ElecSil™ Dry Electrodes vs. Thread & Gel for EMG/EEG: A Technical Comparison

Why Electrode Technology Matters for Wearable Biosensing

In wearable technology, accurately measuring the body's electrical signals, like electromyography (EMG) from muscles and electroencephalography (EEG) from the brain, is a key challenge. For decades, this has relied on sticky, single-use gel electrodes. While effective, they are far from ideal for continuous, real-world monitoring.

The search for a better solution has led to innovations like conductive threads. However, truly seamless integration requires a new approach. This is where Wave Company's ElecSil™ technology enters the conversation. As a conductive silicone smart textile, ElecSil™ is engineered to overcome previous limitations.

ElecSil™ vs. Disposable Gel Electrodes

The most common method for clinical biosignal measurement uses disposable Ag/AgCl (silver/silver chloride) electrodes. These are considered the "gold standard" for signal quality due to a wet gel layer that creates a stable, low-impedance connection with the skin.

Disposable Electrodes Limitations:

- Gel is cold, sticky, and can dehydrate, degrading signal quality

- Adhesive often causes skin irritation, making long-term use uncomfortable

- Single-use nature creates significant waste and recurring costs

- Impractical for integration into everyday clothing

ElecSil™ Advantages:

- Eliminates gels and adhesives, avoiding skin irritation

- Ultra-thin (less than 1mm), flexible, and moves with the body

- Tested to endure over 100 wash cycles

- Enables true smart garment integration for continuous monitoring

ElecSil™ vs. Conductive Thread Electrodes

Early smart textiles attempted to solve the problem by weaving conductive threads into garments. While a major step forward, this method has its own technical challenges.

Conductive Thread Limitations:

- Fine conductive fibers degrade after repeated stretching and washing

- Electrical properties can be inconsistent

- Significant motion artifacts due to unstable contact

ElecSil™ Advantages:

- Superior resilience due to bulk material structure

- Elasticity maintains stable, conforming skin contact

- Highly resistant to corrosion from sweat

The Verdict: Enabling the Future of Wearables

By creating a stretchable, washable, durable, and biocompatible dry electrode system, ElecSil™ overcomes the core limitations of previous technologies. It provides high-quality signal measurement required for meaningful EMG and EEG analysis without compromising comfort or practicality.