The latest buzz in the CPAP world is a "micro-CPAP" device being created by a Boston-based company called Airing.
  It's just what it sounds like - a small device with a battery-powered "micro-blower" that fits on your nose with no hoses or cords.
  If this is just as effective as the traditional CPAP, then this really may be a game-changer. There is a crowd-funding effort to create a prototype and FDA approval is needed.
  Perhaps it will entice apnea patients who have tossed their CPAPs aside to give the therapy another chance.
  Here is a press release from the company:

Boston, MA, May 13, 2015 – Airing LLC is introducing a revolutionary device for the
treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The device aims to replace uncomfortable
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) masks with a micro-CPAP device that
weighs less than an ounce, fits right into an OSA patient’s nose, has no cords or hoses,
and is disposable.

Today, while it is estimated that 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, most who
are diagnosed are in “non-compliance,” meaning they choose not to comply with the
prescribed therapies available for addressing it, CPAP machines.  Typically, these CPAP
machines consist of hoses, cords, masks, and straps around the head, making sleeping
uncomfortable for those with sleep apnea, as well as for loved ones and family members
in proximity. Unfortunately, non-compliance can cause serious health problems like high
blood pressure, chronic heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, and other cardiovascular
problems. 

To address non-compliance, Airing has invented a breakthrough micro-CPAP device that
is designed to fit into a patient’s nose without any of the cumbersome hoses, cords, or
masks. Airing’s revolutionary design includes unique, battery powered “micro-blower”
technology that blows the amount of air pressure prescribed by the patient’s physician
into the airway to effectively treat OSA. 

Airing was founded by Stephen Marsh, an established entrepreneur and innovator who is
the named inventor on more than 75 patents in the areas of electronics, energy, health
care and consumer products. While conducting research in another field, Marsh saw the
applicability and need for a new CPAP solution due to a personal connection with the
dangers of breathing disorders.  Marsh then shared his design and concept with medical
professionals and knowledgeable medical experts in the area of breathing disorders, all of
whom fully endorsed his approach and proposed solution.

“I think it’s going to be wonderful for people. For the first time we have a treatment that
patients will be willing to use. I think Airing will have a tremendous impact,” said Dr.
Jeffrey Bass of Brigham & Women's Hospital.

Effective, Low-Cost & Disposable
This innovative solution is the result of Marsh’s extensive research in the area of micro-
fluidic pumps in the Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) space which identified
a host of inefficiencies and limitations with current solutions, and led to Marsh’s design
for a better micro-fluidic pump design, a design that works just as well moving air. The
“micro-blowers” solution in Airing benefits from advances in the “Roll to Roll” (R2R)
manufacturing process, which allows for inexpensive mass manufacturing of the solution,
and which will allow Airing devices to be low-cost and disposable.

The result of all this innovation will be healthier lifestyle, better compliance with CPAP
therapy, and a better night’s sleep -- for those afflicted and for loved ones who are
impacted by snoring and wakeful nights. 

“As someone with a family member who suffers from sleep apnea (my brother), I
understand the potential serious health impacts of this condition,” said Marsh.
“As a result of recent research, I realized that current pumps possess several deficiencies
which severely limit their effectiveness and saw an opportunity to apply a new design to
these pumps that could be used in a variety of ways, including treating breathing
disorders.  The result is a solution that we believe has the potential to address this area,
and to help a large number of people live better, healthier lives.”

Funding Airing
To build a proof-of-concept prototype, Airing is conducting a crowdfunding effort on
Indiegogo, which will take place in June, 2015.  To learn more about how to contribute to
this effort, which will help millions of people live healthier and more productive lives,
visit http://www.fundairing.com/.