Frequently asked questions

• What is moonbird and how does it work?

  Moonbird is a handheld breathing coach that guides your breath through gentle expansions and contractions. You breathe in when moonbird expands and breathe out when it contracts. You can use it screen-free, or pair it with the app to track your body’s response in real time. The app shows how your heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) change as you breathe. 

  According to published research, slow-paced breathing activates the body’s relaxation response and improves sleep quality (Zaccaro, A., 2018). In controlled studies with moonbird, scientists observed measurable changes in brain activity toward deep relaxation, and the app shows in real time how heart rate and heart rate variability respond to breathing (Honinx, E., 2025).

• What is moonbuddy and how does it help children (sleep)?

  Moonbuddy is a cuddly breathing companion for children, designed to rise and fall like a belly so kids naturally follow its rhythm. Simply let your child hold the device in their hands, and let them breathe along with it to regulate their nervous system. 

  Independent research confirms that slow-paced breathing helps children manage stress, regulate emotions, and sleep better (Aritzeta, A. 2022). In a 2025 pilot study with 60 children, nearly 80 percent of daily evaluations rated moonbuddy’s effect as positive, and 78 percent of parents reported clear improvements in their child’s sleep and wellbeing after one month (manuscript under review).

• Who is moonbird or moonbuddy for, and how quickly can I expect results?

  Moonbird supports adults who want to improve sleep, reduce stress, or relax more easily. Moonbuddy is for children who have difficulty calming down at bedtime. Therapists and clinicians also use moonbird in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and in hospitals and schools, where it has shown benefits for relaxation, emotional regulation, and better sleep (Pleumeekers, E., 2024).

  Therapists and clinicians report that moonbird supports adults who struggle with sleeping issues, stress, or burnout, while moonbuddy helps children calm down and fall asleep more easily. In a user study with adults suffering from sleeping issues, participants experienced +37% improvement in sleep quality after one month of daily use (Vermeylen, S., 2022). Large-scale consumer data analysis also showed steady improvements in heart rate variability, a marker of stress resilience, with repeated moonbird sessions (manuscript under review). 

  We offer a 30-day trial period, which should be sufficient to experience positive impact.

• Why should I buy a $199 breathing coach?

  If you tried traditional meditation or breathing techniques, you might have noticed how difficult it is to keep your focus. Sometimes a little extra help is needed. Moonbird provides tactile guidance that makes it easy to stay focused, so breathing exercises become easier and more effective. Unlike apps or audio guides, moonbird works screen-free, intuitively in your hand, while the app provides biofeedback.

  According to peer-reviewed studies, moonbird improves sleep and reduces stress, and therapists describe it as a trusted companion for daily practice. Several insurers already reimburse it, which underlines its value beyond being just another gadget. Try moonbird 30 days risk-free and experience the effects yourself.

• What if it doesn’t work for me or my child?

  You can try moonbird or moonbuddy for 30 days. If you do not notice the benefits, simply return it for a full refund. We pay for the return. This risk-free trial allows you to experience the effect for yourself.

• Is moonbird reimbursed by health insurers?

  In the USA, moonbird is eligible for purchase with your HSA/FSA funds. In the EU, insurance providers including Zilveren Kruis, Menzis, ONVZ, CM and Helan reimburse (part of the cost of) moonbird and moonbuddy. This recognition from insurers shows that moonbird is accepted as a valuable wellness solution, making it easier for more people to access.

  More partners are joining regularly. Check our latest updates for the current list or ask your insurance company for more information.

• Has moonbird been validated and/or recognized by independent experts?

  Peer-reviewed studies confirm the effectiveness of moonbird (Vermeylen, S., 2022, Pleumeekers, E., 2024, Honinx, E., 2025). We continue to build the supporting evidence, and more research is ongoing. More than 1,000 therapists and breathing coaches use it in practice, and hospitals and schools have introduced it as a support tool. 

  TIME Magazine named moonbird one of the Best Inventions in the sleep category. Women’s Health selected moonbird as ‘Best Sleep Aid’. Forbes selected moonbird as one of the top five brands to watch in sleep. WIRED has featured moonbird three times as a best sleep gadget. The Guardian highlighted moonbird as a promising tool for relaxation. These endorsements confirm both its scientific and real-world credibility.