The base version of the experimental setup incorporates two small devices known as odor generators (OGs). These are both mounted on a single piece of lightweight flexible substrate material, which is temporarily adhered to the skin above the user's upper lip.

Each OG contains a differently scented paraffin wax, along with a thermal actuator. When wirelessly activated by an accompanying VR system, the actuator in one or both of the OGs heats the wax and causes it to melt (slightly), thus releasing its odor. When the actuator is shut off, the wax cools and returns to its solid state, in which it produces little if any scent.