Terms of Service

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) define the legal framework for the use of the Helm mobile application (the “App”) and its services, including access to mental wellness tools, breathing exercises, meditation sessions, coaching features, and other wellness-related content. This agreement is between:

• The operator of the App (the “Publisher” or “Helm”);
• Any natural person (adult or at least 13 years old) or legal entity wishing to access the App and its services (the “User”).

Access to and use of the App implies full and complete acceptance of these Terms. By using the App, the User acknowledges having read and understood these Terms and agrees to comply with them. Helm may amend the Terms at any time to reflect legal, technical, or functional changes. Users are responsible for staying informed of such updates.

Helm is published by an independent developer registered in France, in compliance with French commercial regulations. For any questions or requests for information, please contact us at withubecontact@gmail.com.

The App is available for download on the Apple App Store. The website is accessible at helmfocus.com. Hosting services are provided by Supabase and other trusted cloud providers.

Users have access to the following services:

• Science-backed breathing exercises (box breathing, power breath, cyclic sighing, Wim Hof method, and other techniques)
• Guided meditation sessions
• Daily mood tracking and progress monitoring
• Wellness tools (focus timer, gratitude journal)
• Personalized coaching and guidance
• Habit tracking and daily challenges

Access to the App requires a subscription. A free trial may be offered for new users. All costs related to equipment, software, or internet access are solely the User's responsibility.

The Publisher uses reasonable efforts to provide high-quality, continuous access to the services. However, no result obligation is assumed regarding availability. Interruptions may occur due to maintenance, updates, or other technical reasons. No compensation can be claimed in case of downtime, regardless of duration.

4.1 – Age limit: Access to and use of the App are reserved for individuals aged 13 or older. By accessing or using the App, the User represents and warrants that they are at least 13 years old. In France, the minimum digital age of consent is 15; persons under 15 cannot lawfully consent on their own to the processing of personal data without prior explicit consent from their legal guardian(s).

4.2 – Guidance for users aged 13–18: Users aged 13–18 are encouraged to inform their parents or legal guardians about their use of the App, especially when personal information may be shared. Helm strongly recommends that parents/guardians supervise minors' use of the App and reinforce good security and privacy practices.

The Publisher may request proof of age at any time and suspend or remove access in case of doubt about the authenticity of the declared age.

5.1 – Purpose of the App: Helm provides mental wellness tools and guidance, including breathing exercises, meditation, mood tracking, and coaching features. The content and features do not constitute personalized medical advice and are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a qualified professional (e.g., physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, cardiologist, or any other healthcare provider).

5.2 – Medical liability limitation: Helm does not provide medical, paramedical, psychotherapeutic, or therapeutic services. The Publisher disclaims liability for misinterpretation, misuse, or consequences arising from the application of information, guidance, or suggestions provided by the App. In case of health concerns, doubt, acute distress, suicidal thoughts, or any health emergency, contact a qualified professional or emergency services immediately.

5.3 – External guidance and resources: When the App directs users to external organizations or resources, users are responsible for verifying the reliability and relevance of those resources. The Publisher is not responsible for the content, services, or practices of third parties.

6.1 – General disclaimer: The breathing exercises, meditation sessions, relaxation techniques, and all other wellness activities offered through the App (collectively, the “Wellness Activities”) are provided for general informational and wellness purposes only. They are not medical treatments, therapies, or substitutes for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The Publisher makes no claims regarding the therapeutic or medical efficacy of any Wellness Activity.

6.2 – Recommended medical consultation: Users are strongly advised to consult a qualified healthcare professional (physician, cardiologist, pulmonologist, or other relevant specialist) before beginning any breathing exercise program, meditation routine, or wellness activity offered by the App. Medical consultation is particularly essential and strongly recommended for, but not limited to, users who:

• Have any cardiovascular condition, heart disease, arrhythmia, hypertension, hypotension, or any heart-related disorder
• Have any respiratory condition, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, or any breathing disorder
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have epilepsy, seizure disorders, or any neurological condition
• Have a history of panic attacks, anxiety disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Have diabetes or blood sugar regulation issues
• Have any chronic illness or are currently undergoing medical treatment
• Are taking medication that may affect heart rate, blood pressure, or breathing
• Have recently undergone surgery
• Have any condition that may be adversely affected by changes in breathing patterns, blood oxygen levels, or carbon dioxide levels
• Are under 18 years of age (parental/guardian supervision and medical advice are strongly recommended)

6.3 – Specific risks of breathing exercises: Certain breathing techniques, including but not limited to hyperventilation-based methods (e.g., Wim Hof method, power breathing, tummo breathing), extended breath holds, rapid breathing patterns, and intensive breathwork sessions, carry inherent risks including but not limited to:

• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Tingling or numbness in extremities (hands, feet, face)
• Changes in blood pressure (sudden increase or decrease)
• Changes in heart rate or heart rhythm
• Hyperventilation syndrome
• Hypoxia (reduced blood oxygen levels)
• Hypocapnia (reduced carbon dioxide levels)
• Muscle cramps or tetany
• Nausea or vomiting
• Visual disturbances
• Emotional release or psychological distress
• In rare cases, seizures or cardiac events

6.4 – Safe practice requirements: Users must adhere to the following safety guidelines at all times when performing any Wellness Activity:

• Never practice breathing exercises while driving, operating machinery, swimming, bathing, or in any situation where loss of consciousness could result in injury or death
• Never practice breathing exercises in or near water (pools, bathtubs, lakes, oceans) due to the risk of shallow water blackout and drowning
• Always practice in a safe, comfortable environment, preferably seated or lying down on a soft surface
• Stop immediately if you experience any discomfort, dizziness, pain, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, heart palpitations, visual disturbances, or any unusual symptoms
• Never force or push beyond your comfort level — all exercises should be performed gently and progressively
• Never practice intensive breathwork (such as Wim Hof, power breathing, or extended breath holds) alone if you are a beginner — have someone nearby
• Allow adequate recovery time between sessions
• Stay hydrated before and after breathing exercises
• Do not practice on a full stomach

6.5 – Meditation and relaxation disclaimer: Meditation and relaxation exercises may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with a history of trauma, psychosis, dissociative disorders, severe depression, or other mental health conditions should consult a qualified mental health professional before engaging in meditation practices. Meditation may, in rare cases, trigger emotional distress, anxiety, or dissociative episodes.

6.6 – Assumption of risk: By using any Wellness Activity offered through the App, the User acknowledges and accepts that:

• They have read and understood all warnings and disclaimers in this article
• They participate in all Wellness Activities entirely at their own risk
• They have been advised to consult a healthcare professional before engaging in any breathing exercise, meditation, or wellness activity, especially if they have any pre-existing medical condition
• They are solely responsible for monitoring their own physical and mental condition during and after any Wellness Activity
• They will immediately cease any activity that causes discomfort, pain, or unusual symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary

6.7 – Limitation of liability for Wellness Activities: To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Publisher, its directors, employees, partners, agents, suppliers, and affiliates shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to personal injury, illness, death, or any physical or psychological harm arising from or related to the use of any Wellness Activity provided through the App. This includes, without limitation, damages resulting from:

• Performing breathing exercises, meditation, or any other wellness activity offered by the App
• Failure to follow safety guidelines or warnings provided in the App or in these Terms
• Failure to consult a healthcare professional before engaging in Wellness Activities
• Pre-existing medical conditions that are exacerbated by Wellness Activities
• Any allergic reactions, injuries, or adverse effects experienced during or after Wellness Activities
• Use of the App in unsafe environments or conditions

6.8 – Not a replacement for professional care: The Wellness Activities offered through the App are complementary tools and should never be used as a replacement for professional medical care, physical therapy, psychotherapy, or any other qualified professional treatment. If you are experiencing a medical or psychological emergency, stop using the App and contact emergency services or a healthcare professional immediately.

6.9 – Individual results may vary: The effects of breathing exercises, meditation, and other wellness activities vary from person to person. The Publisher makes no guarantees, representations, or warranties regarding specific results, outcomes, or benefits from using any Wellness Activity. Any testimonials, studies, or claims referenced within the App are for informational purposes only and do not guarantee similar results for all users.

All purchases are processed through Apple's App Store. Due to the digital nature of the products, all sales are final. No refunds are granted once access is purchased or a subscription begins, to prevent duplication or unauthorized use.

Refund requests should be directed to Apple according to their refund policies. We strongly encourage users to contact the Helm team with any questions or uncertainties before purchasing.

Users are responsible for:

• Maintaining the security of their account credentials
• All activity that occurs under their account
• Using the App in compliance with applicable laws
• Being respectful when using any communication features
• Assessing their own physical and mental fitness before engaging in any breathing exercise, meditation, or wellness activity offered by the App
• Consulting a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any wellness program, particularly if they have any pre-existing medical condition

Sharing content that is unlawful, hateful, defamatory, or incites violence is prohibited. Users must refrain from fraudulent use, including attempts to access services, accounts, or data belonging to others without authorization. Abuse or illegal use may lead to civil and/or criminal proceedings.

In case of serious breach, the Publisher may suspend or remove access without notice and, if necessary, initiate legal action.

Helm, as Publisher, uses best efforts to ensure the accuracy of information in the App and a high level of service availability. However, the Publisher cannot be held liable for:

• Technical failures affecting hosting, network, or servers
• Malicious intrusions by third parties that may disrupt the App or compromise data integrity
• Improper or unlawful use of the App by Users
• Loss or disclosure of data due to external events, force majeure, or security incidents beyond the Publisher's control
• Results achieved or not achieved through use of the App, including any physical or psychological outcomes from breathing exercises, meditation, or other wellness activities
• Any injury, illness, or adverse health event occurring during or after the use of any wellness feature offered by the App

The Publisher may suspend access to all or part of the App, including for maintenance or updates, or for any reason deemed necessary to preserve service integrity and data security. No compensation may be claimed for any interruptions or malfunctions, regardless of cause or duration.

All elements of the App (including texts, images, graphics, logos, videos, audio content, guided sessions, breathing exercise protocols, databases, and other published content) are the exclusive property of Helm or its partners and are protected by applicable intellectual property laws and international treaties.

Any reproduction, representation, modification, publication, or adaptation of all or part of these elements, by any means, is prohibited without prior written authorization from the Publisher. Violations may result in civil and/or criminal proceedings.

Users are granted a personal, private, non-exclusive right to use App content. Any use beyond these Terms is strictly prohibited.

11.1 – Collection and purposes: In connection with registration, use of the App, or simple browsing, personal data may be collected (email address, name, preferences, usage data, wellness activity logs). Data is processed in accordance with applicable law, including the GDPR and French data-protection rules.

11.2 – Sensitive data: Wellness and mental-health information may constitute sensitive data under the GDPR. Its processing requires explicit consent from the User. Helm implements enhanced security measures (encryption, restricted access, etc.) to protect such data.

11.3 – Specific protection for minors: As per Article 4, minors under 13 cannot use the App. In France, minors under 15 cannot use the App without verifiable parental consent. Minors aged 15+ may consent to processing if they understand its implications. Helm recommends that parents/guardians closely monitor App use and sharing of wellness information.

11.4 – User rights: Under applicable law, Users have the right to access, rectify, delete, restrict, object to, and port their personal data. These rights can be exercised by contacting the Publisher at withubecontact@gmail.com. Proof of identity may be required.

11.5 – Account and data deletion: Users can delete their account and associated personal data at any time via the “Delete account” option in App settings.

11.6 – Data retention period: Personal data is retained for the duration of active account use. If a User deletes their account, all personal data is promptly deleted within 30 days.

11.7 – Right to complain: If you believe your GDPR rights are infringed, you can file a complaint with the CNIL via its official website: https://www.cnil.fr.

For complete details on data collection, use, and protection, please see our privacy policy.

All subscriptions and payments are processed through Apple's App Store using your Apple ID account. Helm does not store, access, or process Users' payment card data.

Subscription automatically renews unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. You can manage and cancel your subscriptions in Account Settings on the App Store after purchase.

Users should review Apple's terms and privacy policy. Helm is not responsible for issues attributable to Apple, including malfunctions, security incidents, or billing problems.

13.1 – Nature of coaching features: Helm may include coaching features for wellness guidance. Despite efforts to provide relevant and helpful responses, these features may occasionally produce inaccurate, incomplete, or inappropriate outputs. Helm implements safeguards and filters to mitigate these risks.

13.2 – Normal use: Users must use coaching features for their intended purpose (wellness guidance and motivation). It is strictly forbidden to attempt to manipulate these features into producing content outside their normal use or to bypass safety filters.

13.3 – Disclaimer for misuse: If a User employs methods that alter the intended behavior of coaching features, the Publisher disclaims responsibility for any outputs produced. The User assumes full responsibility for any unlawful, inappropriate, or harmful content generated under abnormal use.

13.4 – Safeguards: Helm deploys technical and methodological safeguards (keyword filters, moderation models, sensitive-content detection, etc.) to foster safety in exchanges. These measures cannot guarantee zero risk; Users are asked to report any issues using the contact in Article 18 so that fixes or adjustments can be made where needed.

13.5 – Reliability under normal use: In most cases of normal use — i.e., when Users interact reasonably and in good faith — the responses are relevant, supportive, and aligned with the App's goals. Helm strives to maintain a high level of reliability and consistency so the experience remains constructive, safe, and ethical.

Because the App may process sensitive data (wellness and mental-health data) and may be used by minors, Helm applies privacy-by-design principles and, as required by the GDPR, conducts a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) when appropriate.

A DPIA identifies and assesses risks related to processing sensitive data, helping implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Findings can be shared with the CNIL upon request and help Helm continuously improve data-protection practices.

Helm reminds Users that, in a medical, psychological, or other emergency requiring immediate intervention, they must contact emergency services (e.g., SAMU, firefighters, police) or a healthcare professional immediately.

The App is neither designed nor authorized to manage acute crises or emergency situations. The Publisher disclaims liability for outcomes of poorly managed emergencies or failures to contact competent authorities.

If at any time during the use of a breathing exercise, meditation, or any wellness activity you experience severe symptoms (chest pain, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or any other alarming symptom), stop the activity immediately and call emergency services.

These Terms are governed by French law. In the absence of an amicable settlement, any dispute relating to performance, interpretation, or validity falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent French courts.

If any provision of these Terms is held null, invalid, or unenforceable by a competent court, that provision will be deemed unwritten without affecting the remaining provisions. Failure by Helm to enforce any provision or right at any time shall not constitute a waiver of such provision or right.

For questions or clarification about these Terms, data protection, the App's operation, or any topic related to using Helm, contact the team:

withubecontact@gmail.com

The team will respond as quickly as possible and provide assistance to facilitate use of the App, within the limits of these Terms.

By using Helm and its mental wellness features, including all breathing exercises, meditation sessions, and other wellness activities, you acknowledge that you have read these Terms in full and agree to be bound by them. You further acknowledge that you understand the risks associated with breathing exercises and wellness activities as described in Article 6, and that you assume full responsibility for your participation in such activities. For any request or feedback, please contact us as indicated in Article 18.