A method is disclosed of detecting a bioelectrical signal from a subject. The method includes the steps of applying a composite material to a subject wherein the composite material includes a polymeric material and a polar material that is substantially dispersed within the polymeric material; coupling monitoring equipment to the second side of the composite material; permitting the polar material within the polymeric material to respond to the bioelectrical signal within the subject; and detecting a responsive electrical signal from the composite material that is representative of the bioelectrical signal. The polar material exhibits molecular compatibility with the polymeric material such that the polar material neither blooms to a surface of the polymeric material nor crystallizes within the polymeric material, and the composite material has a first side for contacting the subject and a second side.