Breathe Easier: The SONU Band Brings Cutting-Edge Wellness to Allergy Relief

Personalized health tech is reshaping the way we think about everyday wellness, from sleep trackers to longevity clinics. SONU, a new AI-powered headband for allergy relief, takes that movement a step further, using sound waves to clear congestion and improve breathing without medication. We sat down with founder and CEO Paramesh Gopi, PhD, who shared how his own health journey inspired the creation of SONU and why he believes sound could be the future of allergy care.

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HAUTE LIVING: What inspired you to create the SONU Band, and how did your background lead you into health tech innovation?

PARAMESH GOPI: The idea for the SONU Band grew directly out of my own health journey. After selling my last company, I battled a string of sinus infections that lasted for months. I was eventually referred to Dr. Peter Hwang at the Stanford Sinus Center, who, along with Dr. Bryant Lin, was developing a drug-free, customized vibroacoustic therapy for chronic rhinitis. I became their first patient, with early prototypes built using my CT scans to identify my unique sinus resonances. The results were life-changing.

That experience sparked the creation of SoundHealth. We used machine learning and AI to develop the world’s first models capable of predicting skull cavity dimensions from just a selfie. SONU is now the world’s first FDA De Novo-authorized AI-enabled wearable for allergy relief, delivering results equal to or better than steroids, without the side effects.

HL: At first glance, using sound to treat allergies sounds futuristic. When did you realize this could actually work?

PG: At first, it did sound a bit like science fiction, even to me. That changed during my own treatment with early prototypes. I experienced the results firsthand, and then watching our AI models replicate the same personalized effect for other patients was the turning point. It was no longer just an experimental concept. We have the clinical trials to prove that this is an effective treatment option for people.

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HL: How exactly does the SONU Band work, and what makes it so different from traditional allergy treatments?

PG: The SONU Band works by using Acoustic Resonance Therapy, targeted sound waves tuned to your unique sinus anatomy, to gently vibrate the sinus cavities and clear congestion in minutes. After a quick facial scan in the companion app, AI models your sinus structure and calculates its natural resonant frequencies. The headband delivers those frequencies, loosening mucus, reducing swelling, and improving airflow.

What makes it different from traditional allergy treatments is that it works with your body’s own mechanics instead of relying on antihistamines, steroids, or decongestants, which can have side effects or lose effectiveness over time. SONU is personalized, non-invasive, and FDA-cleared, with clinical data showing it can match or outperform leading medications without the risks of long-term drug use. SONU is completely drug-free.

HL: What role does AI play in the treatment experience, and how does personalization improve outcomes?

PG: AI is at the heart of the SONU Band’s personalization. After a quick selfie or facial scan in the companion app, our AI models your unique sinus anatomy and predict your sinus resonant frequencies with remarkable accuracy. That data allows the device to deliver sound waves explicitly tuned to your anatomy.

This personalization is critical because no two people’s sinus structures are exactly alike. By tailoring the therapy to each user, it’s more effective than one-size-fits-all treatments.

HL: We’re seeing a massive shift in luxury wellness, from sleep tech to longevity clinics. How does SONU fit into this movement?

PG: SONU fits squarely into the luxury wellness movement because it offers a highly personalized, science-backed solution that integrates seamlessly into daily life. Like leading sleep tech or longevity programs, it goes beyond symptom management to address a core aspect of health. Nasal breathing impacts energy, focus and sleep quality. In a market where discerning consumers want solutions that are both effective and not intrusive, SONU brings cutting-edge health tech into the realm of everyday luxury.

HL: How important was design and user experience in making SONU feel approachable and premium?

PG: Design and user experience were absolutely central to SONU’s development. We knew that to make a medical-grade therapy approachable, it couldn’t feel clinical or cumbersome. Wearables have become an essential part of modern wellness, from fitness trackers to sleep monitors, so we wanted SONU to offer that same easy, user-friendly feel. This makes it far more likely that users will stick with the therapy and see lasting results.

HL: How do you envision this being used in high-performance lifestyles, such as those of athletes, travelers, or executives under constant pressure?

PG: We see SONU becoming a go-to tool for anyone whose performance depends on clear breathing, focus and sustained energy. For athletes, optimal nasal airflow supports endurance, recovery and sleep quality. Frequent travelers can use it to counteract congestion from changing climates, dry airplane air and exposure to new allergens. And for executives under constant pressure, SONU offers a quick, drug-free way to clear the head so they can stay sharp without the drowsiness or side effects of medication. Because it’s compact, non-invasive and works in just minutes a day, it’s easy to integrate into even the busiest, most demanding routines.

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HL: Why do you think consumers are increasingly looking for tech-based alternatives for health issues?

PG: Consumers are increasingly looking for tech-based alternatives because they want solutions that are personalized, non-invasive and integrated seamlessly into daily life. Traditional treatments can be cumbersome, have side effects or offer diminishing returns over time. People also expect convenience and real-time feedback. These are qualities that wearables and AI-powered tools provide. People are looking for health solutions feel proactive and empowering rather than reactive. Ultimately, tech-based approaches give users control, transparency and efficacy in a way that resonates with modern lifestyles.

HL: Where do you see SoundHealth going in the next 5 years?

PG: Over the next five years, we see SoundHealth expanding the reach of SONU while continuing to innovate in personalized, AI-driven wellness. We have a couple of new products we’re getting ready to announce later this year. We want to empower people to take control of their health, all while maintaining the premium, lifestyle-friendly experience that sets our products apart.

HL: If you could give one piece of advice to other innovators looking to solve “everyday” health problems in a high-impact way, what would it be?

PG: My advice would be to start with a personal or deeply observed problem and let that drive your innovation. The most impactful solutions come from understanding the real frustrations people face every day, then combining empathy with rigorous science and technology to address them. And always validate your idea with real-world data. Credibility and efficacy are what turn an interesting concept into a transformative solution.