In this editorial, we explore how Breth—a wearable breathwork device developed by Dr. Jana—is using science-backed design to help users manage stress, improve heart rate variability, and build long-term wellness habits.

A haptic feedback meditation device on a lanyard — AI Generated Sample. Not real product

The breth Device

The breth product is a small device that can be worn like a pendant on a lanyard. It connects with the breth app on your phone and vibrates to make your meditation a more immersive experience. It can be used as both a tool and an experience. It was designed based on research to find ways of making meditation a more effective and consistent practice. Users have consistently reported better sleep, deeper relaxation, and more consistent practice.

The Intersection of Technology and Breath

As wellness technology continues to evolve, a growing number of companies are focusing on accessible, evidence-based tools for stress reduction and mental clarity. Breth, a wearable breathwork device, is among the most intriguing of these innovations we discovered at Eudemonia 2024. We spoke with Dr. Jana, founder and CEO of Breth, to better understand the science behind the device, its applications in daily life, and how it fits into the broader shift toward preventative health.

From Academia to Innovation

Dr. Jana’s expertise is rooted in clinical training and academic research. She began her career in speech and hearing sciences at the University of Arizona and later earned a PhD in respiratory kinematics. Her early work focused on how assistive technologies, like speech recognition systems, impacted users’ breathing—especially individuals with spinal cord injuries. Her findings revealed that tech interaction could significantly alter respiratory patterns, an insight that sparked her deeper investigation into breathwork.

This interest expanded through her work with patients recovering from head and neck cancers, many of whom faced life-threatening swallowing disorders. Jana co-developed a rehabilitation device that enabled these patients to regain safe eating habits from home. During this process, she also noted high levels of anxiety and compromised respiratory function—two issues that breathwork has the potential to address.

The Simplicity Behind Breth’s Design

Enter Breth: a minimalist pendant designed to guide users through breathwork using haptic feedback. The device removes the need for cognitive effort during practice—no counting or guided narration. Instead, a gentle vibration directs the pace of inhale and exhale, allowing the user to fully focus on the experience.

"We wanted to create something intuitive and non-intrusive," said Jana. "The idea was to simplify breathwork so it becomes a sustainable habit."

Heart Rate Variability and Physiological Impact

While Breth does not currently include HRV tracking, Dr. Jana has tested the wearable alongside commercial health monitors like WHOOP. In her own use, she reported a noticeable increase in heart rate variability—rising from 40 to 68 over three months of consistent practice. Such physiological shifts point to the broader benefits of integrating mindful breathing into daily routines.

To learn more about HRV as a powerful measure of heart and nervous system health, read our full description here.

"Even though I felt good using the device, it was the physiological data that really proved to me how powerful breathwork can be."

Adherence and the Future of Wellness Tools

Consistency is at the core of Breth’s mission. Despite the well-documented benefits of breathwork, many people struggle with regular practice. The device is designed not just to initiate mindfulness, but to help users stick with it—an adherence problem common across most wellness interventions.

Looking ahead, Breth’s development roadmap includes expanding its suite of breathwork techniques and enhancing user feedback through in-app visualizations. There’s also exciting research underway into the neurological impact of vibration, including studies at MIT suggesting potential neuroprotective benefits. These findings could open new doors for the application of haptic technology in mental and cognitive health.

The Broader Shift Toward Preventative Wellness

Breth is emblematic of a broader movement in health and wellness—one that emphasizes self-regulation, accessibility, and scientifically grounded interventions. As interest grows in preventative care and digital health tools, wearables like Breth could play a key role in shifting wellness from reactive to proactive.

For consumers navigating a crowded and often noisy wellness marketplace, Breth offers a rare combination: simplicity, credibility, and impact. In a world full of distractions, a device that helps you return to something as essential as your breath might just be the reset we all need.

Conclusion

Breth stands at the forefront of a new generation of wellness technology—one that combines clinical research, intuitive design, and real-world application. Through our conversation with Dr. Jana, it’s clear that this is more than just a meditation device; it's a tool designed to help people reconnect with one of the most fundamental aspects of human health: the breath.

As the wellness space continues to grow, Breth offers a refreshing reminder that innovation doesn't have to be complicated—it just has to work. Grounded in science and built for everyday life, Breth empowers users to slow down, breathe deeply, and take control of their well-being—one vibration at a time.

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Sources

Y. Zhou, A. Murata and J. Watanabe, "The Calming Effect of Heartbeat Vibration," 2020 IEEE Haptics Symposium (HAPTICS), Crystal City, VA, USA, 2020, pp. 677-683, doi: 10.1109/HAPTICS45997.2020.ras.HAP20.157.5a2e1551.