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I adore sleeping — snuggling under the blankets and rubbing my feet together like a tiny cricket before drifting off. Yet, that last step — actually falling asleep — isn’t always straightforward. As someone grappling with anxiety and insomnia, I’ve dedicated years to developing a toolkit of breathing methods, trying out sleep trackers, and creating a bedtime routine to assist me in unwinding. Although I’m typically adept at counting breaths during mindfulness exercises, the Moonbird breathing device piqued my interest with its promise of serving as a personal, handheld breathing coach.
In recent weeks, I’ve been experimenting with the Moonbird to facilitate relaxation at night and alleviate anxiety during the day. It proves to be a beneficial tool — but with some caveats. Here’s what I found.
An Efficient, Screen-Free Breathing Aid
Despite its technological nature, Moonbird is refreshingly devoid of screens. To utilize it, you simply shake it awake and place your thumb on its sensor. The device gently expands and contracts, guiding your inhalation and exhalation. A typical session lasts six minutes, although you can conclude it prematurely by lifting your thumb.
Holding the Moonbird is unexpectedly calming. The soft silicone and rhythmic movement mimic the rise and fall of your breath, allowing you to concentrate without counting the seconds. I particularly liked that it doesn’t produce any light or sound — perfect for nighttime use when I’m attempting to avoid screens and not disturb my partner.
And indeed, it works. One evening after entertaining guests, I was too energized to fall asleep. I picked up the Moonbird, followed its breathing prompts, and was nearing slumber before the session wrapped up. It’s a fantastic tool for instances when your mind simply won’t quiet down.
Customizable Functions via the App
Though the Moonbird comes pre-set with a six-minute breathing pattern, linking it to the companion app reveals additional options. You can select from various breathing techniques, such as box breathing or routines aimed at sleep, or even design your own custom session lasting anywhere from 2 to 30 minutes.
Additionally, the app provides educational material on breathing and stress management, along with biometric data like heart rate tracking. However, the need to use your phone for these features somewhat contradicts the purpose of a screen-free experience. I found it best to make adjustments during the daytime to limit nighttime screen time.
A Design That Draws Attention
Let’s be candid: the Moonbird resembles a vibrator quite closely. This is something my colleagues and friends immediately observed. While it’s clearly not a personal massager, its appearance can be somewhat uncomfortable — particularly if you wish to use it in public or while traveling. I would be hesitant to take it out on an airplane or in a communal space.
Moonbird does feature a child-friendly version called the Moonbuddy, which has a more whimsical and discreet design. Although it lacks the biofeedback functionalities of the original, I wish the main device adopted a similar style to enhance portability and reduce its more… suggestive appearance.
The App Needs Improvement
You can operate the Moonbird independently of the app and still gain benefits, but at $199, that’s quite a hefty price for a singular breathing exercise. The app introduces features such as heart rate monitoring and tailored routines, but it tends to be buggy and slow to reconnect with the device each time it is launched. Its educational library is also somewhat limited compared to more comprehensive apps like Headspace or Calm.
Is the Moonbird a Smart Investment?
If you’re in search of a screen-free, distraction-free breathing aid, the Moonbird fulfills that need. It’s effective, soothing, and intelligently crafted for quiet usage. However, at $199, justifying the cost is challenging — especially when alternative tools, like the $60 Dodow light-based breathing aid, provide comparable benefits at a significantly lower price.
Nonetheless, if you’ve experimented with meditation apps and found them overly dependent on screens, the Moonbird might be a valuable investment. Just be ready for a few curious glances if you decide to utilize it in public.
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Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable