--- title: Getting Started with Shiftwave description: New to Shiftwave? This guide walks you through setting up your space, your first session, breathwork basics, and advanced features like BioDrive® and Synthetic Sleep®. --- [Skip to content](https://support.shiftwave.co/knowledge/getting-started-with-shiftwave#main-content) English Show submenu for translations [Submit a Request](https://support.shiftwave.co/knowledge/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) [![Brand\_Square\_white - cropped](https://support.shiftwave.co/hubfs/Brand_Square_white%20-%20cropped.svg)](https://support.shiftwave.co/knowledge?hsLang=en) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations - [Submit a Request](https://support.shiftwave.co/knowledge/kb-tickets/new) - [Go to shiftwave.co](https://shiftwave.co/) [Go to shiftwave.co](https://shiftwave.co/) Hello. How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Help Center](https://support.shiftwave.co/knowledge?hsLang=en) 2. [New to Shiftwave? (Start Here)](https://support.shiftwave.co/knowledge/new-to-shiftwave-start-here?hsLang=en) # Getting Started with Shiftwave #### Welcome to Shiftwave! You’ve just unlocked a powerful tool for your body and mind. This guide will walk you through how to set up, choose your first session, and begin your journey toward deeper calm, focus, energy, and recovery. ### **Step 1: Set Up Your Space** Your environment matters. To get the most out of your sessions: - Choose a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted - Keep the lighting dim or soft - Adjust the room temperature for comfort (have a blanket nearby if you tend to get cold) For more tips, see [**How to Optimize Your Shiftwave Space**.](https://support.shiftwave.co/migration/knowledge/how-to-optimize-your-shiftwave-experience?hsLang=en) ### **Step 2: Learn How Shiftwave Works** Shiftwave uses **pulsed pressure waves + breathwork** to guide your body into powerful states. The vibrations help set your rhythm, while the breath cues unlock the deeper benefits. To learn more, check out [**How Shiftwave Works**.](https://support.shiftwave.co/migration/knowledge/how-shiftwave-works?hsLang=en) ### **Step 3: Choose Your First Protocol** We recommend starting with **“This is Shiftwave”**. This protocol introduces you to how the chair feels and shows you how to sync your breath with the vibrations. It’s the perfect way to get familiar with the system. After that, you can explore the different protocol categories: - [**Calming & Stress Relief**](https://support.shiftwave.co/migration/knowledge/calming-stress-relief-protocols?hsLang=en) - [**Focus & Clarity**](https://support.shiftwave.co/migration/knowledge/what-are-focus-clarity-protocols?hsLang=en) - [**Energy & Uplift**](https://support.shiftwave.co/migration/knowledge/what-are-energy-uplift-protocols?hsLang=en) - [**Sleep & Recovery**](https://support.shiftwave.co/migration/knowledge/what-are-sleep-recovery-protocols?hsLang=en) Each category has options ranging from quick 5-minute resets to full 60-minute sessions. ### **Step 4: Practice the Breathwork** Breath work is key to unlocking the full benefits of Shiftwave. - Inhale → vibrations rise - Exhale → vibrations fall - A tingling sensation in your body is normal, it’s part of the process Learn more in **The Benefits of Heart–Breath Coherence**. ### **Step 5: Explore Advanced Features** Once you’re comfortable with normal protocols, you can go deeper: #### **BioDrive®** Syncs the chair’s vibrations with your heart and breath in real time. Best used once you’re familiar with how protocols affect you. - Learn more: **BioDrive® Overview** - When to start: **When to Use BioDrive®** #### **Synthetic Sleep®** Guides you into a state like the deepest stages of sleep even while awake. Great just after waking, before bed, after long days, or for recovery. - Learn more: **Synthetic Sleep® Overview** - FAQs: **Synthetic Sleep® FAQ** ### **Step 6: Make Shiftwave Part of Your Routine** Consistency brings the biggest benefits. Try using Shiftwave at different times of day: - Morning → energy and focus - Midday → reset and recharge - Evening → calming and sleep prep Start simple: run **“This is Shiftwave”**, follow the breath cues, and let the chair do the work. As you get more comfortable, explore different protocol categories, then dive into advanced features like BioDrive® and Synthetic Sleep®. Shiftwave is here to help you restore balance, build resilience, and create meaningful shifts in your life, one session at a time. - [New to Shiftwave? (Start Here)](https://support.shiftwave.co/knowledge/new-to-shiftwave-start-here?hsLang=en) - [Protocols & Features](https://support.shiftwave.co/knowledge/protocols-features?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Protocols](https://support.shiftwave.co/knowledge/protocols-features?hsLang=en#protocols) - [Advanced Features](https://support.shiftwave.co/knowledge/protocols-features?hsLang=en#advanced-features) - [Shiftwave Pro ( iPad + App Experience )](https://support.shiftwave.co/knowledge/shiftwave-pro-ipad-app-experience?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Setup & Use](https://support.shiftwave.co/knowledge/shiftwave-pro-ipad-app-experience?hsLang=en#setup-use) - [Troubleshooting](https://support.shiftwave.co/knowledge/shiftwave-pro-ipad-app-experience?hsLang=en#troubleshooting) - [Shiftwave (Control Box Model)](https://support.shiftwave.co/knowledge/shiftwave-control-box-model?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Setup & Use](https://support.shiftwave.co/knowledge/shiftwave-control-box-model?hsLang=en#setup-use) - [Troubleshooting](https://support.shiftwave.co/knowledge/shiftwave-control-box-model?hsLang=en#troubleshooting) - [Product Information](https://support.shiftwave.co/knowledge/product-information?hsLang=en) - [Apps](https://support.shiftwave.co/knowledge/apps?hsLang=en) - [Shipping, Pricing & Returns](https://support.shiftwave.co/knowledge/shipping-pricing-returns?hsLang=en) - [Warranty & Support](https://support.shiftwave.co/knowledge/warranty-support?hsLang=en) [![shiftwave-horizontal-logo\_White-1](https://support.shiftwave.co/hs-fs/hubfs/shiftwave-horizontal-logo_White-1.png?width=264&height=60&name=shiftwave-horizontal-logo_White-1.png "shiftwave-horizontal-logo_White-1")](https://support.shiftwave.co/knowledge?hsLang=en) Shiftwave Help Center Copyright © 2025, Shiftwave®