “CE,” without having submitted the product to any sort of testing facility or governing body.

Consequently, the CE marking alone is not typically considered significant enough to signify safety or efficacy.

MagnaWave products are reported to be under review from the FDA for FDA approval, but do not currently have FDA approval for use as a therapy device.

In the meantime, MagnaWave products have not been submitted for FDA registration, which is given in order to certify products as safe for sale in the United States.

While it is entirely possible that MagnaWave’s PEMF therapy devices will be given FDA approval in the future, the lack of registration or approval from the FDA could be problematic.

 

MagnaWave Distribution Practices

MagnaWave products are actually not created by a single, dedicated company.

Instead, MagnaWave is one of several brands used to sell a single product.

The MagnaWave brand seems to offer the best customer service of the other distributors, which may be why this particular distributor is more often seen and heard of than the other distributors.

MagnaWave is also the most expensive distributor, which may mean making the choice between a lower price and less impressive customer service and a higher price and superlative customer service.

Because MagnaWave PEMF machines are not created by and for a single company, MagnaWave is considered a reseller of PEMF products, rather than a manufacturer of PEMF products.

Construction appears to take place in the United States.

 

MagnaWave Warranties and Guarantees

MagnaWave products come equipped with a 30-day money back guarantee, provided that you pay a restocking fee and return shipping and handling.

Machines must be returned in like new condition, and the 30 day point begins from the day of receipt.

This is a fairly good guarantee, as many guarantees have additional stipulations in order to qualify for money back privileges.

MagnaWave warranties come in two tiers: one tier for lower-level machines, and another for more expensive products.

The lower-level tier offers a 3-year warranty, which dictates that the company must replace a defective machine with a new or refurbished machine within 3 years of the date of purchase.

The return policy clearly states, though, that not all products will be eligible for the 3-year warranty.

Manufacturer defects are the only source of coverage for the warranty.

Mistakes made by the customer, accidents, and other issues are not covered.

The higher-level tier, offered for MagnaWave’s most expensive machines, allow you to add 7 years to the warranty, with a deductible of $700 within that 7-year period.

This is a great warranty for anyone seeking to purchase the more expensive machines for clinical practice or professional use.

The higher-intensity machines are not typically necessary or even recommended for home use.

 

Purchasing the MagnaWave PEMF Therapy Machines

Purchasing a MagnaWave product can occur through a variety of mediums, because MagnaWave devices can be found under varying brand names and marketing campaigns.

The MagnaWave website is the most direct route that can be used to purchase MagnaWave products, but Amazon is another straightforward route to purchase MagnaWave machines.

By visiting the MagnaWave website, you can find more information about the actual manufacturer of MagnaWave’s products and find other resellers who might offer different price points and packages.

 

MagnaWave Versus the HealthyLine Platinum

A thorough investigation of MagnaWave products necessitates a close look at one of the MagnaWave’s most pressing competitors: the HealthyLine Platinum PEMF mat.

The HealthyLine Platinum mat has consistently been identified as one of the best PEMF mats on the market, with high marks for virtually all aspects of its design, including ease of use, customizability, safety, and price.

So how exactly does the MagnaWave stack up against the HealthyLine Platinum line of PEMF products?

 

Included Therapies

MagnaWave products are designed for either home PEMF use or clinical use.

The B2 model is the only model that seems priced and designed for personal use, while other MagnaWave models seem to be designed for tabletop or clinical use.

Despite being designed for more extensive use, MagnaWave products focus entirely on delivering PEMF therapy with extremely high intensities.

The HealthyLine Platinum mat is designed with ease of use in mind, and includes several other types of therapy, including infrared therapy, crystal therapy, and negative ion therapy, all of which can compound or support the goals of PEMF therapy.

These therapies are delivered through the mat, which is designed for direct application.

 

Waveforms Utilized

Research supports the use of three types of waveforms in PEMF therapy delivery: square, sine, and saw tooth waveforms.

MagnaWave devices use both square and saw tooth waveforms in all settings.

The square wave is said to be used initially, before tapering off into a saw tooth wave.

The exact mechanism of this shift is not clearly identified or explained, but based on the description offered by the MagnaWave website, waveforms seem to either alternate between square and saw tooth during a session, or use square waves as the primary waveform, and concluding with saw tooth waveforms.

The HealthyLine Platinum mat is straightforward in the waveforms that it offers, both of which are supported by research.

The HealthyLine Platinum mat offers square and sine waveforms during PEMF sessions, which can be selected as part of a predetermined program, or selected manually by the user.

 

Available Intensities

Intensity is a measure of how strong the individual pulses of PEMF therapy are.

Research typically supports intensities at or below 1 Gauss up to 300-400 Gauss, with most home machines offering intensities of between 0.5 and 100 Gauss.

MagnaWave machines surge well past these numbers, with an average Gauss level of 500.

Although some therapy applications require high intensity for short periods of time, such high frequencies are not typically suggested for long-term or at-home use.

HealthyLine Platinum mats, conversely, fall well within the range of the standard 1-100 Gauss recommendation, offering frequencies between 0.3 and 3 Gauss.

These frequencies are unable to cause harm when used over long periods of time, and come with very few (if any) risks, making them ideal for use in an at-home PEMF machine.

 

Available Frequencies

MagnaWave mats come equipped with frequencies between 0.5 and 100 Hz, though these are not programmable by customers.

Instead, frequencies are arranged along with waveforms and intensities to manufacturer specifications, which means that although there are frequencies available between 0.5 and 100, the exact Hz being used is not readily identifiable by customers using the mat.

In contrast to the way MagnaWave delivers frequency options, HealthyLine Platinum mats offer a significant degree of customizability, with frequencies between 1 and 25 Hz. Frequency can be manually controlled, to deliver therapy that is highly customized to individual needs.

 

Customized PEMF Delivery

The MagnaWave mat does not score high in terms of customized PEMF therapy.

Instead of offering manual controls for any of the settings unique to PEMF therapy—that is, waveform, frequency, and intensity—MagnaWave products come equipped with predetermined settings, which may then be selected.

HealthyLine Platinum mats, in direct contrast, allow manual control of these components, allowing customers to tailor each and every PEMF therapy session to their own unique wants and needs.

This is particularly important for home PEMF therapy machines, because home therapy often encompasses a larger number of wants and needs, rather than targeting a single issue, and different days may warrant different intensities, waveforms, and frequencies.

 

Product Design

The design of the MagnaWave PEMF mat differs substantially from the typical designs seen in home PEMF devices.

Most machines intended for home use rely on mats for PEMF delivery, as they provide a simple and straightforward way to deliver PEMF, with a very low margin for error.

MagnaWave machines, however, use either a band or a small rectangular mat that is less than 2 feet in width and length to deliver PEMF therapy, and seems to be ideal for localized issues, rather than systemic use.

HealthyLine Platinum mats do not deviate from the standard at-home design involving a PEMF controller and mat.

The mat itself functions as the applicator for each type of therapy, and leaves little room for error or mistakes, as most of the body is in some way exposed to the pulses delivered by the machine.

The product design is also superlative in its ability to customize PEMF sessions.

 

Warranties and Guarantees

MagnaWave products are backed by a 30-day money back guarantee, provided that customers pay return shipping fees, and submit a restocking fee.

The MagnaWave warranty is 3-7 years, depending on the model purchased, and is maintained as long as the device in questions shows signs of a manufacturer’s defect, rather than showing signs of user error or user-inflicted damage.

HealthyLine Platinum mats have a similar guarantee and warranty policy.

HealthyLine’s PEMF mat may be returned within 45 days for a full refund.

Devices are equipped with a 2-year warranty for the mat, and a 5-year warranty for the controller, given the expenses associated with each component.

As you can see, the guarantees and warranties between the MagnaWave and HealthyLine Platinum are comparable in terms of value, making the HealthyLine Platinum mat more ideal when other factors like price and customizability are taken into account.

 

Registration and Certification

As discussed above, MagnaWave machines are not registered with the FDA as of yet, and boast only a CE stamp and a “status pending” identifier with the FDA.

In contrast to MagnaWave’s failure to register with the FDA, HealthyLine Platinum mats are registered with the FDA, which means they are licensed for sale as a wellness product in the United States.

Although the FDA does not individually investigate each and every PEMF device on the market seeking FDA registration, it is incumbent for the FDA to verify that the machine is what it claims to be, and adheres to all safety and legal standards put forth for personal care and wellness products.

 

Is the HealthyLine Mat Superior to MagnaWave Machines?

Although MagnaWave machines suggest that they are superior to many of their competitors due to the high intensities they offer, there are many drawbacks to purchasing these machines, including high prices, limited therapy offerings, and intensity levels that have the potential to harm over extended periods of exposure.

HealthyLine Platinum mats are significantly less expensive, offer a high degree of customizability, and operate well within the standards and norms for home PEMF therapy devices, which makes HealthyLine Platinum mats the safer, more reasonable choice for home PEMF therapy.