NeurOptimal® at Home Rental Support For Neurofeedback Training Co. Renters
Received your rental and ready to get started? Below is an easy-to-follow guide for running your home neurofeedback sessions.
Need extra help? Reach out to your rental manager or use the chat widget in lower right corner. Just add your name and state so we can better assist you.
Watch YouTube Video: What is included in your rental.
Table of Contents
Read straight through, or jump to the section you want to read:
- Step 1: Fill Out A Progress Checklist
- Step 2: Set up The Equipment
- Step 3: How To Apply The EEG Sensors
- Step 4: How to Start a Session
- Step 5: Close The Program
- Training Tips & How-to Videos (add new music and demo sessions)
- NeurOptimal Explained
- Q&A on Setting Up A Session At Home
- How to login to NeurOptimal remote tech support (ZenConnect)
Download Documents
These documents are exclusively for Neurofeedback Training Co. Rental Clients.
Before Your First NeurOptimal® Session, You'll Need…
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Your own headphones or earbuds (no wireless headphones). Or play the sound through the tablet's speaker. Both options are equally effective.
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Your Wi-fi login information. The NeurOptimal® 3.0 software, requires a high-speed internet connection for it to work properly. Please make sure to connect the system to wi-fi and also use the system once per week.
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Wet-wipes or damp paper towel. To wipe off the paste and clean the sensors afterwards.
- Time and Patience. Before your first session, we recommend watching set-up videos below or read through the manual before starting. Allow about one hour total time to complete a session. The program is 33 minutes long and it takes about 5-10 minutes to learn how to apply the sensors.
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STEP 1: Fill out a Checklist
The Personal Checklist is used to track your progress
We strongly recommend all renters fill out our Checklist Form prior to starting and then again, after every 8 sessions. By checking back regularly you create helpful feedback for your brain training process. For example, when clients see their 10 rating for "Feel Anxious" turn into a 4 after a few weeks of training, it is a like mirror that shows your progress.
DOWNLOAD: 
The rental package includes a printed manual. Make sure to take your time before your first session to browse through it before setting up the equipment at home. This manual is also available as a slideshow below.
Self-Hook Up EEG Sensor Demo
There are a total of five EEG sensors to set up. NeurOptimal® 3.0 targets 20 different sets of frequencies across the right and left brain, each target naturally balancing off the effects of others. Apply just enough conductive paste to cover the end tips of the sensors. Have a wet-wipe or damp paper towel in handy!
DOWNLOAD Step by Step Sensor Guide: 
Step-by-step Guide on How To Apply The 5 EEG Sensors
Connect the zAmp (the rectangular device that has the 5 sensors) with the USB cable and into the tablet- Place the zAmp where you will be working with it, either clipped to the front or back of a shirt or back of a chair is common or put it in your lap. In the beginning it may help to watch yourself in the mirror when applying and removing the sensors (just remember to connect the USB cord to the tablet before starting a session).
- Scoop just enough conductive paste onto sensors so the paste is covering the inner tip on both sides. When scooping paste put your forefinger on the back of the cup for support, preventing bending and possible sensor damage.
- EARS: Squeeze the BLUE SENSOR clip onto the top of the right ear. Apply paste in the same way to the BLACK SENSOR clip (this is the only black sensor that is located on right ear), and gently squeeze onto the ear lobe. Please note: No need to remove earrings, just make sure the paste is not touching them. It is ok to adjust clip positioning to work around them.
- SCALP: Pick up the YELLOW SENSOR and cover just enough paste on the plate. If you slide your fingers over the scalp about halfway point between the top of the ear and the top of the head, you will feel a bump with a dip right above it. That dip is your spot! If you can't find it no worries, just as long as it is halfway it's a good spot. Please note: NeurOptimal uses C3 and C4 - ie: the midpoints on each side of the head between the top of the ear and the top of the head. If you get them close to those points, then there is no “wrong place”.
- Part the hair as much as possible and apply the yellow sensor on scalp – you may feel the coolness of the paste. It's ok if the hair is not fully removed. Repeat the YELLOW SENSOR and BLUE SENSOR on the left side (it's only the right ear that you'll have an extra sensor).
Now you're ready to start the session!
Read this before starting (not included in the video):
- Connect your tablet to wi-fi
- Add a "Client" or Trainee Name (See "Add a Name" in manual. If already added a trainee's name, tap on "All" in lower left corner of the Vault (or tap on the initials of your last name).
- Make sure all cords are connected (including the power cord)
- If no stylus pen, use your finger!
Detailed instructions on how to open the NeurOptimal® program and start a session.
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Tap with your finger on the NeurOptimal® logo icon at the bottom of the Tablet to open the program. (Make sure the tablet is hooked up to internet first).
- After opening up the program, a Vault Window (or dashboard) will appear. This Vault is the hub of the software and where you will start your session from.
- If it is your first session, enter your name (only need to do this once). Double tap on the blue bar that says "Client." In the window that appears next please fill out your first and last name or your initials (no need to fill out anything else). Can't type? Locate the keyboard icon in the bottom right corner. Please note: only enter a name once and do not start a session under "Digit Al" (this is the default name which is used for quality control).
- Already entered your name but cannot find it? Tap on "All" at the bottom of the Vault Window (or locate the first initial of your last name in the alphabet).
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- Next, tap on your name to highlight it first (name will appear with a blue background and white text). Double tap your name and the session will start. One can also tap and hold with your finger on your name and choose "Start a Session" in the dropdown menu that appears. See screenshot below.
Good to Know: You know a session is in progress because...
- The green light on the side of the zAmp is turned on (if it is not, start the session again and/or reboot tablet)
- You'll hear music and also the skips/pauses in music through your headphones (or the sound streaming from the tablet)
- The timer in the smaller Vault window is counting down from 33 minutes
Time to relax! Close your eyes, (sleep is encouraged), or read a book. It's also ok to talk while in session. Please note, there is no need to watch the screen images. The primary feedback is via audio. Once the session is over the music will stop.
NeurOptimal 3.0® User-Interface explanation
The screenshot below displays in detail how to start a session
STEP 5: Close The NeurOptimal® Program
Shut down the tablet and clean the Sensors
When it's over, the music will stop – you are done with the session!
Close the program then gently clean the sensors carefully after each use with wet wipes or in running warm water (make sure to dry them afterwards)! Any lingering paste can cause corrosion and will reduce the lifespan of your sensors. Do not soak in water.
Shut down the tablet when not in use afterwards and store it safely away, preferably in the case it came with.
Please no drinks or food around the machine and keep it clean!
Watch this video to learn how to do a Demo (15 min.) or Extended Session (44 min.)
How to do a Demo Session:
1. Tap on the trainee's name and highlight it
2. Tap on the "settings icon" (wrench icon) and hold.
3. In the pop up menu, tap on "Session" and hold until a third window shows up.
4. Tap and choose "Demo"
5. Double tap on your name to start a session per usual (alternatively tap and hold on the blue bar next to your name and choose "Start a session" from the menu.
The timer will now count down from 15 minutes (or 44 min. if extended was chosen). Please note: There is no data that proves the extended session provides better results than the regular session.
NeurOptimal® Rental Q&A
How do I know a session is in progress?
The primary feedback is via audio, as long as you have the sensors placed on scalp and ears, hear the skips/gaps in music and see that the timer in the small Vault window is counting down from 33 minutes -- it is working. If you don't see the screen saver images or charts-- don't worry! There is absolutely no need to watch the screen while in session. Instead, try to relax; close your eyes, sleep, read a book or magazine, talk, draw, play a game etc... The system and your brain/central nervous system will do all the work.
How will I feel after a session?
NeurOptimal® neurofeedback is naturopathic and does not “push” the brain in any particular direction. The system merely cues your central nervous system to do what is naturally best for YOUR brain. Because NeurOptimal system is non-invasive and does not push the brain in any “direction” during training, it is highly unlikely you will feel any side effects following a session. Any noticeable shifts in your mood, awareness or energy level after brain training really depends on the individual and can vary from session to session.
The main point is that transformation with neurofeedback happens according to the brain’s own intrinsic wisdom, with no conscious effort from the user.
Is it OK if I do other things while training such as read, talk or play games on iPad, etc.?
Yes! The NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback Trainer does not require you to place your attention on the training screen in order to run a successful session. The feedback comes primarily through interruptions in the music/audio. If you can hear the music, then the training session will be successful. You can read, sleep, meditate, whatever you feel inclined to do.
Why is it important to have the system connected to wi-fi?
The software needs to be re-licensed and updated every 7 days. If it is not used within this time period or not connected to wi-fi the program will not open and a Tech Support call (remote connection with a NeurOptimal Technician) is then needed. To avoid this we ask the rental client to login to the wi-fi at start and leave it connected automaticallly. At times the program needs a software update (which always happens automatically at start). If there is an update, it's recommended to install and reboot tablet.
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Commonly Asked Questions Setting Up A Session At Home
What does the EEG sensors do?
NeurOptimal 3.0 targets 20 different sets of frequencies across the right and left brain, each target naturally balancing off the effects of others.
During a session, the sensors will pick up delicate electrical activity of your brain. Much like an EKG or ECG, the NeurOptimal® neurofeedback device is simply reading this signal. Nothing invasive is involved with the training process.
NeurOptimal® neurofeedback is naturopathic and does not “push” the brain in any particular direction. The system merely cues your central nervous system to do what is naturally best for YOUR brain.
What if I apply the sensors to the wrong place?
NeurOptimal uses C3 and C4 - ie: the midpoints on each side of the head between the top of the ear and the top of the head. If you get them close to those points, then there is no “wrong place”.
What's the purpose of the music?
How neurofeedback works is actually not about the particular sound or sight but rather how the orienting or “pay attention to yourself” response of the brain gets triggered by stopping the music or visual display. We are “bio-hacking” by interrupting the habitual patterns through the use of the brain’s natural information gathering process, the orienting response. It’s triggered by interrupting the music which triggers the awareness response of the automatic functioning CNS to come into the present moment . This serves as an opportunity for the mal-adaptive habits, such as constantly being in a state of stress, to be revealed.
So while there is the necessity for sound it’s not the particulars of it, that make the neurofeedback work. It the interruption process at the exact millisecond the brain is about to change states (read by the electrical patterning) and perform an action that is key for the ‘feedback.’
Why do I hear the interruptions (feedback) even if the sensors are not placed on my scalp and ears?
Watch this short video by Advanced Neurofeedback Trainer Natalie Baker explaining what the sensors do.
My child is having a hard time to sit still for a full session. What can I do?
If finding it difficult to sit through the standard 33 minute program we recommend starting with the 15 minute Demo version. One can train daily (or every other day) to build up tolerance to sit through the regular 33 minute version.
Watch YouTube Videos: Will My Results from NeurOptimal® Brain Training Last? - Neurofeedback Training Explained
Read our blog to get more brain training tips!
How to Login to NeurOptimal's Remote Tech Support (ZenConnect)
If having issues with the system and a simple restart doesn't help a login to a remote tech support is necessary. Watch this brief video below to learn how to login. This how to video is only for Neurofeedback Training Co.. home renters.
Check our step-by-step guide for login and directions and please notify your rental manager of the issue to put the rental on hold for 1 day. Please note; NeurOptimal ZenConnect is not open on weekends. Best times to logon are mornings.
