Omron introduces new wireless sleep monitoring device

ResMed Inc. (NYSE: RMD) today announced the launch of the first product in Japan using technology from its recently acquired company, BiancaMed. The product, launched by BiancaMed partner Omron Healthcare, is a new wireless sleep monitoring device. The Omron Sleep Design HSL-101 is part of a new strategy by Omron, named "All for Healthcare."

How Omron Sleep Design Works

The device uses ResMed technology to offer wireless, non-contact sleep monitoring which in turn connects to health care support services in Japan. To use the Omron Sleep Design HSL-101, a patient places the device beside the bed. With ResMed's non-contact sensing technology, the device measures sleep throughout the night and can report key sleep quality metrics, such as sleep onset time and total sleep time. In the morning, users can generate a full report on the night's sleep with the push of a button. When the data is connected to the cloud as part of Omron's Wellness Link service, a full picture of sleep health is provided, alongside a customized summary of health tips and advice.

ResMed and BiancaMed

ResMed is a leading developer, manufacturer and distributor of systems to diagnose, treat and manage sleep-disordered breathing, a serious health condition in which people experience breathing issues during sleep ranging from simple snoring to periods of completely obstructed breathing, known as sleep apnea. As such, ResMed recognizes that sleep monitoring represents a huge market opportunity globally, part of an increasing recognition of the impact of disturbed sleep on numerous important health issues, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and more, as well as an increasing trend toward proactive, preventative health care models.

The need for convenient, cost-effective screening and monitoring solutions continues to grow as economic pressures are causing governments and insurance providers worldwide to focus on cost savings and therapeutic efficacy in both the diagnosis and treatment of health disorders. ResMed's acquisition of BiancaMed in 2011 serves this need two-fold: by providing a simple screening solution, and by providing novel alternatives for monitoring across multiple disease categories, such as heart failure, diabetes and more.

BiancaMed: Omron's "All for Healthcare"

"Heart disease, diabetes, stroke, COPD and cancer are major causes of death throughout the world. Apart from genetic susceptibility, these diseases are mostly attributed to lifestyle factors, including overeating, excessive alcohol drinking, tobacco smoking, lack of physical activity, stress and insufficient sleep," stated Dr. Conor Hanley, managing director, BiancaMed Division of ResMed.  "Yet insufficient sleep in itself may be an indicator of another underlying problem - sleep-disordered breathing - which is known to cause and negatively impact heart disease, diabetes, stroke, COPD and more recently, cancer. In seeking to realize a society where people can enjoy healthy and comfortable lives, the prevention of lifestyle diseases is one of Omron's and our primary objectives. We believe that by monitoring sleep and encouraging sleep health, the Sleep Design HSL-101 and support services provide a convenient tool for early prevention and intervention."

Toward this goal, Omron Healthcare has established its "All for Healthcare" strategy. The company's mission is to develop health monitoring products and health support services for the home. With products like Omron Sleep Design, the objective is to continue challenging lifestyle diseases in the future, helping people achieve healthy, comfortable lives. "We look forward to continued collaboration with Omron, as well as working with new global health care partners on innovations that advance sleep medicine, and improve health and quality of lives," Dr. Hanley added.