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Getting Started with Your FLOWBIO Sensor

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What's in the Box

Your FLOWBIO Sensor kit includes:

  • FLOWBIO Sensor
  • FLOWBIO Armstrap
  • USB-C Charging Cable
  • Cleaning Vial

Before You Begin

Read the following before using your FLOWBIO Sensor for the first time.

  • The FLOWBIO Sensor is designed for cycling and running and requires a third-party fitness tracker integration.
  • We do not support indirect fitness tracking apps such as Strava or TrainingPeaks.
  • The Sensor requires sufficient sweat to be captured during exercise. In cold environments or at low intensities, we may not capture sufficient sweat to calculate your fluid and sodium losses. This will depend on environment, intensity, and duration.
  • You must ensure the silicone plug is fitted in the USB-C port during exercise to prevent sweat accumulating in the port.
  • Only use the USB-C cable provided. Ensure the USB-C port is dry and clean before charging.

IMPORTANT: FLOWBIO is not a medical device and is not a replacement for professional medical advice. If you have any heart conditions, high blood pressure, or any other underlying health condition, never use the recommendations as a replacement for your doctor's advice.

Download the FLOWBIO App and Create an Account

  1. Download the FLOWBIO App from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store.
  2. Create an account by following the in-app instructions and logging in to the FLOWBIO App.
  3. Ensure the Sensor is paired with your phone and that a fitness tracker is integrated.

You must ensure the email account of your integration is linked in the FLOWBIO App as it appears in the matching third-party app. Why do we need your third-party integrations? Find out more here.

Charge the Sensor

IMPORTANT: After every use, make sure the USB-C port is dry and clean before charging. If you notice unusual heat, a blinking red LED, smoke, or visible damage while charging, safely unplug the Sensor and immediately contact us at team@flowbio.com.

  1. Use the provided USB-A to USB-C charging cable.
  2. Plug in the Sensor for up to one hour or until the light turns green.
  • When not charging, always keep the provided silicone plug properly fitted in the USB-C connector at all times. This prevents sweat from accumulating in the port, which can severely affect safety and reliability.
  • If you do not have a silicone plug, contact us at team@flowbio.com and we will provide one.

For complete information on LED colour schemes, see here.

How to Wear the Sensor

IMPORTANT: The Sensor captures sweat from the skin. Close contact at all times is essential for its operation. Ensure the Sensor sits in flat contact with the upper arm or back throughout exercise.

  1. Slide the Sensor onto the outer upper arm and tighten. Or attach it to your heart-rate strap (arm or chest).
  2. Tighten the strap to achieve the correct fit. It should feel tight but comfortable and not slip during exercise.
  • Do not lift, touch, or move the Sensor during exercise. This will result in data loss due to air entering the device.

For full wearability instructions, see Upper Arm and Upper Back.

Starting a Session

IMPORTANT: Start your fitness tracker at the same time as the Sensor and leave it running for the entire duration of your workout. Ensure it matches our supported modalities (running and cycling; indoor and outdoor).

  1. Press the centre button for two seconds to begin recording.
  2. Start your fitness tracker.
  3. Begin your workout.
  • A green blink will indicate the Sensor is recording data.
  • Ensure you sweat sufficiently and that the Sensor is positioned properly. This can take a few tries and you might not see your sodium data until the correct fit is achieved.

For full details of the LED scheme, see here.

Stopping a Session

  1. Press the centre button for two seconds to stop recording.
  2. Stop your fitness tracker and store the data according to your specific tracker's requirements.
  • A solid white LED will indicate the Sensor is no longer recording data.

Syncing Your Sensor

  1. Sync your fitness tracker within your fitness tracking app (Garmin Connect, Wahoo, etc.).
  2. Sync the FLOWBIO Sensor to the FLOWBIO App.
  3. Your results will appear in the app. This can take up to two minutes.

Not seeing your data? Visit our FAQs at flowbio.com.

Daily Care

IMPORTANT: When performing sessions consecutively or on consecutive days, use the provided vial to blow air through the Sensor before your next session. This ensures the channel is clear of previously captured sweat.

  • Wipe down the Sensor between sessions, or rinse it under a tap.
  • Hand wash the strap only.
  • Always keep the silicone USB-C plug fitted when the Sensor is not charging.

For complete care and maintenance tips, visit this article.

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