Question 1

What is DENBA?

Accepted Answer

It is a technology that creates an electric field, and the brand name of the products built on it. The technology was originally developed to keep food fresh. DENBA Health is that same technology applied to people. It is a household electrical appliance that creates a low-level electric potential space centred on a mat.

Question 2

What is the DENBA space?

Accepted Answer

It is the weak electric potential space created by the control unit and the mat. You do not have to be touching the mat. Being inside that space counts as using the product. The manufacturer states the space reaches roughly 1 m, at most 1.5 m, from the edge and the face of the mat.

Question 3

How is this different from an ordinary electric-potential therapy device?

Accepted Answer

DENBA Health is not a medical device. That is the single biggest difference. Household electric-potential therapy devices are certified as medical devices. DENBA Health is a household electrical appliance. The word "potential" appears in both, but their legal status is different. What we cannot claim: Because it is not a medical device, we cannot describe it in terms of treatment or therapeutic benefit.

Question 4

Is DENBA Health a medical device?

Accepted Answer

No. It is not a medical device. DENBA Health is sold as a household electrical appliance and carries PSE, FCC and CE compliance marks. Those marks relate to electrical safety and radio requirements. They are not an endorsement of any health effect. What we cannot claim: Because it is not a medical device, we cannot describe it as treating or preventing any illness.

Question 5

Is this a legitimate product?

Accepted Answer

Here are the published facts, and nothing beyond them. DENBA Health is a household electrical appliance carrying PSE (Japan), FCC (United States) and CE (Europe) compliance marks. It is not a medical device. Those three marks show that the product is built to electrical-safety standards and meets radio requirements. They are not official recognition of any effect on health. On the technology, a joint study report exists between Professor Daichi Nozaki of the Graduate School of Education, University of Tokyo, ITOCHU Corporation and DENBA, dated 10 June 2022. It records heart-rate variability measured in 22 healthy adults (ethics approval 21-176). What we cannot claim: PSE, FCC and CE are not evidence that the product works. No data has been published showing that any illness is cured or any symptom improves. How people feel varies from person to person, and no guidance has been published on how long it takes to notice anything.

Question 6

Is this multi-level marketing?

Accepted Answer

No. We are an authorised primary dealer. DENBA products are sold by BOICE Inc. as an authorised dealer for DENBA JAPAN Inc. There is no scheme where you recruit members to earn the right to sell. Purchases go through this site, our enquiry desk, or an authorised dealer.

Question 7

What research has been done?

Accepted Answer

There is a joint study report that measured heart-rate variability. It does not demonstrate an effect. A joint study report exists between Professor Daichi Nozaki of the Graduate School of Education, University of Tokyo, ITOCHU Corporation and DENBA, dated 10 June 2022. In it, 22 healthy adults aged 20 to 56 were measured while the electric field was switched on and off every 15 minutes. What the report contains is measurements of heart-rate variability, a physiological index . It did not look at symptoms or how people felt. It is not a study that proves DENBA Health works. What we cannot claim: This report does not show any effect or benefit of DENBA Health. It is not the kind of evidence from which a health impact can be judged, and it is limited in scale: 22 people, measured once. We do not use it as evidence of effect.

Question 8

Where can I read reviews?

Accepted Answer

On our customer reviews page. We publish what users have told us, together with the model and age group. We do not select only the favourable ones. What we cannot claim: These are personal impressions. They do not guarantee any result, and how people feel varies.

Question 9

What does it actually do?

Accepted Answer

This is not a product we can make effect claims for. All the device does is create an electric potential space. When you switch it on, an electric potential space forms around the mat. That is where the device's job ends. It is not a machine that does something to your body. Because DENBA Health is not a medical device, we cannot explain it in terms of health or symptoms. What we can give you is the specification of the device and the facts that have been published. What we cannot claim: It is not intended to treat or prevent illness. No data has been published showing that symptoms improve. No guidance such as "works within X days" has been published either.

Question 10

I have read that it does nothing. Is that true?

Accepted Answer

How people feel varies, and some people feel nothing at all. DENBA Health is hard to judge by sensation. That is why a voltage tester is supplied, so you can confirm the unit is running. Hold it about 10 cm away from the mat: if it sounds and the tip lights red, the unit is working normally. "I cannot feel it" does not mean "it is not running". Check with the tester first. What we cannot claim: No guidance has been published on how long it takes to notice a change. Nothing here guarantees a result.

Question 11

How long before I notice anything?

Accepted Answer

No guidance on timing has been published. How people feel varies. We would rather tell you that plainly than give you a number that has never been published. If you want to judge for yourself before committing, tell us your situation and we will discuss what is possible in your country. What we cannot claim: We cannot tell you a period after which you will notice something. No such figure exists.

Question 12

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on your region, so it is not listed on this site. Shipping, duties, local voltage and after-sales support all differ by country, and a price quoted for Japan would not be the price you actually pay. Tell us your country and which model you are considering, and we will come back with a quotation. The three DENBA Health models differ in how many mats you can connect and in input voltage. Those differences are on each product page. What we cannot claim: We cannot publish a single international price here. Payment terms, duties and delivery costs are confirmed in the quotation, not on this page.

Question 13

How much electricity does it use?

Accepted Answer

2 W. Left on 24 hours a day for 30 days, that is 1.44 kWh a month. Multiply 1.44 kWh by your own electricity tariff to get the cost where you live. There is no limit on how long you may run it. High Grade is the exception: it draws 12 W, which is 8.64 kWh a month under the same calculation. What we cannot claim: We cannot tell you the cost in your currency, because tariffs differ by country and by contract. Use the figure on your own bill.

Question 14

Do you ship outside Japan?

Accepted Answer

We handle overseas orders case by case. Tell us your country first. Before we can quote, we need to confirm three things for your destination: the input voltage of the model you want, how the unit would be shipped and cleared, and how service would be handled if something went wrong. High Grade in particular has no 220–240 V rating published, so for many countries the model choice is decided by voltage before anything else. What we cannot claim: We cannot state shipping cost, lead time, duties or local support here. Those are confirmed per destination in the quotation.

Question 15

Can I try it before I buy?

Accepted Answer

There is a trial programme in Japan. Outside Japan we arrange it case by case. Sending a unit abroad for a trial means shipping, customs and return logistics, so it is not something we can offer on the same terms as inside Japan. What we can do is discuss it with you: some customers evaluate a single unit before a larger order, particularly for business use. Tell us your country and how you intend to use it, and we will tell you honestly what is possible. What we cannot claim: We cannot publish trial terms, duration or cost for outside Japan, because they depend on the destination.

Question 16

What is the difference between the models?

Accepted Answer

How many mats you can connect, the input voltage, and the price. Charge takes one mat. Standard takes one or two. High Grade takes one to three, at the same time. This does not mean the effect differs between models. The number of mats decides how many people and how many places you can cover. What we cannot claim: We cannot compare models in terms of effect or how strongly they are felt.

Question 17

Which model works with the voltage in my country?

Accepted Answer

High Grade has no 220–240 V rating published. That is the first fork in the road. Check the input voltage before anything else. Charge and Standard have a 220–240 V rating published; High Grade does not. Where there is no rating, you would need a transformer, or a different model. Tell us your country and we will confirm which models we can supply for it. What we cannot claim: "Not published" means we could not find it stated on the product page. It does not mean the manufacturer has declared it unusable. We will not guess on your behalf.

Question 18

What mat sizes are there?

Accepted Answer

Two: 60 × 120 cm and 120 × 120 cm. Both are 1 cm thick. The 60 × 120 cm mat suits one person; 120 × 120 cm covers two lying side by side. Check that the size fits where you intend to put it before ordering.

Question 19

Is there anyone who must not use it?

Accepted Answer

Anyone using an implanted or body-worn medical electrical device must not use it. Implanted devices include pacemakers; body-worn devices include electrocardiographs. This is not a conditional caution. It is an instruction not to use the product. Because this device works through the space around it, apply the same check to anyone sharing the room . If that applies to someone in your household, the decision is about whether to install it at all. If you are unsure about a particular device, ask before you use it.

Question 20

Can I use it with a joint replacement or metal in my body?

Accepted Answer

The manufacturer's guidance does not list this among the cases to avoid. The stated restriction is on implanted and body-worn medical electrical devices . Joint replacements and metal implants are a separate matter in that guidance. That said, we have not verified safety ourselves. If you have any concern, ask your doctor. What we cannot claim: Every body is different, so we are not in a position to judge this as safe for you.

Question 21

Can I use it while pregnant?

Accepted Answer

The guidance is to refrain from using it. This caution appears on the product page of the authorised primary dealer. The manufacturer's own FAQ does not carry the same wording. Because the two sources differ, we tell you the more cautious of the two.

Question 22

Is it harmful to leave it on 24 hours a day?

Accepted Answer

No limit on running time has been set. The manufacturer's guidance sets no maximum running time and no age restriction. That said, we have not verified that there is no effect on the body. If you have a concern, or if you notice any change in how you feel, stop using it and speak to a doctor. What we cannot claim: No data has been published on the effects of long-term use. We are not certifying this as safe.

Question 23

Is it all right if a baby or a pet is nearby?

Accepted Answer

The manufacturer's guidance does not list this among the cases to avoid. No age restriction is set, and the same applies to animals. A waterproof cover is available as an option to protect the mat. That said, we have not verified safety ourselves. If you have any concern, ask a doctor or a veterinarian. There is also a version made specifically for animals. What we cannot claim: No data has been published on effects in infants or animals.

Question 24

I developed a rash or itching. Is that a problem?

Accepted Answer

Stop using it immediately and see a doctor. If a skin reaction appears, we will not tell you how to carry on using it. Stop first, and get it looked at. Whether you can start again is also not something we can decide. Please make that decision with your doctor. What we cannot claim: We cannot determine whether the product caused the symptom.

Question 25

It has arrived. What do I do first?

Accepted Answer

Start by checking that everything in the box is there. Check that you have the control unit, the mat, the connecting cable, the power cord and the voltage tester. The definitive list is the one in the manual that came with your unit. Check that the manual matches your model, including the model number. The contents vary by model and by when it was sold. Once you have confirmed everything is there, move on to the connection order. What we cannot claim: We cannot give a complete per-model list of box contents here, because the manual is the authority. If something is missing, contact your dealer.

Question 26

What is included?

Accepted Answer

It varies by model. The list in your manual is the authority. The number of mats differs by model: Charge connects one, Standard one or two, High Grade one to three at the same time. The number of mats shown in a photograph is not necessarily the number you can connect at once , because mats of different sizes may be included. What we cannot claim: Contents change with the sales period and with promotions. A photograph is not a definitive statement of what is in the box.

Question 27

I have lost the manual.

Accepted Answer

Contact the dealer you bought it from. What you read on this site is a summary of published information. The manual that came with your unit takes precedence. Quoting the model number printed on the control unit will get you an answer faster.

Question 28

Is there anything to watch for in the first week?

Accepted Answer

If you notice any change in how you feel, stop there. There is no special break-in procedure. Set it up as the manual describes and use it. However, if a rash, itching or any other change appears, stop using it and see a doctor. We will not tell you how to carry on through it. What we cannot claim: We cannot give you a "you will get used to it in X days" figure. No such figure exists.

Question 29

How do I set it up?

Accepted Answer

Finish all the wiring first. The power switch goes on last. ① Connect the cable to the control unit → ② connect the white cable to the mat → ③ plug the power cord into the outlet → ④ only then switch the unit on. Out of order, it may not energise. To disconnect, reverse the same sequence.

Question 30

Where should I put the mat?

Accepted Answer

Under a bed or a sofa works. One documented arrangement is to lay the mat on the bed frame and put the mattress on top, so your body never touches the mat directly. There is a lot of freedom in placement. Keep it out of heat, humidity and direct sunlight, and — since it is designed to stay powered for long periods — choose a spot where you will not be disturbing the wiring.

Question 31

What should I watch when unplugging it?

Accepted Answer

Always switch the unit off before you plug or unplug anything. Not pulling the power cord while the unit is switched on is listed as a precaution against damage. The same applies to power cuts, to extension leads and to changing outlets. On High Grade, not changing the voltage selector while the unit is switched on is also part of this.

Question 32

How far does the electric potential space reach?

Accepted Answer

Roughly 1 m, at most 1.5 m, from the edge and the face of the mat. Our own product pages say "a radius of roughly 1.5 to 2 m around the mat", which does not match. On this site we use the narrower of the two, the figure in the manufacturer's FAQ. What we cannot claim: This is a stated distance for the electric potential space. It does not describe anything reaching your body. The voltage tester is not an instrument for measuring this distance, and nothing can be read from how strongly it responds.

Question 33

Can I use it abroad, or in a car?

Accepted Answer

Abroad you need a transformer; in a car you need an inverter. Voltage differs by country, so check the voltage at your destination first. In a car, do not use it while driving; use it while parked. What we cannot claim: A failure that occurs while the unit is used abroad is outside the warranty for a unit bought for the Japanese market. For units we ship internationally, coverage is agreed at the time of order.

Question 34

How long should I use it each day?

Accepted Answer

No limit is set. You may leave it running. The manufacturer's guidance sets no maximum running time and no age restriction. At 2 W, running it continuously uses 1.44 kWh a month, so you can decide where to put it on the assumption it stays on. What we cannot claim: No recommended number of hours has been published. Nor is there data on the effects of long-term use.

Question 35

Can I use it while I sleep?

Accepted Answer

There is no limit on running time, so yes. One documented arrangement is to lay the mat on the bed frame with the mattress on top. You do not have to be touching it: being in the same space counts as using it.

Question 36

Can I put sheets or a mattress pad over the mat?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can use it with those on top. You do not have to be touching the mat: being in the same space counts as using it. Mattress pads can be washed with water, but never let the socket on the mat get wet.

Question 37

Can my family use it together? How many people?

Accepted Answer

Anyone in the same space can use it at the same time. There is no limit on the number of people. What is fixed is how many mats you can connect at once : Charge one, Standard one or two, High Grade one to three. However, if someone in the same room uses an implanted or body-worn medical electrical device, the decision becomes whether to install it at all.

Question 38

Can I buy additional mats?

Accepted Answer

The number you can connect at once is fixed by model. You cannot go beyond it. Charge takes one, Standard one or two, High Grade one to three. To go beyond that, the answer is a different model, not an extra mat. What we cannot claim: Availability and pricing for additional mats vary. Ask us for your region.

Question 39

If I connect more mats, does each one get weaker?

Accepted Answer

The figures change, but it is not divided up between the mats. Output voltage figures vary with how many mats are connected, but the manufacturer states that it is not a matter of dividing output between them, and that function is unaffected. What we cannot claim: Differences in specification figures cannot be compared as differences in effect.

Question 40

Is there a waterproof cover?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as an option. It is suggested where you want to protect the mat from soiling, or where you use it with an animal. Ask us about availability.

Question 41

The tingling feeling has got weaker. Is it broken?

Accepted Answer

No. How strongly you feel it is not an indication of the unit's condition. Humidity, skin oils and metal objects you are wearing all change how it feels. Check operation with the voltage tester, not by sensation.

Question 42

I touched my charging phone and felt a tingle. Is something wrong?

Accepted Answer

No. It is a normal consequence of the weak potential space. On devices plugged into an outlet, touching an exposed part such as a microphone opening or a vent can produce a sensation from the potential difference. If it bothers you, separate charging time from use time.

Question 43

Can the mat be washed? Can I put it in the washing machine?

Accepted Answer

You can wipe it down or soak it. You cannot machine wash it. The mat can be wiped with a damp cloth or soaked to remove soiling. But never let the socket get wet. Water there causes failure. It is an electrical product: use it only when completely dry. What we cannot claim: If it has been through a washing machine, internal wiring may be damaged and it must not be used. Do not decide to dry it out and carry on.

Question 44

How do I look after it day to day?

Accepted Answer

Wipe the unit with a soft cloth. Air the mat in the shade for about 30 minutes, once or twice a week. Air it indoors somewhere well ventilated. Do not fold the mat sharply — avoid creasing it to fit it into storage.

Question 45

How should I store it when it is not in use?

Accepted Answer

Switch it off and keep it somewhere clean and dry. Keep it out of heat, humidity and direct sunlight. Do not fold the mat sharply.

Question 46

It has stopped working. What do I check?

Accepted Answer

Three checks, in order: ① the mark on the unit ② the voltage tester ③ standing on the mat. ① Is the DENBA mark on the front of the unit lit? ② With the unit switched on, does the voltage tester respond? ③ Stand on the mat and touch the skin of someone not on the mat, or a metal object. Note which step it failed at. It makes the conversation much shorter when you contact us.

Question 47

The mat is not energising.

Accepted Answer

First check that the cable is fully seated at both ends. A cable that is not pushed in far enough is the documented cause. Push it in until there is no gap. Reseat both the unit end and the mat end , in turn, then check again. Fixing only one end can leave the cause in place.

Question 48

How can I confirm it is actually running?

Accepted Answer

Use the supplied voltage tester, held about 10 cm from the mat. If it sounds and the tip lights red, the unit is running normally. Check for both the sound and the light. Hold it a little away from the mat rather than pressing it against the surface. What we cannot claim: The tester is not an instrument for measuring the size of the DENBA space. You cannot map the effective range from where it responds.

Question 49

The tester does not respond. Is it broken?

Accepted Answer

It could be the tester or the unit. Separate the two. First check whether the DENBA mark on the front of the unit is lit . If it is, the unit has power. If only the tester fails to respond in that state, the tester itself may be the problem. Either way, contact the dealer you bought it from. What we cannot claim: The tester confirms the presence of electricity. You cannot read any magnitude or distance from how strongly it responds.

Question 50

The safety cut-out seems to have tripped. What now?

Accepted Answer

Contact the dealer you bought it from. Do not open it up to investigate. The manufacturer's guidance is: "If the protection device operates and the unit will not power on, please contact us." If you bought from us, contact us first. The common cause is unplugging or plugging in the power cord while the unit is still switched on . That can draw a momentary surge, tripping the protection so that the unit will not power on, or the panel LED goes out. This is the equipment protecting you. Opening the case or removing parts yourself can void the warranty. What we cannot claim: There is no published procedure for a user to identify the cause. On health, the manufacturer states there is no issue when the protection operates.

Question 51

After a power cut, can I just carry on?

Accepted Answer

Switch the unit off, then on again. The manufacturer states: "Do not plug or unplug the power cord while the unit's power switch is on. Doing so may cause a short circuit, electric shock or fire." The same applies after a power cut or a tripped breaker. Once power is back, switch the unit off and on again. Left switched on, the protection can trip and the unit will not power on.

Question 52

Where do I send it for repair?

Accepted Answer

To the dealer you bought it from. The unit goes through the dealer to the DENBA factory, where it is repaired. The factory inspects it and work begins only after you have approved the quotation. Nothing proceeds before that. After repair it is delivered back to you. For units shipped outside Japan, the route depends on what was agreed at the time of order — check that before you need it. What we cannot claim: Repair costs vary widely with the cause and the parts involved, so no indicative figure is published.

Question 53

How long is the warranty?

Accepted Answer

In Japan, one year from the manufacturer plus one year from us: two years in total. For orders shipped outside Japan, coverage and the service route are agreed at the time of order, because shipping the unit back is part of the picture. Confirm it in the quotation before you order rather than after something goes wrong. What we cannot claim: Second-hand units are not covered by the manufacturer's warranty, paid or unpaid, and are not eligible for repair. We cannot state the coverage that applies in your country on this page.

Question 54

Is it safe to buy a second-hand unit?

Accepted Answer

Second-hand units get neither the manufacturer's warranty nor repair. They are outside the manufacturer's warranty whether or not you paid for the unit, and they are not eligible for repair. With a unit passed on to you, the checks are the same but what happens next is not. Whether to buy one is your decision. Make it knowing the above.

Question 55

Can I pass it on to someone else?

Accepted Answer

Nothing prohibits it, but the warranty does not transfer. A second-hand unit is outside the manufacturer's warranty, paid or unpaid, and is not eligible for repair. That applies to the person receiving it too. If you are passing one on, tell them this first. What we cannot claim: We found no guidance on transferring registration or warranty. Ask us whether any procedure exists.

Question 56

How do I dispose of it?

Accepted Answer

Treat it as a household electrical appliance and follow the rules where you live. Do not dismantle it for disposal. There are high-voltage components inside; this is a safety request from us. If you are unsure which category it falls into, ask your local authority, or ask us. What we cannot claim: We could not confirm any official manufacturer guidance on disposal, and no take-back or trade-in scheme has been published. The above is our own guidance.

Question 57

What should I watch when moving house or rearranging?

Accepted Answer

Always switch it off before you disconnect anything. Disconnect in the reverse of the order you connected it. The same applies when you move it for cleaning or rearranging. If you are moving to another country, the voltage check comes first.

Healthcare

Freshness / Frying

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By application

Customer voices

Frying

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Company

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All questions

Nothing matched those words

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Healthcare

Freshness / Frying

About the products

Learn about the technology

Learn about the technology

By application

Customer voices

Frying

Learn about the technology

Company

Support

Other

Learn about the technology

Start here: DENBA questions, answered

Where are you right now?

DENBA in numbers

Most opened questions

Shortcuts for owners

Browse by category

Go deeper

All questions

QWhat is DENBA?

QWhat is the DENBA space?

QHow is this different from an ordinary electric-potential therapy device?

QIs DENBA Health a medical device?

QIs this a legitimate product?

QIs this multi-level marketing?

QWhat research has been done?

QWhere can I read reviews?

QWhat does it actually do?

QI have read that it does nothing. Is that true?

QHow long before I notice anything?

QHow much does it cost?

QHow much electricity does it use?

QDo you ship outside Japan?

QCan I try it before I buy?

QWhat is the difference between the models?

QWhich model works with the voltage in my country?

QWhat mat sizes are there?

QIs there anyone who must not use it?

QCan I use it with a joint replacement or metal in my body?

QCan I use it while pregnant?

QIs it harmful to leave it on 24 hours a day?

QIs it all right if a baby or a pet is nearby?

QI developed a rash or itching. Is that a problem?

QIt has arrived. What do I do first?

QWhat is included?

QI have lost the manual.

QIs there anything to watch for in the first week?

QHow do I set it up?

QWhere should I put the mat?

QWhat should I watch when unplugging it?

QHow far does the electric potential space reach?

QCan I use it abroad, or in a car?

QHow long should I use it each day?

QCan I use it while I sleep?

QCan I put sheets or a mattress pad over the mat?

QCan my family use it together? How many people?

QCan I buy additional mats?

QIf I connect more mats, does each one get weaker?

QIs there a waterproof cover?

QThe tingling feeling has got weaker. Is it broken?

QI touched my charging phone and felt a tingle. Is something wrong?

QCan the mat be washed? Can I put it in the washing machine?

QHow do I look after it day to day?

QHow should I store it when it is not in use?

QIt has stopped working. What do I check?

QThe mat is not energising.

QHow can I confirm it is actually running?

QThe tester does not respond. Is it broken?

QThe safety cut-out seems to have tripped. What now?

QAfter a power cut, can I just carry on?

QWhere do I send it for repair?

QHow long is the warranty?

QIs it safe to buy a second-hand unit?

QCan I pass it on to someone else?

QHow do I dispose of it?

QWhat should I watch when moving house or rearranging?

Nothing matched those words

Still not answered?