Pelvic floor health is an important but often overlooked aspect of overall wellness. A weak pelvic floor can lead to issues like urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and pain during sex. Pelvic floor trainers provide a way to strengthen these important muscles right from the comfort of your home.
Two of the most popular FDA-cleared pelvic floor trainers are the Yarlap and Elvie. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive guide compares the key features of Yarlap and Elvie to help you decide.
Pelvic floor trainers are small, lightweight devices that are inserted vaginally to help strengthen pelvic muscles. They use gentle electrical stimulation or vibrations to activate muscles and provide resistance during Kegel exercises.
Here is a quick overview comparing the Yarlap and Elvie trainers:
| Feature | Yarlap | Elvie |
| Stimulation Type | Electrical | Vibration |
| Programs | 10 levels | 10 workouts |
| App-Connected | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 5 hours | 2 hours |
| Waterproof | Yes | No |
Key Differences Between Yarlap And Elvie Pelvic Floor Trainers
Both trainers offer app-guided programs and tracking to improve adherence. But there are some key differences when it comes to stimulation type, battery life, price point and waterproofing.
Read on for a more in-depth comparison.
- Stimulation Type
The biggest difference between Yarlap and Elvie is the type of stimulation used to activate pelvic floor muscles.
- Yarlap Electrical Stimulation
Yarlap uses gentle electrical stimulation ranging from 5-100mA across 10 levels to contract the pelvic floor. Electrical stimulation activates nerves and triggers involuntary muscle contractions. This allows you to work out muscles even if you can’t actively control your Kegels.
Electrical stimulation also provides feedback and helps teach proper technique. The current feels like a light buzzing sensation. Level 1 is barely perceptible while higher levels provide stronger muscle activation.
- Elvie Vibration
Elvie relies on vibrational stimulation from 0-60Hz across 10 workout modules to stimulate the pelvic floor. Vibrations encourage muscles to contract and relax. But activation is less targeted compared to electrical stimulation.
The vibration provides sensory biofeedback when muscles contract but doesn’t directly force them to fire like electrical current. You need some baseline awareness and ability to voluntarily contract the pelvic floor to get results.
Bottom Line: Yarlap’s electrical stimulation automatically activates pelvic floor muscles while Elvie requires more active participation and baseline muscle awareness to benefit from vibrational feedback.
Also Read: Comparison of ELITONE And INNOVO Pelvic Floor Exercisers.
- Programs and App
Both Yarlap and Elvie are app-guided trainers with multiple programs:
Yarlap Programs
The Yarlap app provides 10 stimulation intensity levels that can be customized into workouts. It also offers games and visual biofeedback for motivation. Workout length, rest time, and level can be adjusted as you progress.
Yarlap has goal-based programs for:
- Incontinence
- Prolapse
- Pleasure
- Post-partum recovery
- Men’s pelvic health
The app syncs exercise data and intensity levels used to provide personalized feedback and guidance.
Elvie Programs
The Elvie app provides 10 pre-set workout modules targeting different areas of the pelvic floor with vibration patterns and intensities. Programs cover:
- Strengthening
- Stamina
- Coordination
- Stress relief
- Sexual health
Elvie uses a virtual avatar to guide breathwork and muscle contractions with vibrational feedback.
It lacks the customization and biofeedback features of Yarlap but provides more structured guided workouts.
Bottom Line: Yarlap offers more personalized and customizable routines while Elvie provides structured workout programs. Both help guide proper technique and track progress through supportive apps.
- Battery Life
Battery life is an important consideration since you want to be able to complete your full workout before recharging:
- Yarlap offers up to 5 hours of battery life for sustained training.
- Elvie provides about 2 hours per charge which is less than Yarlap but still enough for most workouts.
Yarlap’s superior battery life means you can use it for weeks between charges while Elvie may need recharging a few times a week. But Elvie’s shorter battery life shouldn’t be an issue for daily 20-30 minute home workouts.
- Waterproofing
Waterproofing allows you to incorporate your trainer into your existing routine seamlessly:
- Yarlap has an IPX7 waterproof rating so it can be worn swimming, in the shower, and for other water activities.
- Elvie is splashproof but not fully waterproof so it can’t be submerged or worn swimming.
Yarlap’s waterproofing gives you more flexibility to use it anytime, anywhere. But Elvie can still be worn for most regular daily activities without worry.
- Cost Comparison
There is around a $100 price difference between the two trainers:
- Yarlap costs $199 which provides mid-range pricing for an electric stimulator unit.
- Elvie is priced at $299 making it a premium-priced vibration-based trainer.
Yarlap is the more budget-friendly option of the two. But Elvie also goes on sale frequently bringing the price down. Both offer financing options as well to improve accessibility. The cost comes down to your budget and preferred stimulation type.
Pros and Cons of Yarlap And Elvie Pelvic Floor Trainers
Here is a quick rundown of the main pros and cons for each trainer:
Yarlap Pros:
- App with games and biofeedback
- Customizable routines
- 5 hour battery life
- Waterproof
Yarlap Cons:
- Can only be used internally
- Electrical stimulation may feel uncomfortable for some
Elvie Pros:
- Pre-set guided workout programs
- Discrete wearable design
- Also available as non-insertable external model
Elvie Cons:
- Shorter battery life
- Not waterproof
- Vibration provides less targeted stimulation
Both trainers are easy to use, clinically-proven and provide app tracking. Yarlap is better for customization while Elvie offers more structured routines. Pick Elvie if you prefer vibration or want a wearable external option. But Yarlap is the winner for targeted electrical stimulation and versatility.
Which One To Pick?
Both Yarlap and Elvie provide effective app-connected training programs.
But Yarlap pulls ahead for providing stronger electrical stimulation, better battery life, waterproofing and more customization.
However, Elvie is still an excellent choice, especially if you prefer discrete vibration or want a wearable trainer.
Ultimately, choosing between these two FDA-cleared trainers comes down to your budget, preferences for electrical vs. vibration-based stimulation and desired features.
Whichever option you choose, using a guided pelvic floor trainer is an empowering way to take control of your health and strengthen these vital muscles. Both Yarlap and Elvie make pelvic floor training accessible with supportive apps and routines you can do in just minutes per day from the comfort and privacy of home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Both Yarlap and Elvie are FDA-cleared for strengthening pelvic floor muscles so they are safe and effective options. Yarlap provides more targeted electrical stimulation while Elvie relies on vibration. Yarlap is the best choice if you want an FDA-approved device with electrical stimulation.
Yarlap and Elvie are two of the top-rated pelvic floor toners available. Yarlap provides customized electrical stimulation programs and better battery life. But Elvie is also an excellent choice for structured vibration-based workouts in a discreet, wearable package. Based on clinical studies and customer reviews, Yarlap reigns supreme for effectiveness but Elvie is great for convenience.
When comparing high-quality FDA-cleared options, Yarlap is the best overall pelvic floor trainer. The electrical stimulation automatically activates pelvic floor muscles while the app provides personalized routines, biofeedback and progress tracking. Yarlap provides the most targeted training with customizable programs.
Yarlap is the premier device for strengthening pelvic floor muscles. Electrical stimulation is more effective for activation than vibration alone. Yarlap’s adjustable intensity levels allow you to progressively strengthen muscles. The app’s tracking and games also improve training adherence for better results. While there are other great options, Yarlap stands out as the most comprehensive device for pelvic muscle strengthening.
Final Thoughts
Pelvic health is key for avoiding, improving, or managing common conditions like incontinence and pain. But weak pelvic floor muscles often go overlooked and undertrained. Yarlap and Elvie pelvic floor trainers provide interactive self-care options to strengthen these muscles without ever having to visit a clinic or physical therapist.
While both trainers offer quality home programs, Yarlap comes out on top for providing more targeted electrical stimulation with better battery life and versatility. The customizable workouts and app biofeedback promote adherence to see meaningful progress over time.
Yarlap’s superior stimulation and training platform make it the winner. But Elvie remains an excellent option for structured vibration-based workouts and discretion.
No matter which FDA-approved trainer you choose, you’re taking the first step toward better pelvic health and wellness. Spend just minutes each day doing guided exercises to see benefits. Consistency is key to rehabilitate and strengthen the pelvic floor with time.
Don’t wait until problems arise – start preventatively training these important muscles now.