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Electrode Care & Maintenance

Proper electrode care ensures good signal quality and makes your equipment last longer. This guide covers prep, use, cleaning, and storage.

🧼 After Each Session

Cleaning Electrodes

Step-by-step:

  1. Remove paste:
  2. Wipe electrodes with dry tissue first

  3. Gets most of the paste off

  4. Rinse with water:

  5. Hold electrode under running water
  6. Use fingers to gently rub off remaining paste

  7. Don't submerge the wire connection!

  8. Dry thoroughly:

  9. Pat dry with tissue or towel
  10. Let air dry completely

  11. Don't store wet (can corrode)

  12. Inspect:

  13. Check for damage
  14. Ensure gold plating intact
  15. Check wires not frayed

Don't use soap or cleaners - water is enough!

Cleaning Your Scalp

After training: 1. Remove electrodes 2. Wipe paste from scalp with tissue or damp cloth 3. Can wash hair or just wipe - paste comes out easily 4. Comb through if needed

Ten20 paste is water-soluble - washes out in shower easily!

🎨 Applying Paste (Before Session)

How Much to Use

Per electrode: Pea-sized amount

Too little: - Poor contact - Bad signal quality - Need to add more mid-session

Too much: - Messy - Can "bridge" between sites (signal contamination) - Waste of paste

Just right: Pea-sized blob that spreads when you press electrode

Application Technique

Method 1: Direct application 1. Squeeze pea-sized amount onto electrode cup 2. Place on scalp 3. Press and wiggle to work paste in

Method 2: Syringe application (if you have one) 1. Fill syringe with paste 2. Place electrode on scalp 3. Insert syringe tip under electrode edge 4. Squeeze small amount 5. Work in with gentle circular motion

Either works! Method 2 is neater for long hair.

🧴 Using NuPrep (Skin Prep)

When to Use

NuPrep is optional but helpful when: - Scalp is oily - Hair products were used recently - Previous session had high impedance - Signal quality issues

How to Use

  1. Apply: Small amount on cotton swab or tissue
  2. Rub: Gently abrade the scalp site (15-30 seconds)
  3. Wait: Let dry completely (30-60 seconds)
  4. Then: Apply electrode with paste

Don't apply paste while NuPrep is still wet!

What NuPrep Does

  • Removes oils and dead skin cells
  • Lightly abrades (exfoliates) scalp
  • Improves electrode contact
  • Reduces impedance

Not always necessary - use if signal quality is poor.

💧 Dealing with Hair

Parting Hair

Critical for good contact:

  1. Before paste: Part hair to expose scalp
  2. Use: Fingers, comb, or applicator tip
  3. Width: 1-inch diameter clear spot
  4. Verify: Can see scalp, not just hair

Electrode must touch scalp, not sit on hair!

Hair Types

Thick hair: - Part more aggressively - May need more paste - Use comb to create clear path

Curly hair: - Part in sections - Hold hair aside while placing electrode - May need help from another person

Fine/thin hair: - Usually easier - Still need to part to scalp

Long hair: - Pull back or clip away from sites - Part at each electrode location - Syringe method works well

🔍 Signal Quality Check

Before Starting Training

After placing all electrodes:

  1. Open EEGer
  2. Check raw signal traces
  3. Look for thin, jagged lines (good!)
  4. If thick/fuzzy/flat, troubleshoot

Good signal checklist: - [ ] Thin, jagged waveforms - [ ] Consistent amplitude - [ ] No thick fuzzy areas - [ ] No flat lines - [ ] Artifact percentage under 15%

See: Signal Quality Troubleshooting if signal is bad

🧽 Deep Cleaning (Weekly)

Once Per Week

Electrodes: 1. Rinse thoroughly with warm water 2. Use soft toothbrush if paste has built up 3. Dry completely 4. Check for any corrosion or damage

Don't use: - ❌ Soap or detergent - ❌ Alcohol or harsh cleaners - ❌ Abrasive scrubbers

Gold plating is delicate!

Amplifier: - Wipe exterior with dry cloth - Don't get USB port wet - Check cables for wear

Ear clips: - Rinse any paste residue - Check spring tension (should be firm but not painful) - Replace if too loose or broken

📦 Storage

Between Sessions

Electrodes: - Store in clean, dry place - Coil wires loosely (don't kink!) - Keep together (designated box or bag)

Amplifier: - Protected spot (don't drop!) - Away from moisture - Cable coiled loosely

Paste & gel: - Lids tight (prevents drying out) - Room temperature - Check expiration dates

Long-Term Storage

If not training for a while: - Clean all electrodes thoroughly - Dry completely - Store in sealed bag or box - Keep in cool, dry place

Paste can dry out if not used for months - cap it tightly!

🚨 When to Replace

Electrodes

Replace if: - Gold plating is worn off (looks silver/copper) - Wire is frayed or broken - Contact is corroded - Not conducting properly (verified by testing)

Lifespan: Years with proper care!

Ear Clips

Replace if: - Spring is broken or too loose - Contact surface is damaged - Won't stay on ear

Cheaper to replace than regular electrodes - ask coach for replacements.

Paste & Gel

Replace when: - Paste has dried out - Container is contaminated - Running low

Shelf life: 1-2 years if properly sealed

Contact coach when you need more - usually ships quickly!

💡 Pro Tips

Tip 1: Less is More with Paste

Start with less: - Easier to add more than remove excess - Less messy - Still effective

If signal is good with small amount, don't add more!

Tip 2: Prep Makes a Difference

Spending 2 minutes prepping: - NuPrep or alcohol wipe - Thorough hair parting - Good paste application

Saves 10 minutes of mid-session troubleshooting!

Tip 3: Keep a Routine

Same routine each session: - Same prep steps - Same amount of paste - Same cleaning procedure

Consistency = efficiency = better training experience!

Tip 4: Stock Up

Keep on hand: - Extra paste (order when half empty) - Backup electrodes (in case one breaks) - Plenty of tissues/wipes - Alcohol wipes (for skin prep)

Don't run out mid-program!

🔧 Troubleshooting

Paste Won't Stay on Electrode

Cause: Paste too dry

Solution: - Use fresher paste - Add small amount of water to paste (tiny drop!) - Replace paste if very old

Electrode Won't Stick to Scalp

Causes: - Too much hair interfering - Not enough paste - Scalp too oily

Solutions: - Part hair more thoroughly - Add more paste - Use NuPrep first

Signal Still Bad After Cleaning/Prepping

Possible issues: - Electrode damaged (try different one) - Amplifier problem (test with different electrode) - Environmental interference (60 Hz noise)

See: Signal Quality Guide

🆘 When to Contact Coach

Reach out if: - Electrodes seem damaged - Running low on paste/gel - Not sure about cleaning technique - Equipment not working after proper care

We can: - Send replacements - Ship more supplies - Troubleshoot issues - Verify your care routine is correct

Good electrode care = good signal quality = effective training. Spend a few minutes on proper care, and your equipment will serve you well throughout your neurofeedback journey! 🧼✨