Medical devices maker AirAvant Medical has introduced a new device called Bongo Rx for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
The Bongo Rx is said to be clinically demonstrated to treat symptoms of mild to moderate OSA, including loud snoring, caused by blocked air passages.
The new device’s simple silicone nasal pillows, in contrast to the bulky CPAP machines and masks generally used, are expected to make a significant change in the $3.7bn global OSA devices market, said the company.
OSA, which causes snoring and frequently interrupted sleep, may lead to life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes and dementia.
AirAvant Medical president and co-founder Bruce Sher said: “What we’ve been able to do in developing the Bongo Rx is to introduce a wonderful CPAP alternative with clinically proven results to treat obstructive sleep apnea sufferers and even undiagnosed snorers.
“There’s no better time for a device like the Bongo Rx to help fill the void for patients affected by the recent unprecedented CPAP recall.”
In June, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Philips Respironics had recalled some models of its CPAP machines.
According to the regulator, the firm reported that sound-lessening foam in the machines could break down and release carcinogenic chemicals and debris into the user’s air pathway.
AirAvant said that the Bongo Rx is safe for users and features a completely different design.
The device is whisper-quiet compared to the loud droning of traditional CPAP machines, and the user can avoid traditional masks, hoses, electricity, batteries, or bulky headgear, said the company.
Bongo Rx is simply inserted in the nostrils during sleep to create a seal to keep air flowing as the sleeper breathes in and out. It is engineered and manufactured in the US.
Established in 2013, AirAvant Medical is engaged in the development and marketing of respiratory medical devices to treat OSA, snoring and COPD applications.
