Samsung has made significant strides in the realm of healthcare technology with the announcement of De Novo authorization from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its sleep apnea feature on the Samsung Health Monitor app.
This innovative feature, designed to detect signs of sleep apnea, will be integrated into supported Galaxy Watches and is set to be available in the US market by the third quarter of 2024.
Samsung Introduces Sleep Apnea Detection
The sleep apnea detection feature, which previously received approval from South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), offers users aged 22 and above the ability to monitor for signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) over a two-night period.
Utilizing the Galaxy Watch, users will track their sleep patterns twice within a ten-day timeframe, with each session lasting more than four hours.
Throughout the night, the Galaxy Watch will continuously monitor blood oxygen levels, a key indicator of sleep apnea, alerting users to any drops in oxygen saturation.
Obstructive sleep apnea poses significant health risks, including interruptions in breathing during sleep that can lead to decreased sleep quality and heightened daytime fatigue.
By detecting early signs of this condition, Samsung’s sleep apnea feature aims to empower users to take proactive steps towards addressing their sleep health.
Samsung’s foray into sleep apnea detection comes amid reports of Apple’s plans to introduce similar features on its Apple Watch Series 10, including sleep apnea detection and blood pressure monitoring.
This highlights a growing trend among tech companies to leverage wearable devices for health monitoring purposes, providing users with valuable insights into their overall well-being.
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A Breakthrough on Samsung’s Galaxy Watches
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch series 4 and later models already offer blood pressure monitoring and electrocardiogram (ECG) tracking features.
With regulatory clearances and certifications secured from India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization, these features are now available to users in India through the Samsung Health Monitor app.
As technology continues to intersect with healthcare, innovations like Samsung’s sleep apnea detection feature represent promising advancements in preventative care and personalized health management.
By integrating these capabilities into everyday wearable devices, companies like Samsung are democratizing access to essential health monitoring tools, ultimately empowering individuals to take control of their health and well-being.
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