Key points:
- Povilas Sabaliauskas, CEO of Pulsetto, uses non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) to tackle stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders effectively.
- Pulsetto’s flagship device combines cutting-edge technology, such as app-based controls and API integration with wearables, to deliver personalized mental health solutions.
- Pulsetto has delivered over 1,000,000 successful stimulations to more than 100,000 users, improving metrics like Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and sleep quality.
Imagine if you could flip a switch in your brain to calm your mind, reduce stress, and sleep better—all without popping pills or lengthy therapy sessions. Povilas Sabaliauskas, the CEO and co-founder of Pulsetto, has not just imagined it; he made it a reality.
A biomedical engineer turned entrepreneur, Povilas has taken an age-old problem—stress and mental health—and approached it with the precision of a scientist and the empathy of someone who’s lived it.
At the core of his mission is the vagus nerve, an unassuming strand of biology that holds the keys to relaxation, resilience, and restful sleep. With Pulsetto, a groundbreaking device born from personal tragedy and relentless innovation, Povilas has turned this invisible thread into a lifeline for thousands worldwide.
In this conversation, we explore how Povilas’s leadership, shaped by family, science, and sheer determination, is helping the world reclaim mental well-being. The story behind Pulsetto is one of daring pivots, technological breakthroughs, and a vision to make mental health care as accessible as brushing your teeth.
GHM: Mental health challenges are becoming a global concern. What trends have you observed, and who are the most vulnerable groups affected by these issues?
Povilas: Mental health challenges are indeed on the rise worldwide, driven by growing levels of stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Certain groups are particularly vulnerable—young adults, healthcare professionals, and individuals in high-stress environments.
Young adults often struggle with the pressures of education, career development, and social dynamics, while healthcare professionals face emotional and physical demands, especially in the wake of the pandemic.
Additionally, those living in economically or socially unstable conditions experience heightened risks. Addressing these challenges requires better access to effective, affordable, and non-invasive solutions that prioritize holistic well-being and preventative care.
GHM: How did your personal experiences shape the vision behind Pulsetto?
Povilas: Pulsetto’s journey is deeply personal for both my co-founder, Vitalijus, and me. My late father’s undiagnosed health condition sparked my interest in non-invasive medical solutions. I was particularly inspired by the potential of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) to address various conditions. Vitalijus’ wife also struggled with debilitating cluster headaches, reinforcing our shared belief in the need for practical alternatives to traditional treatments.
Together, we saw an opportunity to harness VNS technology to tackle issues like stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders without relying on invasive surgical implants. This shared mission became the cornerstone of Pulsetto, driving us to create an accessible solution for improving mental well-being.
GHM: Could you tell us about your background and how it influenced your approach to innovation at Pulsetto?
Povilas: My academic foundation is in Biomedical Engineering, with a specialization in biomechanics. Over the years, I worked with implantable medical devices such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS), and Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS). This experience taught me the immense potential of these technologies but also highlighted the need for non-invasive alternatives.
When Vitalijus and I started Pulsetto, we began with a proof of concept and launched initial sales through Indiegogo. From there, we’ve grown Pulsetto into a recognized name in mental wellness and stress reduction. Our focus remains on developing solutions that are both innovative and accessible, ensuring we can help as many people as possible.
GHM: Can you explain how vagus nerve stimulation works and how Pulsetto leverages this technology to improve mental health?
Povilas: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a technique that activates the vagus nerve, which plays a vital role in the parasympathetic nervous system. It essentially helps the body enter a relaxed state, acting like a gentle nudge for the nervous system to calm down.
Our flagship product Pulsetto achieves this by sending mild electrical signals to the vagus nerve. It is designed to tackle key health concerns such as stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders. The device combines hardware that delivers precise stimulation with software that lets users customize their settings. This ensures an effective and personalized experience tailored to individual needs.
GHM: What makes Pulsetto stand out in the mental wellness technology space?
Povilas: Pulsetto is the first bilateral non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation device, which is a key differentiator. It offers a unique blend of advanced technology and user-centric design.
One of its standout features is app-based control, enabling users to easily customize their sessions. Additionally, Pulsetto seamlessly integrates with popular wearable devices like Apple Health, Oura Ring, and Whoop Straps through API connections. This integration allows the app to gather health data from these wearables, giving users comprehensive insights into their well-being.
With this data, users can track their progress, optimize usage, and better understand how Pulsetto impacts their mental health.
GHM: How do you measure the effectiveness of Pulsetto in improving users’ mental and physical well-being?
Povilas: We rely on key health metrics to evaluate the impact of our vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) devices. Heart Rate Variability (HRV), which reflects the body’s balance between stress and recovery, is a critical indicator we track. Resting Heart Rate (RHR) is another important metric, as it provides insights into overall cardiovascular health and relaxation levels.
By monitoring improvements in these metrics, we can gauge Pulsetto’s effectiveness in promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Additionally, our integration with wearable devices allows us to analyze data on sleep quality, activity levels, and recovery rates. This comprehensive approach provides a well-rounded view of users’ well-being.
GHM: What feedback have you received from users about Pulsetto’s impact?
Povilas: Our users have shared inspiring success stories. Many report significant reductions in stress and anxiety after just a few weeks of consistent use. Others have noted improvements in their HRV, describing a sense of calm and increased focus throughout the day.
A particularly rewarding aspect has been hearing how Pulsetto has enhanced sleep quality for many users, leading to better energy levels and improved mood. These tangible results highlight Pulsetto’s ability to make a real difference in people’s mental and physical health.
GHM: As CEO of Pulsetto, what are your primary responsibilities? Also, share your notable achievements so far.
Povilas: My role as CEO revolves around steering research and development (R&D), driving product innovation, and defining our scientific roadmap. I work closely with our team to ensure our technology remains cutting-edge, meets the highest quality standards, and is tailored to our users’ needs. Additionally, I focus on strategic planning, partnerships, and scaling our impact in the mental health and wellness space.
One of our proudest achievements is delivering over 1,000,000 successful stimulations to more than 100,000 users. These milestones reflect the trust our users place in Pulsetto and the tangible benefits they’ve experienced.
GHM: What challenges have you faced in your entrepreneurial journey, and how have they shaped Pulsetto’s success?
Povilas: My career journey has not been without its challenges. One major hurdle was navigating potential cash flow issues during the early stages of Pulsetto. We tackled this by pivoting to launch an Indiegogo campaign, which not only helped us raise the necessary funds but also validated market demand for our product.
We also faced manufacturing and supply chain challenges, particularly in ensuring the quality and timely delivery of components. Overcoming these obstacles required resilience, strategic adjustments, and, most importantly, a strong and dedicated team.
These experiences have strengthened our operations and solidified our position in the neuromodulation market, reinforcing our commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality solutions.
GHM: What are Pulsetto’s future goals, and how do you plan to expand its impact?
Povilas: Our vision for the future is both ambitious and exciting. We’re developing a next-generation device with enhanced medical applications, focusing on further integrating AI into our platform. This advancement will enable us to provide even more personalized and precise solutions for our users.
Looking ahead, we’re exploring the broader potential of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in areas like fertility, migraine relief, and stress resilience within military applications. The possibilities for VNS are vast, and we’re committed to unlocking its full potential to address diverse health challenges and improve lives globally.
GHM: Balancing work and personal life can be challenging for entrepreneurs. How do you maintain balance and stay motivated?
Povilas: Achieving a perfect work-life balance is an ongoing challenge, especially since both my wife and I run businesses. Life isn’t perfectly balanced these days, but I find grounding and inspiration through my passions. Neuromodulation fascinates me both professionally and personally.
I also make time for sports, gym sessions, and football, which help me recharge and stay focused amidst a busy schedule. These moments of activity and reflection keep me energized and motivated to drive Pulsetto’s mission forward.
GHM: What is Pulsetto’s ultimate mission, and how do you envision its impact on mental wellness?
Povilas: Our mission is to help reduce stress for over a million people. We aspire to make Pulsetto as essential to mental well-being as a toothbrush is to oral health. Mental health should be prioritized daily, and our goal is to provide accessible, non-invasive tools that empower individuals to take charge of their well-being. Together, we can create a world where stress management and mental wellness are a routine part of life.
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Also Read: Innovators in Neuromodulation: Transforming Mental Wellness and Sleep, 2025
