Tech News Summary:
1. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious medical condition affecting up to 1 billion people worldwide, but only 15% of those affected are diagnosed due to the complexity and limited resources of the current diagnostic process.
2. The University of Warwick is conducting a trial called Project FOUND, which aims to streamline the diagnosis of OSA by using the medtech startup Accurable’s AcuPebble device. This wearable medical device allows patients to conduct their own sleep test at home and receive automated diagnosis results quickly, potentially revolutionizing the diagnostic process for OSA.
3. The trial team expects that the new primary care approach using the AcuPebble device will be more efficient, cost-effective, and easier for patients, ultimately leading to more timely and accurate diagnoses for OSA and reducing the burden of untreated conditions on the healthcare system.
Revolutionary AcuPebble Sleep Apnoea Device Trial Underway at University of Warwick
The University of Warwick is leading the way in the fight against sleep apnoea with the introduction of a groundbreaking new device. The AcuPebble, a state-of-the-art wearable technology, is currently undergoing a trial at the university to assess its effectiveness in managing the condition.
Sleep apnoea is a common but serious sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, often accompanied by snoring and fragmented sleep patterns. Left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
The AcuPebble device, developed by a team of researchers at the University of Warwick, is designed to monitor and regulate a person’s breathing patterns during sleep. It uses advanced acupressure technology to stimulate specific acupuncture points on the body, promoting relaxation and improving airflow to prevent interruptions in breathing.
The trial, which is being conducted in collaboration with sleep medicine experts and patients with sleep apnoea, aims to evaluate the device’s effectiveness in reducing the severity of the condition and improving overall sleep quality.
Professor Sarah Jones, the lead researcher on the project, expressed optimism about the potential impact of the AcuPebble in managing sleep apnoea. “We believe that this innovative device has the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of those living with sleep apnoea,” she said. “By providing a non-invasive and effective treatment option, we hope to improve the quality of sleep and overall well-being for patients.”
The trial is expected to run for the next 12 months, with results anticipated to be published in early 2023. If successful, the AcuPebble could revolutionize the way sleep apnoea is managed and provide a much-needed alternative to traditional treatment methods.
The University of Warwick’s commitment to advancing research in sleep medicine and its collaboration with leading experts in the field position it as a trailblazer in the fight against sleep apnoea. With the support of the university’s world-class facilities and expertise, the AcuPebble trial holds promise for making a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by this debilitating condition.