Dry Comb electrodes and Dry Spikey electrodes signal quality comparison
Hi, I am currently doing my research on the difference between the spectral EEG patterns of ADHD and non-ADHD children. I am using the Cyton Daisy 16 channel headset with spikey electrodes. Unfortunately, some of the children find the spikey electrodes extremely uncomfortable. I am using the medium-sized headset and I adjust the electrodes so that it just makes contact with their skin, I also have the comfort units in place to support some of the weight of the headset.
My two questions are: Will the comb electrodes be significantly more comfortable? How does the signal quality attained from the comb electrodes compare to that of the spikey electrodes?
Comments
Though I cannot comment on using Mark IV + dry electrodes with adolescents, you can get the best signal quality with gold-cup electrodes and 10-20 paste or the electrode cap with gel. These options will also increase comfort for longer sessions for all users.
I am an adult male with thick hair, and I use the longer dry electrodes to ensure the electrode can touch my scalp. I use the Mark IV for shorter sessions (5 mins - 1 hour).
@wjcroft might be able to offer other info on this, as he has helped many users get started.
Hope this helps!
-RW
Richard and Ben, hi.
The 5mm combs do have rounded tips. So they are less 'spikey' than the default electrodes, and more comfortable. Note the comments at the end of the listing:
https://shop.openbci.com/collections/frontpage/products/5-mm-spike-electrode-pack-of-30
In both those comments and in reports I've heard from users, the 5mm combs do 'wear' faster than the default electrodes. You will be able to tell if the electrode is worn if the tips start to show a lighter color. This is evidence of the silver chloride coating wearing off and exposing either the layer of silver directly underneath, or the plastic under that. Your signal quality may also show changes on the time series or FFT graphs. Even when such wear happens, I believe it will just be on certain electrodes. So that others continue to be fine.
William