Sleep apnea is a disorder that, in Spain, It affects up to seven million people, of which 1.7 million suffer severely and are susceptible to treatment. However, according to the Spanish Federation of Associations of Allergic Patients and Respiratory Diseases, only between 5% and 9% are diagnosed and treated. Therefore, raising awareness and disseminating information about the consequences of suffering from this disease without treatment is of vital importance, since it can cause high blood pressure, ischemic heart disease (angina pectoris or heart attack) and strokes. Those who are undergoing treatment agree that it is cumbersome to sleep with a mask connected to a motor, which makes freedom of movement difficult.
It was in this aspect that some young Spanish researchers decided to focus on making the lives of those who must live with these devices easier. Thus, Marcos, Berta, Cristina, Liam and Pau They launched a project they called Aria, in collaboration with the Master in Design and Development of the Elisava University (where these “GenZ” students study) and the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, to propose a solution in this regard.
80% of cases, undiagnosed
“In our case, after an exhaustive investigation, we determined that one of the problems was the number of patients who suffer from sleep apnea and their relationship with current treatment methods,” Berta Lloveras, 23, explains to this newspaper. and graduated in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Barcelona.
«22% of men and 17% of women suffer from sleep apnea in Spain, a number that increases among older people, where it can exceed 50%. Furthermore, more alarmingly, 80% of cases go undiagnosed. And of those diagnosed, 50% abandon treatment,” points out Pau Padrós, engineer in Industrial Design and Product Development.
The idea began nine months ago, when they began research on possible projects in the medical field. «It was conceptualized from April to early July. Throughout these months, we carried out detailed research, speaking with different professionals in the sector and patients with sleep apnea. Afterwards, we generate various conceptual proposals. Finally, we develop the technical part in parallel along with the final design. There is still a lot of work ahead for its commercialization, but We are looking for financing so that it can go on the market as soon as possible.», points out Cristina Marcello, graduated in Engineering in Industrial Design and Product Development from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
As they detail, Aria is distinguished from current CPAP machines because, while conventional devices are bulky boxes that sit on the bedside table and are connected to the patient via tubing and a mask, “Aria eliminates this restriction, offering an experience of use that provides much more freedom. This is because eliminates the tube and external machine by integrating it directly into the mask. Traditional equipment limits mobility when sleeping, forcing the patient to remain on their back or side, without the possibility of moving comfortably in bed due to the tube connection to the machine. By eliminating the tube, you provide complete freedom of movement,” he says.
Even, Cristina points out, “thanks to the proposed design, facilitates cleaning and maintenance of CPAP, which is complicated in conventional machines by various factors, such as the length of the connecting tube.
Its battery-powered design is also an advance, making it less vulnerable to power outages, “Being a more suitable option for developing countries or, thanks to the interchangeable battery packs, it allows the use of the CPAP in prolonged outdoor activities, such as camping,” they point out.
With this innovative Y-shaped design, “by covering an air inlet, the motor on the other side compensates, allowing it to continue in use. Aria is even lighter and more compact than conventional models, making it easier for users to maintain a lifestyle as normal as possible and allowing them, if they wish, to take it on a trip without any type of restriction,” says the industrial designer.
«We have practically not reused any of the components used in current CPAPs, since the motor we use to generate positive pressure works in a radically different way. Our device It uses a turbine that rotates at very high revolutions; Specifically, we use one from the Dyson brand, which is one of the most recognized, small and reliable on the market. In addition, we have used two standard lithium cells, one of the types of battery with the highest energy density per gram of weight, which makes them very light,” says engineer Alex Bretaudeau.
Sustainable and clean
Regarding materials, they have used ABS for both the main casing of the device and the battery. «The lightness of the product is mainly due to its small size rather than the use of specific materials. “One of our objectives was the miniaturization and lightness of the device.” In addition, the device lasts at least one full night of sleep, that is, around 10 hours, without needing to recharge, and we have incorporated a quick charging system that allows the CPAP charges in approximately 40 minutes».
Although Aria has not yet been prototyped at a functional level, these researchers have done ergonomic tests on it. «To simulate the weight of our CPAP, we added load to the 3D printed prototype based on the weight of the motors, battery, tubes, etc., that would go inside. As for technical data, Aria weighs, with the battery inserted, 298g and has dimensions of 150x 200x 30mm»adds Álex, who adds that in this time they have carried out several visits to the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona “to make sure that the concept we were developing was viable from a technical point of view.”
In their design they have also committed to making it as sustainable as possible. «We want them to be materials with high durability and low environmental impact, as well as efficient rechargeable batteries. Traditional CPAPs do not always take into account the environmental impact of their materials or energy consumption,” they argue.
According to LiamFarrell, Industrial Design and Product Development engineer from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, the step to commercialize Aria will depend on several key factors, “especially because it is a medical device that must comply with strict regulations to guarantee the safety of users. First, we need to go through ato clinical trials and safety testing phasewhich can take between six months and a year, depending on the complexity of the trials and the results we obtain. After these tests, we will enter the certification and regulation process. He details that, for example, “in Europe we need the CE marking, and in the United States, FDA approval. This stage could take one to two years with testing and certifications. Additional adjustments would then need to be made, and this phase could add three to six months to the project. Finally, we would begin production and distribution at scale, which typically involves six months to a year. So, in total, we estimate that Aria could reach the market within two to three years,” says the 24-year-old.
Regarding the price of the device, they clarify that their objective is to make it accessible to as many people as possible, and they point out that It would range between 300 and 1,000 euros, although their intention is to bring it closer to the lowest figure.
Although there is still a long way to go to see this invention on the market, the visibility that being finalists in the James Dyson Awards Spain has given them has boosted them in the sector and they have already received several calls to carry out tests with Aria and include it on the market when it is ready. A recognition for a job well done.