Amazon Develops Smart Pillow Against Sleep Apnea

Amazon goes medical: The technology company has filed a patent for an innovative "smart pillow" aimed at treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). If snoring noises are detected, air chambers change the position of the sleeper's head to open the airways.

This sleep disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, affects an estimated 936 million people worldwide. Those who suffer from this disorder can snore loudly and stop breathing, which leads to poor sleep quality and daytime tiredness.

How the Intelligent Cushion Works

The pillow, described by Amazon as an »automated sleep assistant«, is said to be able to recognize and react to snoring noises. Inside the outwardly inconspicuous pillow are:

• Machine learning algorithms for detecting snoring patterns
• Sensors for detecting movements
• Inflatable air chambers for adjusting the head position

A separate audio device records the user's sleep sounds. If snoring noises or other signs of airway obstruction are detected, air chambers in the pillow are inflated in a targeted manner to change the position of the sleeper's head so that the airways are opened.

Advantages over Traditional Sleep Apnea Therapies

Amazon argues that existing OSA treatment methods such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, mouth splints or throat implants are often expensive, invasive and uncomfortable. The Smart Pillow is intended to be a more cost-effective and user-friendly alternative.

Big Market Potential, FDA Approval Still Pending

According to an analysis by GlobalData, the market for neurological devices is expected to grow from USD 12.5 billion in 2023 to USD 20.9 billion by 2033. In addition to technological innovation, this underlines the economic potential in the field of sleep medicine.

However, approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the detection of sleep apnea is still pending. A release date and the price of the device have also not yet been announced. Sleep experts see the development of the intelligent pillow as an innovative approach to helping people with sleep apnoea quite simply. Especially when conventional therapies cause difficulties. It remains to be seen how effective and practicable the Amazon product will be in everyday life and whether it will actually receive FDA certification as a medical device.

With the development of the smart sleeping pillow, Amazon is continuing its expansion course in the healthcare sector, which is characterized by the 3.9 billion dollar acquisition of One Medical in 2022, among other things.(uh)

_{Sources: Healthnews, Tomsguide, Medical Device Network, Business Insider, MDPI, Fortune Business Insights, Patent Guru}