OOVO FAQ: Vocal Straw Exercises, SOVT, Care, Returns
Quick answers to the questions we get most often. Don't see yours? Contact us and we'll get back to you within one business day.
How to use OOVO
How do I pronounce OOVO? What does it mean?
Just how it looks. “oo-vo” rhymes with “you go.” It's a fanciful onomatopoeia for the sound you make when singing through it. Think of it as short for “oo vocal.”
How do I use it?
Find a detailed how-to guide with vocal straw exercises on our free exercises page. The first thing to remember: focus all of your breath on vocalizing steadily through the straw so that no air comes out of your nose. Not sure if you're doing it right? Hold your nose to test your method.
You should feel the resistance, and your voice's volume will be muffled. That's a benefit for anyone who has roommates or thin walls. Our favorite ways to start:
- Sing your usual warm-up routine through the OOVO Straw or Sing Ring.
- Sing along to the radio through it.
- Work through challenging parts of a song you're learning.
- Practice smoothing out runs or stretching your range.
After 5 minutes of use, sing without it and feel the immediate difference. Over time, your natural vocal mechanisms will adjust for more free, healthy vocalization.
Which end of the OOVO Straw do I sing through?
There's some healthy debate among OOVO Straw users. We're officially #teamshortside, but truthfully it doesn't matter. You do you.
For Sing Ring users, position the loop above the tube and the OOVO text away from your face. Put the tip of your middle finger in the loop and vocalize through the end with the larger hole. Detailed instructions are inside your Sing Ring box.
Will the Sing Ring give my mouth a metallic taste?
It shouldn't. Some users insert the Sing Ring too far into their mouth at first. It only needs to rest on the outer dry portion of your lips. There should be no contact between your saliva or tongue and the tool. With proper placement, you'll avoid any metallic taste entirely.
Do I breathe in through the straw?
No. Only sing or breathe out through it.
Can I wear the Sing Ring on my own necklace?
The Sing Ring is designed to be held during use, not worn. Wearing brass on skin can cause green areas to develop where it touches you, and oils and moisture from skin can accelerate tarnishing.
Are OOVO products medical devices?
No. OOVO tools are non-medical devices and have not been evaluated by the FDA. OOVO products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
Is it safe to use?
Is OOVO safe to use?
For healthy adults using SOVT exercises as intended, yes — OOVO products are based on Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract training, one of the most clinically validated voice-training techniques in modern vocal pedagogy. That said, OOVO is a vocal training tool, not a medical device. We have not been evaluated by the FDA, and we make no claims to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Use it as a warm-up and training aid, not a treatment.
Can it cause injury?
It can, if used incorrectly. The SOVT technique relies on light, sustained airflow — not maximum effort. The device only reflects the pressure you put through it. Over-blowing can cause hyperventilation, lightheadedness, or vocal strain. The right intensity is “comfortably engaged,” not “working hard.” If you have to push, ease off.
When should I stop using it?
Stop and rest immediately if you experience: lightheadedness, dizziness, headache, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, vocal pain, hoarseness, or any other concerning symptom. Resume only after symptoms fully resolve, and at a lower intensity. If symptoms recur, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Who should not use OOVO?
Consult your physician before using OOVO if you have: a heart condition, high blood pressure, a lung condition (including asthma or COPD), recent vocal, chest, or abdominal surgery, untreated vocal nodules, polyps, or other vocal-fold pathology, or if you are pregnant. If you have persistent vocal symptoms (chronic hoarseness, voice loss, pain), see a laryngologist or speech-language pathologist before using OOVO or any other vocal exercise tool. Adult use only — supervise use by minors and keep necklaces away from children under 14 due to choking hazard.
Is the brass really antimicrobial?
The copper-rich brass alloy we use has natural antimicrobial properties — copper alloys are known to resist the growth of odor-causing bacteria on surfaces. This is a property of the metal itself, not a treatment we apply. OOVO products are not registered antimicrobial devices or medical devices, and we make no health claims about antimicrobial effects on the user. The benefit is that your device stays fresher between uses, especially in a carrying case or pocket.
Has OOVO been clinically studied?
The SOVT technique OOVO is built on is one of the most clinically studied voice training methods in modern vocal pedagogy. Specifically, the OOVO Sing Ring was used in a 2024 study published in the Journal of Voice (Davis et al.) on heavy-voice-use professionals. That study evaluated the technique in a structured protocol; it is not a regulatory clearance for OOVO products as medical devices.
Pricing, Orders, and Returns
I'm ordering from outside the USA. How do I know what I'll pay in my local currency?
All pricing is in USD. Use Google or your preferred currency conversion tool for live rates.
What's your return policy?
We offer a 30-day return policy and a 6-month warranty. For US orders, return shipping is on us via a prepaid label. For international orders, you are responsible for return shipping costs. See our Refund Policy for full details.
Something went wrong with my order or product. What do I do?
Email orders@oovostraw.com and we'll work to make it right. You can also use our contact form.
Do you offer bulk orders?
Yes. We offer professional studios, music departments, medical professionals, and voice coaches discounted bulk orders for their students or clients. Get in touch with the name of your studio or school and your website.
One of the items in my order is on backorder. Will the rest ship separately?
If you're in the United States, in-stock items in your order ship immediately. The backordered item ships when it arrives. The exception is the OOVO Care Kit, which ships when the other item is back in stock.
If you're outside the United States, your order is held until everything is in stock and ships together. This keeps shipping costs down. For order-specific questions, email orders@oovostraw.com.
Are the OOVO Straw and Sing Ring patented?
Yes. Both are patented, with additional patents pending. The OOVO and Sing Ring brand names are USPTO trademarks. Full details on our intellectual property page.
Do you have a referral program?
We do. Our Ambassador Program is for professional referrals from vocal studios, artists, and medical/SLP professionals. Contact us about the ambassador and bulk order programs.
How does international shipping work?
In certain regions we offer local shipping at a $15 fee, available at checkout. In other regions, we offer a $35 flat fee for express shipping (exclusive of VAT and any local tariffs). In rare cases when express shipping costs significantly exceed that fee, we'll contact you to work out a less expensive option, such as USPS First Class International. In extremely rare cases, we may need to refund or cancel the order if no viable shipping method is available.
Care and maintenance
How do I keep my OOVO Straw Necklace shiny and avoid tarnish?
The more you wear our necklaces, the less they tarnish. When you're not wearing it, store it in the included pouch to keep it clean and shiny. Use the included polishing cloth to restore its luster every few weeks or as needed.
How do I keep my Sing Ring shiny and avoid tarnish?
The Sing Ring is solid antimicrobial brass and is designed to be held during use, not worn. Oils and moisture from skin can accelerate tarnishing. That said, uncoated brass will inevitably develop a patina over time. We consider this a feature, not a flaw. Every Sing Ring becomes uniquely yours with daily use. Polish back to bright at any time using the included Care Kit.
How do I clean my OOVO Straw or Sing Ring?
Like any professional-caliber instrument, OOVO requires occasional care. Fortunately, it's much easier to clean than a trumpet.
- Polish the outside with the polishing cloth to remove surface dirt or tarnish.
- To sanitize, wash with mild soap and warm water. Remove residual water with a cloth and the provided brush.
- Avoid contact with household chemicals and chlorinated water. Both can cause jewelry to tarnish quickly.
Still have questions? Get in touch.