Scientists have known for years that there’s a strong link between our memories and our sense of smell. In the past decade, a new revelation has emerged: As we get older, it’s possible to decrease the likelihood of memory loss by training our noses; this is known as olfactory enrichment, the practice of repeatedly exposing a person or animal to a variety of distinct scents or odorants to stimulate the brain. In one study from 2023, for example, adults who participated in olfactory enrichment had a 226% improvement in their memory performance.

Building on this research, Memory Air was designed to improve your sleep and memory while you sleep. This tabletop device sits at your bedside and emits 40 different essential oils throughout the night in a scientifically developed sequence. The researchers who developed Memory Air say this kind of sensory input could both improve memory and increase how much sleep you get, and for a limited time, you can get 15% off the device using CNET15 at checkout.

Memory Air users who track their sleep quality with devices have self-reported their deep-sleep time doubling or tripling since they started using it. 

How could Memory Air improve sleep and brain function?

These days, most of us are not surrounded by strong odors in the way our ancestors were. Our indoor environments are designed to minimize any unpleasant smells. In addition, many factors wear down our sense of smell as we age, including illnesses, pollution and smoking. Research has shown that, unfortunately, memory decline tends to go hand in hand with loss of smell.

The lead researcher behind Memory Air is Dr. Michael Leon, a neurobiologist and professor at University of California Irvine (UCI). His research at UCI has shown that exposure to a sequence of scents during sleep might improve memory, in some cases up to 226%, compared to a control group. Some participants also reported getting more than 20 extra minutes of sleep compared to before the study.

How does Memory Air work?

The sleek, white and gold device is about the size of a sound machine. Inside, there’s a belt that’s lined with pouches of essential oils, which the device heats to diffuse the oil’s scents, one at a time. Right before bed, you press a button to activate Memory Air, and half an hour later, it’ll start its program. For the next five hours and 30 minutes, the belt slowly rotates through the scents to deliver scent concentrations, durations and intervals that match the protocols used in research.

Users say they noticed benefits immediately, from falling asleep faster, sleeping better with fewer interruptions and improvements in memory recall. One customer who has Parkinson’s reported that he has stopped using sleep aids since getting the device. Numerous users have said they found themselves remembering words, names and dates more readily after they started using Memory Air.

Time named the device its 2025 Invention of the Year in Health & Wellness, and this year, Leon won the inaugural Gamechanger Award from the University of California Board of Regents.

Memory Air and belts are available on a subscription basis for $49 a month or $492 a year (with free shipping). But with the code CNET15, you can get 15% off the device. Take advantage of the deal to help improve your sleep and memory today.