Getting the Longest Life from Your Electrode Pads
A key part of enjoying the benefits of pain relief and muscle rehabilitation from the RS-4i® Plus or other transcutaneous electrotherapy (TENS) devices is having a reliable supply of high-quality electrode pads. RS Medical’s electrodes are designed for optimal performance in at-home pain management, and this guide will help you get the longest life out of them.
Our Electrodes: Durable & American Made
RS Medical’s electrode pads stand out in the electrotherapy industry for several reasons:
Multi-layer adhesive hydrogel stays sticky through multiple uses
Sensitive skin-safe gel formula – no stinging or irritation
Comfort-focused design eliminates biting edges and hot spots
Optimized current distribution for effective electrotherapy
Made in the USA under ISO 13485 and CE-certified practices
100% latex-free for allergy safety
These features make RS Medical electrodes ideal for consistent, comfortable electrotherapy treatments at home.
Caring for Your Electrode Pads
Electrodes are disposable and typically need replacement every 30 days. Lower-quality pads may degrade faster. Here’s how to extend the life of your RS Medical electrodes:
During Treatments:
Handle pads gently by the edges when applying or removing
Avoid pulling on the wire tail to prevent separation
Ensure skin is clean, dry, and free of lotions or oils before applying pads
Do not apply heat, ice, or submerge electrodes in water during use
Trim or shave excess body hair to improve pad contact
Between Treatments:
Store pads on their original liners or use wax paper to prevent drying
Never clean pads with soap, alcohol, or abrasive materials
If debris collects, gently rub it off with a drop of water
Rehydrate dry gel with a few drops of water and wait 10 minutes before reuse
Avoid storing electrodes in extreme temperatures (hot or cold)
Signs that it’s time to replace your pads include curling edges or needing higher intensity settings to feel stimulation.
Veterans can contact their healthcare practitioner at their local VA Medical Center or Clinic to order more pads. Other patients, please call 800-935-7763 or email customerservice@rsmedical.com for assistance. Our representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:00am – 5:00pm PT.
Need Help with Pad Placement?
Proper pad placement is essential for effective electrotherapy. Consult your healthcare provider or use RS Medical’s Interactive Pad Placement Guide for instructional videos tailored to different treatment areas.
About the RS-4i Plus
The RS-4i Plus is an advanced home-use electrotherapy device that combines high frequency (5000 Hz) Interferential Therapy (INF) for long-lasting pain relief, with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle rehabilitation. Patented Intersperse technology delivers both INFand NMES during the same, uninterrupted treatment session. This excites the body’s natural beta-endorphin production to relieve pain for up to 8 hours, and provides rehabilitative muscle therapy that reduces muscle spasms, increases circulation and prevents disuse atrophy.
Questions About Your RS-4i Plus?
For help with your RS-4i Plus device or accessories, contact our Customer Service team. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7:00am – 5:00pm PT. Call 800-935-7763 or email customerservice@rsmedical.com. Please have your serial number ready.
Take the Next Step:
Healthcare providers who are interested in a more detailed review of the technology, we invite you to complete the form below. A team member will be in touch to schedule a virtual product demonstration.
The RS-4i Plus requires a prescription. Patients who are interested in discussing this high-powered, non-opioid treatment option with their healthcare provider can download our patient discussion guide here.
Related Resources
Blog: How to Compare TENS Units by Signal Type
Blog: Treating Back Pain at Home Can be Easier than You Think
This blog provides general information and discussion about medicine, health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare professional.