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Best conductive gels for TENS & EMS machines - Buying Guide: 2024

Although electrotherapy has a fairly high range of effectiveness and is capable of alleviating a large number of ailments, it is necessary to apply certain additives for the treatment to have maximum effectiveness. Among these additives, one of the most important is the conductive gel, which allows a correct adhesion of the electrodes and an optimal conduction of the electric impulses.

There are many types of conductive gels designed for different purposes and different areas of the body, allowing greater effectiveness, regardless of the type of therapy applied. Below, you will learn what criteria to look for in order to select the right conductive gel and how to use them properly for optimal electrotherapy.

Best conductive gels for TENS and EMS machines

Flextone - Conductive adhesive gel for electrode pads for any TENS & EMS unit
  • Volume: 1 x 2 fl oz
  • Format: Canister
  • Water soluble: Yes
  • Size: 4.5" x 1.5
  • Weight: 2 oz
  • Water soluble
  • Functional with any device
  • Non-sticky gel
  • Odor free
  • High conductivity
  • Poor adhesion
  • Not valid for defibrillation
  • Single unit
Flextone's TensXtends conductive adhesive gel has the honor of being the world's first conductive gel with a patented formula designed to give your electro stimulator's electrodes a longer life. It is incredibly versatile and works with any type of electrodes for TENS and EMS units machine, in addition to working as an ultrasound gel, in EMG, EEG and many more applications.

Its formula is designed to be hypoallergenic, making it perfect for sensitive skin, as well as being bacteriostatic, non-irritant, and formaldehyde-free. Its application is incredibly simple, and it spreads so easily on the skin that only a few drops are needed to cover the entire area you want to treat.

HiDow - Conductive Spray perfect for highly conductive and ergonomics pad units
  • Volume: 1 x 34. fl oz
  • Format: Spray Can
  • Water soluble: Yes
  • Size: Not specified
  • Weight: 3.4 oz
  • Water soluble
  • Small and portable
  • Easy to clean and stain free
  • Odor free
  • Non-sticky gel
  • Does not specify product size
  • Not valid for defibrillation
  • Low conductivity
The HiDow brand has one of the best conductive gels you can find on the market. It is incredibly easy to apply thanks to its spray mechanism and how easily it spreads on the skin, and its formula is specially designed to apply a layer of protection to your electrodes, so that their life span is considerably extended.

Its conductivity coefficient ensures a better use of electrotherapy sessions, as it improves the contact of the electrodes with the skin, increasing the effect of the electrical impulses applied, whether TENS or EMS. It is water-based and does not contain oils that may cause adverse reactions, making it the ideal choice for treating all skin types.

Global Care Market - 10 units of electrode gel pads for TENS & EMS devices
  • Volume: 10 units
  • Format: Adhesive
  • Water soluble: No
  • Size: Not specified
  • Weight: Not specified
  • Reusable
  • Odor free
  • Non-sticky gel
  • High conductivity
  • Multiple units included
  • Not water soluble
  • No product weight specified
  • Does not specify product size
Physiotherapy brand Global Care Market is offering a promotion of 10 packs of specialized conductive gel pads for electrotherapy devices designed to help prevent snoring. Their method of use and application is incredibly easy, as the pads are positioned between the skin of the wrist and the device.

The use of these gel pads will allow you to increase the life of the device by acting as a lubricant to keep the electrodes of the wristband in optimal condition. The gel is hypoallergenic and contains no formaldehyde, so it is harmless to the skin and will not cause allergic reactions.

Spectra 360 - gel tube for rubber and carbon electrodes with non-lumpy formula
  • Volume: 5 x 8.5 fl oz
  • Format: Tube
  • Water soluble: No
  • Size: 1" x 1" x 1" x 1"
  • Weight: 42.5 oz
  • Functional with any device
  • High conductivity
  • Odor free
  • Several units included
  • Good adhesion
  • Not souble to water
  • Not valid for defibrillation
  • Sticky gel
Spectra 360 Conductive Gel is a conductive solution that works when applied to the skin prior to electrotherapy sessions. It is designed with the objective of getting the most out of TENS and EMS therapies, providing better adherence to the skin and increasing the conductivity of the current during the sessions.

It is the best option in the market when it comes to skin preparation for electrotherapy sessions. It is designed to be hypoallergenic, so it does not produce irritation or allergies of any kind, has bacteriostatic properties, leaves no residue and is very easy to apply. The package includes 5 tubes of gel solution to get the most out of your electrotherapy sessions.

Absonic - Conductive gel for TENS EMS abdominal stimulator electrodes devices
  • Volume: 2 x 8.5 fl oz
  • Format: Canister
  • Water soluble: No
  • Size: Not specified
  • Weight: 17 oz
  • High conductivity
  • Good quality
  • Functional with any device
  • Several units included
  • Good adhesion
  • Sticky gel
  • Does not specify product size
  • Not water soluble
Absonic is a conductive adhesive gel whose composition is specifically designed to increase the conductivity and depth of electrical impulses, in order to get the most out of TENS and EMS electrotherapy sessions. It is the best option on the market to keep the skin hydrated and avoid burning sensations.

The package includes 2 tubes of 250 ml of conductive gel with "easy open" system this allows you to apply it very easily, allowing you to prolong its useful life while it is stored. Absonic's gel is designed to provide an additional layer of protection for the pads, improving their conductivity and creating a better adherence to the skin.

Spectra 360 - 8.5 fl oz. rubber and carbon electrode gel tube with non-lump formula
  • Volume: 2 x 8.5 fl oz
  • Format: Tube
  • Water Soluble: No
  • Size: 1" x 1" x 1" x 1"
  • Weight: 17 oz
  • Several units included
  • High conductivity
  • Odor free
  • Easy to clean and stain free
  • Non-sticky gel
  • Not water-soluble
  • Poor adhesion
  • Not valid for any device
Spectra 360 12-08 is an adhesive gel that is applied to the skin prior to electrotherapy sessions. It is specifically designed to work with electrodes of this type of machine, providing better adherence and improving the conductivity of the current during the sessions. The purchase will give you access to a pack of 2 tubes of Spectra gel of 250gr.

This is the best option you can opt for in terms of skin preparation for electrotherapy. This is because it contains no formaldehyde or allergic agents, so it is completely safe for any skin type. It also provides an additional layer of protection for the electrodes, prolonging their life span considerably.

Serious Skincare - Reverse Lift Facial Toning Conductive Gel, Soluble Collagen & Glides Easily
  • Volume: 4 Fl Oz
  • Format: Tube
  • Water soluble: Yes
  • Size: 2x1x6 in
  • Weight: 4 Ounces
  • Water soluble
  • Functional with any device
  • Odor free
  • High conductivity
  • Poor adhesion
  • Not valid for defibrillation
  • Single unit
Compatible with Serious Skincare Nu Face Toner. Reverse Lift Facial Lift Conductive Gel makes it easy to apply and comfortable when using the Serious Skincare Egg Facial Lift System and other facial lift systems. Formulated to keep skin moist and hydrated during facial toning. Smooth gel consistency is easy to apply and facilitates application to face and device nodes. Convenient tube with screw-on cap. Cruelty-free and not tested on animals.

Indication: For use with the Serious Skincare The EGG Facial Toning System, Reverse Lift Facial Toning Conductive Gel aids in proper application and comfort while using the EGG. Ingredients: Water, Propylene Glycol, Soluble Collagen, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Magnesium Sulfate, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance.

Viowey - Cooling Gel & Conductive Gel for Face Body Used with Laser Hair Removal Device
  • Volume: 300ml/10.5 Oz
  • Format: Tube
  • Water soluble: Yes
  • Size: 7x3 in
  • Weight: 4 Ounces
  • Water soluble
  • Functional with any device
  • Odor free
  • High conductivity
  • Poor adhesion
  • Not valid for defibrillation
  • Single unit
Anti-inflammatory, promote facial skin firming; whitening, refreshing, repair damaged skin, make skin soft, tender and delicate, effectively improve beauty image. The high light transmission and good thermal conductivity enable the superconducting head to keep better contact with the skin, which can refine the skin.

Our RF cooling gel is ideal for use with laser hair removal and RF radiofrequency device, facial device to cool and repair skin. Our cooling gel has moisture-rich formula, restores damaged skin and skin activity, and makes skin whiter and smoother. Hypoallergenic and safe for all skin types. Apply the cold gel evenly after cleansing the skin - 1 to 3 mm thick. After application, simply wipe off with a paper towel. Place in a cool place, out of direct sunlight.

Video: How to use electrotherapy to improve my health?

More accessories for TENS machines and muscle electrostimulators

Buying guide: What should I take into account to buy the best conductive gel?

Due to the wide variety of conductive gels available and the number of purposes for which they are intended, it is necessary to take into consideration a variety of factors in order to determine which type of gel is the right one, not only for your type of treatment, but to meet all the quality and price requirements you may have.

Among these factors, we can highlight the importance of the following:

  • Type of use: Conductive gels are available for a wide variety of purposes, ranging from ultrasound to electrotherapy, so it is necessary to determine the type of use of the gel.
  • User experience: the application of a conductive gel must meet certain requirements, regardless of the procedure to be performed, in order for the session to be carried out optimally, so some experience is required to use it properly.
  • Type of gel: depending on the type of procedure you wish to perform, you will need to consider different types of conductive gel. These types range from professional grade gels to conductive creams with antibacterial, moisturizing, moisturizing and other characteristics.
  • Time of use: this criterion will determine the presentation of the gel you require. If you wish to apply the same type of treatment for long periods of time, you will need to acquire the presentations that consist of several liters, while shorter treatments only require a few grams.
  • Quantity: it is possible to find a variety of presentations of the different types of conductive gel, varying both in size and characteristics. The most common include presentations from 250 ml to 19,000 ml, depending on the buyer's requirements.
  • Gel composition: the different types of conductive gel have very similar compositions, with slight variations depending on the purpose of the gel. The chemical composition of the gel will depend on what purpose you want to use it for.
  • Price: this is a factor that depends entirely on the purchasing power of the buyer, and although it does not influence the final decision, it is necessary to emphasize that a slightly higher cost can mean a great improvement in the quality of the product, although this is subject to the type of conductive gel you wish to acquire.

Contraindications in the use of electrodes pads and electrotherapy

Contraindications for electrode placement

The placement of the electrodes is of utmost importance in electrotherapy, whether TENS or EMS, so here are some things to keep in mind before starting a session:

  • Symmetrical placement: the negative and positive poles of each electrode should be connected symmetrically. That is to say, if we use two pads, we should use one positive and one negative pole in each one, while if we use four, the equivalence should be two positive and two negative.
  • Do not cross the electrodes: you cannot use one electrode in the lower train and another in the upper train and more importantly, never cross the electrodes from the left side to the right side of the body and vice versa, since the current path can negatively affect the patient's health. For this reason it is always recommended to use the electrodes in a localized way.
  • Motor point: at least one of the electrodes, whether positive or negative, must be positioned over the motor point, which is the point where the greatest force is achieved in the muscle in question.
  • Control the intensity: the size of the muscle must be taken into account when choosing the intensity of the current, since the less volume and size the muscle has, the lower the tolerated intensity will be.
  • Be careful with the skin: EMS or TENS should not be used on recently depilated areas since the pores will be open and this could generate skin sensitivity. Do not use on irritated or reddened areas, open wounds or recent scars.

Contraindications for the use of electrostimulation

Being a therapy that applies currents to the body, it cannot be used for all conditions, therefore its use should be avoided in cases where the user suffers from the following conditions:

  • Epilepsy.
  • Cardiac pacemakers.
  • Circulation disorders and problems.
  • Abdominal or inguinal hernias.
  • Neurological disturbances.
  • Tendency to bleed.
  • Skin irritation, burns or wounds.
  • Diseases that affect muscle metabolism, such as diabetes.
  • Metabolic syndrome (diabetes, hypertension and obesity).
  • High uric acid levels.
  • Metabolic disorders and metabolic pathologies.
  • Inflammatory pathologies.

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