What is the Elle TENS Machine?

What does TENS mean?

TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.

How does it work?

The Elle TENS Plus machine consists of a battery-powered, hand-held controller connected by leads to four flat electrode pads. The pads are covered in a firm gel that helps them stick to your back. The machine sends small, safe pulses of electrical current via the leads to the electrode pads on your skin. The pulses pass through your skin and into your muscles and tissues. This gives you a gentle tingling or buzzing sensation on the skin. The intensity of the sensations can be adjusted using the keypad and screen on the device. 

Is the device easy to use?

Absolutely! You will need someone to help you position the electrode pads in the right position but once in place the leads get connected to the jacks on the machine and you are good to go. 

TIP- Make sure to have some spare batteries on hand in case the 2 provided run out.

How does an Elle TENS Plus machine relieve pain?

Tens machines are still a bit of a mystery to us, it has not yet been discovered exactly why or how they relive pain but these are the most likely causes:

  • The electrical pulses may prevent pain signals from reaching your brain

  • The pulses stimulate your body to release natural, feel-good substances called endorphins

  • It can help you to feel in control of your labour

  • It may offer a distraction from your contractions

When should I use an Elle TENS Plus?
It is best to apply the pads and begin using your Elle TENS Plus machine when you're in early labour allowing endorphins to build and your body to respond best to the machine. You could alternatively start using it when you're getting regular contractions or backache- whatever works best for you.

How should I use an Elle TENS Plus?

  • Your birth partner can place the pads on your back for you.

  • Follow the instructions that come with your Elle TENS Plus machine.

  • Start on a lower setting and build up the strength as you need.

  • Use the boost button at the peak of each contraction and remember to switch off the boost button following each contraction for the best effect.

  • Use for as long as it is working for you.

When shouldn't I use an Elle TENS Plus?

Never use an Elle TENS Plus machine under the following circumstances, without talking to a midwife or doctor first:

  • Before you go into labour. (it is okay to give it a quick test after 37 weeks gestation so that you feel comfortable using the machine)

  • When you’re in a shower, bath, or birthing pool. 

  • If you have broken skin or a healing scar where you want to place the pads.

  • If you have a cardiac pacemaker or a heart rhythm problem.

  • If you are experiencing any pain unrelated to labour- it is important you see your doctor or midwife in this case.

What are the advantages of an Elle TENS Plus?

  • You can keep moving around while using it.

  • It works with your body and wont directly interfere with your labour.

  • You can use it for as long as you want to and easily take it off if you want or need to.

  • There are no lasting side-effects.

  • It's safe for you and your baby.

  • You don't need an anaesthetist, doctor or midwife to help you use it.

  • It can be used for a home birth.

  • It's portable (think of the eventual car ride to the hospital..) and non-invasive.

  • You control it.

  • It's easy to use.

What are the disadvantages of an Elle TENS Plus?

  • You may not be able to put the pads in place without help.

  • You may find it only gives you relief in the early stages of labour- everyone is different.

  • Elle TENS Plus cannot be used in water, BUT you can still use it before you get in a bath or birth pool.

  • Your birth partner will have to work around the pads if you want massage.

  • The Elle TENS+ will have no effect if you choose do have an epidural.

How does the hire process work?

Select your 'dispatch date'. We recommend ordering your 'Elle TENS Plus' to arrive around 36 weeks of pregnancy (this will be your 'dispatch date').

We will send your order to arrive ON or BEFORE your dispatch date.

Your 7 week hire will begin from the dispatch date. The hire period lasts 7 weeks giving you plenty of time if you happen to go before or beyond your 'due' date. (Remember your baby will come when they are ready).

When you are finished with the device, simply pop the reply paid label on the mailer bag your order came in, pop everything inside the mailer and drop it to any NZ POST office/box. How easy!

REMEMBER TO KEEP THE MAILER BAG YOU RECEIVED YOUR ORDER IN SO THAT YOU CAN REUSE IT WHEN IT COMES TIME TO RETURN

We are passionate about limiting waste, so please hold onto it for us. We will then compost it after we've received your return.