On Feb. 9, 2024, Samsung Electronics announced the sleep apnea feature on the Samsung Health Monitor app received De Novo authorization from the FDA.
About the Galaxy Watch sleep apnea feature
Using a compatible Samsung Galaxy Watch and Phone, the new feature will detect signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults 22 years of age and older, empowering people to seek medical care.
The feature, a software-only mobile medical app, uses smartwatch built-in sensors to monitor the user’s sleep for significant breathing disruptions associated with OSA. Users may track their sleep twice for more than four hours within a 10-day period to utilize the feature.
According to Samsung, the feature is not intended to replace diagnosis and treatment by a clinician, nor is it intended to assist clinicians in diagnosing sleep disorders. It is also not intended for those who have previously been diagnosed with OSA.
The feature will be available on the Galaxy Watch series in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2024.
About obstructive sleep apnea
OSA is a serious sleep disorder where the airway becomes repeatedly blocked during sleep, causing pauses in breathing. This condition, often marked by loud snoring and choking noises, can lead to oxygen deprivation, disrupting sleep and contributing to various health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
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