Using CorSense for Longer Readings (Biofeedback)
It is fine to use CorSense for Biofeedback readings, which are often quite a bit longer than Morning Readiness readings, as long as you are at rest for the duration of the reading.
Some users find that the CorSense loses their pulse during these readings. A finger is much more likely to lose circulation when held in certain positions for long periods. Additionally, if the CorSense is slightly too tight on the finger, this could contribute to losing the pulse signal.
We have 3 recommendations:
1. If the CorSense does feel slightly tight on the finger, gently insert your thumb sideways into the CorSense. This will safely stretch the neck of the CorSense, the next time you go to take a reading, it won't fit quite as tightly and your finger circulation should benefit.
2. Check your hydration level. If you are not properly hydrated, your blood volume may be reduced, making it more difficult for the CorSense to pick up your pulse.
3. Try a different finger or even reading position. We've included some examples below:
- Seated in a chair
- Hand resting still in lap
- Palm facing up
- Comfortable back position
- Lying in bed (supine)
- Hand resting gently on hip
- Palm facing down
- Arm still
- Seated at a table
- Sit back in chair
- Do not lean weight on the table
- Arm resting gently on table with neutral wrist position
- Finger not pressing into table at all
Some users have expressed concern about taking their biofeedback readings in a different position than their Morning Readiness readings. The good news is that the biofeedback readings do not affect your Morning Readiness baseline. As long as you take your Morning Readiness readings in the (same) position of your choice every day, the results will be consistent and you do not need to worry about your reading position for Biofeedback or other readings.
Your HRV baseline is only informed by your Morning readiness readings, so any biofeedback, open readings, or snapshots have no impact on your baseline calculation.
The benefit you see from your biofeedback sessions should be apparent both acutely (during or immediately after your session), and in the long term, as you'll naturally see your baseline HRV go up slowly over time as your biofeedback sessions help support your recovery (this is assuming no other major changes or stressors will be pushing it in the other direction).
To keep track of how the biofeedback sessions affect your long-term HRV, be sure to use the tagging feature to track other factors like sleep, exercise, any changes in nutrition, fasting, other recovery techniques, or emotional/mental stressors that may be affecting you. Paired with tagging, your daily HRV can be a very powerful tool to provide insight into your autonomic nervous system.