Interaxon Muse S Athena Headband

Interaxon Muse S Athena Headband

The Muse S Athena is InteraXon's advanced neurotechnology headband designed for brain activity monitoring, concentration and cognitive resilience training, meditation, and sleep analysis. The device combines several measurement technologies, including EEG (Electroencephalography) and fNIRS (Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy). EEG measures electrical activity in the brain, while fNIRS uses near-infrared light to observe hemodynamic changes and blood oxygenation in the cerebral cortex.

The headband also uses PPG (Photoplethysmography) sensors to measure heart rate, an accelerometer to analyze movement and breathing patterns, and a gyroscope to monitor movement and position. Data is wirelessly transmitted to the Muse app, which analyzes the user's activity and can provide real-time biofeedback.

The Muse S Athena can be used for concentration and meditation training, as well as for sleep. The system records light, deep, and REM [Rapid Eye Movement] sleep stages, user movement, sleeping position, and brainwave activity, among other things. Sleep and deep sleep support features, such as Sleep Assist and Deep Sleep Boost, are also available.

The device is a wellness and neurofeedback product. The manufacturer clearly states that the Muse is not a medical device and is not intended to diagnose or treat diseases or other medical conditions.

Specifications

Manufacturer: InteraXon Inc., Canada.
Model: Muse S Athena.
Device Type: EEG/fNIRS headband for neurofeedback, cognitive training, meditation, and sleep monitoring.
EEG: 4 EEG channels + 4 amplified auxiliary channels.
EEG Sampling Rate: 256 Hz.
EEG Resolution: 14 bits per sample.
Reference Electrode: FPz, CMS/DRL.
EEG Electrode Positions: TP9, AF7, AF8, TP10.
EEG Electrodes: Dry electrodes made of conductive fabric containing silver.
The manufacturer also describes the design as having seven EEG points/sensors; the number of physical contact points should be distinguished from the number of measurement channels – the technical specifications specify 4 EEG channels. fNIRS: A 5-optode array analyzes hemodynamic changes in the bilateral anterior cerebral cortex.
fNIRS sampling rate: 64 Hz.
fNIRS resolution: 20 bits.
PPG: Tri-band optical sensor.
PPG wavelengths: 850 nm infrared, 730 nm near-infrared, and 660 nm red light.
PPG sampling rate: 64 Hz.
PPG resolution: 20 bits.
Accelerometer: 3-axis, 52 Hz, 16-bit resolution, ±2 G range.
Gyroscope: 3-axis, 52 Hz, 16-bit resolution, ±250°/s range.
Connectivity: Bluetooth Low Energy BLE 5.3, 2.4 GHz band.
Battery: 150 mAh lithium-ion battery. Operating time: up to approximately 10 hours.
Charging time: approximately 3 hours.
Charging port: USB-C.
Weight: approximately 41 g.
Electronic module dimensions: approximately 6 x 3 x 1.5 cm.
Band width: approximately 3.25 cm.
Fitness range: The manufacturer's current materials state 43–63 cm, but the detailed dimensions also state approximately 48–63 cm. Due to this inconsistency, it is safer to use the official general range of 43–63 cm, with the caveat that the measurement method may vary.
Module material: polycarbonate with a soft-touch finish.
Electrode material: approximately 20% silver and 80% polyamide/nylon.

Muse S Athena Color Variants
Carbon – a dark version of the headband; material: approximately 22.4% rayon, 73.1% polyester, and 4.5% spandex.
Opal – a light version of the headband; material: approximately 79.7% cotton, 13.5% polyester, and 6.8% spandex.

Available Muse Models

The manufacturer's current core offering includes two basic models:

Muse 2 – a model designed primarily for EEG training, concentration, stress reduction, meditation, and biofeedback using brain activity, heart rate, breathing, and movement. It does not offer fNIRS or the advanced sleep monitoring system characteristic of the Athena.
Muse S Athena – a more advanced model combining EEG with fNIRS, extensive sleep monitoring, cognitive effort analysis, and cognitive resilience training features.

Software Required

The Muse App by InteraXon is required.
The app allows you to configure the band, perform workout and meditation sessions, analyze results, view sleep data, and use neurofeedback.
The current Muse app requires Apple iOS 16.1 or later or Android 8 or later.
Bluetooth Low Energy [BLE] support is required.
The manufacturer states that Huawei devices are not supported.

A Premium subscription is not required to use basic features – the non-subscription version includes basic meditations and basic sleep monitoring.
A Muse Premium subscription unlocks additional features, including over 500 guided meditations and programs, advanced performance analysis, Alpha Peak, Brain Recovery/Recharge Score, Smart Wakeup, Enso AI Coach, and the ability to use your own audio sources with biofeedback.
The Smart Wakeup feature is available as part of Premium and is designed for the Muse S Athena.