NextSense Smartbuds differ from standard headphones in their shape, which allows users to sleep with them while resting their head on a pillow without causing discomfort to the ears. These devices are capable of reducing ambient noise and contain a library of nature sounds for listening to before falling asleep. However, the most notable feature is the presence of electroencephalography (EEG) sensors that monitor brain wave rhythms.
Priced at $300 USD, the headphones use the collected data to determine the current sleep phase out of four possible phases. They then emit low-intensity sound pulses, which are hypothesized to help increase the duration of deep sleep. The product was created by a team of six neurologists from the USA, and there is research confirming the accuracy of their EEG, but no data yet confirms the claim about extending deep sleep.
Smartbuds collect sleep information, including total sleep time and the number of awakenings during the night, which is displayed in the iOS application. Additionally, they have a daytime mode that sends sound pulses intended to boost the user's alertness, and they can function as regular Bluetooth headphones for listening to music or podcasts.