Proper hydration is critical to endurance athletes’ performance and safety. The impacts of dehydration range from mild (i.e., fatigue and muscle cramping) to severe (i.e., organ failure and death). Studies show that when athletes drink to thirst, they’re replenishing only half of the fluids they’ve lost – incurring mild dehydration up to 80% of the time. Hydration management is further complicated by the wide range of variability in an individual’s sweat rate, due to myriad factors such as temperature, humidity, altitude, workout intensity, and more.
Introducing Nix’s Hydration Biosensor
Nix, the biosensor company delivering health and wellness data to consumers, launches the Nix Hydration Biosensor today. It is the first-ever consumer biosensor to analyze sweat and provide endurance athletes with personalized hydration data — scientifically validated and delivered in real-time.
Importance of Proper Hydration for Athletes
Athletes are acutely aware of the importance of proper hydration for performance and safety, but have never had the proper tools until now. Nix eliminates the traditional trial-and-error approach to hydrating – athletes can now get precise, personalized hydration metrics, telling them exactly when, what, and how much to drink.
Challenges with Traditional Hydration Methods
Unlike other hydration sensors, Nix sends real-time data to the Nix App, which integrates with iOS devices and Garmin sport watches (Android and Garmin bike computer compatibility coming soon). By sharing in-the-moment, actionable notifications on fluid and electrolyte loss, athletes can perform at their peak.
Features of the Nix Hydration Biosensor
The Nix Hydration Biosensor consists of three main components:
1. The Sweat Patch
- A single-use patch that comfortably adheres to the body to collect and analyze sweat.
- Sticks to the surface of the skin with kinesiology tape for flexible comfort.
- Continuously evaluates fluid and electrolyte losses once you start sweating.
- Non-invasive (i.e., no needles).
2. The Pod
- A durable, reusable pod that clicks into the single-use patch to read and transmit data to the Nix App.
- Weighs less than 0.5 ounces (similar in size to a sport watch face).
- Battery life lasts up to 36 hours.
- Streams real-time data to the Nix App.
3. The Nix App
- A free app provides real-time hydration intel and helps you prepare for your next run or ride.
- Available on iOS devices (Android coming soon).
- Provides real-time hydration notifications and post-workout hydration summaries.
- Integrates with Apple Watch and Garmin sport watches (Garmin bike computers coming soon).
How the Nix Hydration Biosensor Works
Before your workout begins, tell the app what type of workout you’re doing (running or biking), where you’re training (indoors or outdoors), and what you’re planning on drinking (water or select your electrolyte drink from the dropdown menu). Once you start sweating, the Nix single-use patch begins measuring and analyzing your fluid and electrolyte losses per hour — metrics that represent your unique sweat composition.
Benefits of Using the Nix Hydration Biosensor
Nix’s hydration intelligence doesn’t just help maximize performance and recovery. It gives you a new way to access, understand, and act on your personal biology. Make better decisions in real-time, see how your sweat composition changes based on internal and external factors, and identify the right hydration products for your unique needs.
Integration with Devices and Platforms
The Nix app currently integrates with a variety of devices, making it easy to receive notifications on your ride or run. In the future, Nix intends to expand to additional platforms such as Strava, Wahoo, TrainingPeaks, Zwift, Suunto, and Coros.
Personalized Hydration Strategies
After your run or ride is complete, a post-workout summary provides intel that can help inform your hydration strategy going forward. You can also access a list of hydration products organized by electrolyte composition and identify the option that best matches your unique makeup.
Availability and Pricing
The Nix Hydration Biosensor is now available for purchase at nixbiosensors.com for $129 and comes with one Pod, four Sweat Patches, one Charging Case, and one USB cable. The Sweat Patch Refill ($25) contains four additional patches.
Recognition and Awards
While launching in endurance sports, Nix is already conducting research pilots in team sports, military, and laborer populations and plans to expand in some of these markets as early as 2023. In 2022, the Nix Hydration Biosensor was selected as an honorary mention in TIME’s Best of Inventions, a winner of the CES Innovation Awards (Digital Health category) and Best New Product at The Running Event.
About Nix
Nix is changing the way humans manage health by empowering consumers to access, understand, and act on their personal biology in real time. Nix’s first consumer product is a sweat patch that provides athletes, soldiers, and laborers with hydration data in real-time, helping them optimize safety and performance. Headquartered in Boston, Mass., Nix is led by Founder and CEO Meridith Cass, a graduate of Harvard Business School, former VC, and 9-time marathoner. Advisors include Tom Fowler, Former President of Polar; Dr. Bob Murray, Founder and former Director of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, and Tatyana McFadden, the 5x Olympian and 17x Medalist.
Conclusion
The Nix Hydration Biosensor revolutionizes how athletes manage their hydration, offering real-time insights and personalized strategies. With its innovative features and seamless integration, Nix empowers athletes to perform at their peak while prioritizing their health and safety.
FAQ’S
How long does the Nix Hydration Biosensor last?
The Nix Hydration Biosensor is designed to be durable and long-lasting. The reusable pod has a battery life of up to 36 hours, allowing athletes to use it for multiple workouts before needing a recharge. The single-use sweat patches are designed to be worn during one session of physical activity, providing accurate data for that specific duration.
Can the Nix App be used with other fitness tracking devices?
Currently, the Nix App integrates seamlessly with iOS devices and Garmin sport watches. However, Nix is actively working on expanding its compatibility to include other fitness tracking devices and platforms such as Strava, Wahoo, TrainingPeaks, Zwift, Suunto, and Coros. This expansion will enable athletes to receive hydration notifications and access post-workout summaries across a wide range of devices.
Is the Nix Hydration Biosensor suitable for all types of athletes?
Yes, the Nix Hydration Biosensor is designed to benefit athletes across various sports and disciplines. Whether you’re a long-distance runner, cyclist, triathlete, or engage in team sports, the Nix Biosensor provides valuable insights into your hydration needs. Additionally, Nix is conducting research pilots in different populations, including military personnel and laborers, to explore the applicability of its technology in diverse settings.
How often should I replace the Sweat Patch?
Each Nix Hydration Biosensor kit comes with four single-use sweat patches. Athletes typically replace the sweat patch for each workout session to ensure accurate and reliable data collection. The patches are designed for one-time use and should be disposed of responsibly after each workout. Users can purchase additional sweat patch refills separately to replenish their supply.
Are there any ongoing research studies related to the Nix Hydration Biosensor?
Yes, Nix is actively involved in research studies to further validate the effectiveness and utility of its Hydration Biosensor. These studies span various fields, including sports science, military applications, and occupational health. By collaborating with experts and institutions in these domains, Nix aims to continuously improve its technology and expand its reach to benefit a broader range of users.
This one can be the Oura Ring Gen3 Horizon. The Nix’s Biosensor may not be available yet. But the Oura Ring Gen3 Horizon is! Buy it here on Amazon!🚀
As an affiliate I get a small fee from Amazon.
