The 5 weirdest wellness gadgets I can’t live without (and why they make such a big difference)

I'm a tech editor, but I'm also just a girl. And if you're not caught up on Gen-Z slang, that means I love a snack plate for dinner, unironically saying 'slay' in a corporate setting, and rewatching every episode of my favorite 2000s comfort show for a sense of stability (it's One Tree Hill, if you were wondering). I'm also impartial to optimizing my lifestyle with fun gadgets. Naturally, my job at ZDNET affords me the perfect opportunity to consistently explore new gizmos guilt-free (you know, cause anything I use is actually for research).  

If you're interested in also exploring some wacky wellness gear, here are some of my favorite products I use regularly in my morning and night routines and why I won't be giving them up anytime soon. Some of these products may not be for you -- that's okay.

Remember that buying these items or replicating my list with your own weird wellness tech collection won't necessarily make you healthier. Still, some might generate patterns and habits that can help you maintain consistency and balance in your life. These products have at least done that for me. 

After years of swearing off using a scale, I finally went back to having one only a few months ago. Initially, I genuinely bought this to track the weight of my new kitten (it has a Pet Mode), but I was eventually enticed to use it myself. And it's pretty cool. It easily links up to your phone using an app, and similar to health apps like Apple Health, you can check in on tons of different metrics like weight, muscle mass, and more. You can also customize what metrics you want to see within the app and on your scale, and create weigh-in schedules and routines. Eufy has other models if you're looking for more advanced or more basic features, but I found the P2 Pro to be a nice middle ground option, especially because I got it for half off. I use this a few times a week as I embark on a new wellness journey, but I remain primarily interested in features like BMI, muscle mass, bone mass, body age, and more. I'd recommend buying a regular scale if you're interested in just weight. 

Several users of Eufy scales on Reddit say that the smart scales are generally a pretty good investment. However, they are also a bit pricey and sometimes inaccurate if you share the scale between multiple people. One user wrote a detailed review on the P2 Pro model I own, and I agree with most of this user's conclusions. It's pretty accurate weight-wise (though I can't speak for other metrics), and has been a nice addition to my lifestyle. The Eufy app is sometimes a bit wonky, but it's something I can get over for now. This scale won't replace regular doctor's appointments, but it's fun to become more in tune with yourself. 

This one is weird, I won't lie. I am religious about wearing my retainer every night. I rarely miss nights without it. That being said, my retainer gets pretty gross. And while traditional cleaning methods like Retainer Brite are fine, this ultrasonic cleaner changed my life. 

Zima's ultrasonic cleaner can be used with numerous oral appliances and simply works with water or a combination of water and Zima's cleaning tablets. I use cleaning tablets with the Zima pod a few times a week, but I pop in my retainer for a daily cycle with just water every morning. This has reduced buildup on my retainer and makes it easier to manage. Bonus is that I have used it for cleaning jewelry, too. 

I have the older Dental Pod model, but a newer Dental Pod Pro option is now available that features a removable base to make filling and dumping water easier. Users on Reddit say that the Zima is a durable ultrasonic cleaner option, and it has a clean and streamlined look for aesthetics and space. Some users say it's a bit pricey (which it is), but it's also HSA/FSA eligible. 

I haven't splurged on a red light therapy mask ... yet. In the interim, though, I've become accustomed to the popular treatment with Solawave's red light therapy wand. According to UCLA Health, red light can potentially reduce signs of aging, encourage hair regrowth, minimize acne, and more. Complete transparency -- I never would have purchased this wand full price. I could scoop it up during an Ulta sale for half off, which made "trying it out" an easier pill to swallow. I've been using this consistently for about a year, and I think it helps with some factors like acne, dark marks, and wrinkles. However, you have to be consistent, using this wand for the recommended amount of time and cycles, and as much as possible, mainly because it isn't designed for your entire face simultaneously. 

This little wand works wonders on fading particular scars and spots, plus it's somewhat therapeutic to use thanks to a massage feature. But ultimately, I don't feel the bulb size and design are ideal for actual benefits from red light therapy, so I'll be upgrading to a mask soon. Other users on Reddit agree, saying it's a nice handheld option that is more for the self-care experience, though some customers say it has helped with skin texture, appearance, and more. These tools are try at your own risk, but consulting a dermatologist with your questions or concerns before using at-home treatments of any kind is a good idea. Remember that, like anything, red light can have some risks, like mild pain or skin irritation, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. 

The tech in this is quite simple. It's a sleep mask, but it's weighted, and that's the magic. I picked this up back in March on sale after a coworker recommended the Gravity Mask, hoping the Nodpod was a close competitor. It helps me fall asleep within minutes, a feat practically unheard of for a night owl like me. It fastens around your head with a pull-through design and has two sides: a soft and cool side. It's like a hug for your eyes, and it feels amazing on tired, tech-strained orbs. It is pretty reminiscent of the feeling of an X-Ray vest you'd maybe wear at the dentist, but on a smaller scale. 

It doesn't stay on my head overnight, but I rarely wake up at night anymore after falling asleep with the Nodpod on, so it doesn't matter much. It's a winner. Users on Reddit say that the Nodpod is the "supreme" weighted sleep mask option and worth its asking price, though some users mention it falls off at night.

These aren't your grandma's compression socks. Wellow's socks come in many fun colors and designs and many sizes, including wide calf options. I previously enjoyed using compression socks during long travel stints in the car or plane, but I've leveled up to wearing them nonstop since transitioning to working fully remote. Despite walking upwards of 5 miles daily to help counter my WFH activities, my legs still felt significantly worse than when commuting into NYC for work. My Wellow socks have fixed that. Blood circulation is essential for our bodies, and compression socks are an easy way to help. 

Wellow's unique compression of 18-25 mmHg is the secret sauce. They are the perfect amount of pressure to help aid circulation without causing discomfort in my legs. Most days, I forget I am even wearing them, but I can always tell the difference from when I don't. There's no shame in joining the compression sock club, coming from a 23-year-old. Other users on Reddit tout Wellow socks for their comfort, though some point out their high price point. They are not cheap at $30 per pair, but Wellow frequently does sales (which is when I bought mine), and they're also available on Amazon. 

Why should you trust me?

I test tech for a living. I have strong opinions on what makes a tech product worth your money, because I know that budgets are tight and there's no greater disappointment than wasting a paycheck on a middling device. I do my research, checking competing websites for the newest products, reading Reddit threads and Amazon reviews, speaking with researchers and analysts about what makes a particular device good or bad, and, when in doubt, testing everything out for myself. 

For this story, each primary pick is a product I truly use in my everyday life, including during my everyday morning and evening routines. If I included additional products of interest, I consulted and cited ZDNET's experts who have. I considered price, quality, and use cases for wellness gadgets, among other things, to curate this list. While there is plenty of different tech I could have recommended to you, these are some of the weirdest wellness tech items I wanted to share with you. 

Is health tech HSA or FSA eligible?

HSAs (Health Savings Accounts) and FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts) can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses, including doctor visits, medications, and medical equipment. Select health tech is sometimes HSA/FSA eligible, so be sure to do some research before you purchase any wellness tech, especially if you do participate in an HSA or FSA plan. The FSA Store and HSA Store can help you find products that are eligible on each plan. 

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