Healthcare vs Personal
Healthcare Buzzys are built from medical-grade materials so they can be fully sanitized and safely used with multiple patients. They come with four reusable universal Ice Wings. Personal models can be cleaned as well, but they’re meant for one user and include two single-use Ice Wings.
Healthcare XL units also include four hands-free starter straps. Personal versions come with either one comfort strap or one hands-free strap.
Warranty terms differ too: Healthcare models have a one-year warranty, while Personal models include six months of coverage. Personal units aren’t covered if used in clinics or healthcare settings.

XL vs Mini
The Buzzy XL (available in both Personal and Healthcare versions) is a bit larger than the Mini. The main difference beyond size is the type of vibration each one uses.

XL models use a toggle switch that keeps the vibration running continuously. That makes them a good fit for longer treatments like infusions or a series of injections.

Mini models shut off automatically after three minutes. The Mini Healthcare version gives you two options: steady vibration or a pulsed pattern, each lasting three minutes before turning off. The smaller size is also easier for young kids to hold on their own.

The ice wings attach differently on each model. On the XL, you slide the wings in horizontally through the elastic band on the back. On the Mini, they slide in vertically so the hook lines up with the opening in the ice pack.

Click here for a Full Model Comparison.

Buzzy Healthcare can be used for:

• Blood draws and IV's
• Vaccination Shots
• Dialysis and Glucose Monitoring
• Finger Sticks
• Medical procedures (eg spinal taps)
• Medication Injections

BUZZY Healthcare Kit is ideal to use in:

• Hospitals (all departments)
• Medical Practices/Doctor's Surgeries
• Community Nurses
• Pediatrics
• Emergency Departments
• Immunisation Services
• Dentists

Buzzy is FDA cleared for these indications: “Control pain associated with injections, venipuncture, IV starts, cosmetic injections and the temporary relief of minor injuries (muscle or tendon aches, splinters, and bee stings). Also intended to treat myofascial pain caused by trigger points, restricted motion, and muscle tension.”

No. Buzzy is reusable and Buzzy Healthcare can be cleaned between patients.

No, Buzzy is a reusable medical device that should be thoroughly sanitized following your facility’s infection control protocol for non-critical equipment. Healthcare providers should purchase Healthcare Buzzy units for the use in healthcare / multi-patient settings. All accessories must be cleaned and disinfected with disinfecting wipes or method used to clean non-critical equipment such as stethoscopes or patient monitors. Do not autoclave. Do not immerse in liquid.

For immunocompromised patients and those with chronic illnesses, we recommend using the disposableUniversal Soft Ice Wings. To use Buzzy for a patient with MRSA, we recommend attaching the frozen wings to Buzzy, then putting the Buzzy and Wings into a stat-lab bag for extra protection.

Buzzy is a reusable medical device that should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected following your facility’s infection control protocol for non-critical equipment. All accessories must be cleaned and disinfected with disinfecting wipes or method used to clean non-critical equipment such as stethoscopes or patient monitors.

Quaternary ammonium products and accelerated hydrogen peroxide solution are both fine.

Do not autoclave. Do not immerse in liquid.

Yes. Buzzy has been studied extensively, with more than 75 published research papers on its technology. You can download the full scientific review below.

Buzzy Clinical Trials.

Buzzy is FDA 510k cleared for reducing pain during needle procedures like injections, blood draws, IV starts, dialysis, and dental or cosmetic injections. It’s also cleared for short-term relief of minor injuries such as muscle aches, splinters, and stings.
Its M-Stim technology combines cold and fast vibration to cut pain by up to 80 percent.

Buzzy’s vibration is cleared for use starting at full-term newborn age. The vibration itself is safe for all skin thicknesses, even in very young babies. The limitation isn’t the vibration — it’s the ice.

Cold can feel much stronger on thin skin, and babies have thin skin everywhere. The youngest age shown in studies where Buzzy’s ice was both safe and effective is 12 months. Because of that, the FDA only clears the ice for children one year and older.

In real life, some kids start tolerating ice well between ages one and four. If a toddler finds it too intense, you can skip the ice or let them hold the cold pack in their hand instead.

For infants under one, stick with vibration only. Ice on the thigh can feel uncomfortable, and babies often cry simply because something feels new, which makes it hard to judge their reaction. Until more research is available, using vibration alone is the safest choice.

Buzzy is only recommended for full-term newborns in the NICU who are at least 37 weeks gestational age. It shouldn’t be used with premature babies.

The strap is not necessary but may be useful for certain procedures. Buzzy® Mini and Buzzy®  XL Healthcare units can be used with disposable hospital tourniquets or hand-held in place. The Mini features a contoured and compact design that can be tucked under a standard tourniquet, or it fits easily in the hand as well. The Buzzy XL features a slot through which you can thread the comfort strap or disposable tourniquet for hands-free use.

Buzzy Personal devices also have a slot through which you can thread a comfort strap or disposable tourniquet, and include a hook and loop comfort strap with purchase.

The literature and scientific research doesn’t show that simultaneous shots cause less distress, but taking less time for injections does. Therefore, we have people who use two Buzzy units, and people who just use one, it depends some on how willing your doctor is to work with you. Older kids with cancer getting really painful injections in both thighs usually use two - there isn’t a firm right answer for this one.