Israeli startup launches sleep-induction device based on FDA-cleared hypertension tech

2breathe Technologies has taken an FDA-cleared device that's marketed to treat hypertension and adapted it to market a consumer device to address insomnia. Sleep was reported as a side effect with the original device, so company founders decided to create a device specifically to induce sleep.

Known as 2breathe, the smart, connected device to reduce sleeplessness has launched with a price point of $179.95 directly via the company's site. It's also being marketed in Japan by Teijin.

The original device, RespeRate, is the only FDA-cleared noninvasive hypertension treatment device. It's used by hundreds of thousands of patients and featured by the American Heart Association (AHA) in a statement on nonpharmacological treatments, the company said.

"We believe that tracking sleep is nice, but inducing sleep is better," said Erez Gavish, co-founder and CEO of 2breathe Technologies. "164 million Americans struggle with sleep at least once a week which is not surprising considering the extent of modern day work schedules and life stresses. We're excited to be able to offer a real breakthrough to help those who cannot 'shut off' their minds and fall asleep."

In addition to blood pressure reduction, about 90% of users reported sleep improvements with the original RespeRate device. Users were dozing off during their sessions with the device. So, the company adapted the tech for smartphones with an app.

2breathe includes a sensor worn around the waist that tracks user inhalation and exhalation movement. It sends that data to an iOS app via Bluetooth. The app created real-time tone sounds to guide the user to prolong exhalation and slow breathing. After a few minutes, neural sympathetic activity is reduced and the user starts to relax and sleep. The system shuts off automatically after the user is asleep. The app can be used to track the process of falling asleep on a breath-by-breath basis.

- here is the release