ReactDx breaks through deal-breakers

MELBOURNE, Fla. – ReactDx’s new NiteWatch sleep monitoring device has the look, feel and convenience of a wearable but is clinically validated and supported by a roadmap for treatment, giving it a big advantage, says George Koos.  

Here’s what Koos, vice president of product and strategy for ReactDx, a division of React Health, had to say about how the NiteWatch, which is cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and which has been validated against polysomnography studies, will help clear the hurdles associated with getting tested and treated for sleep apnea.  

HME News: Why are there so many people with sleep apnea who are undiagnosed? 

George Koos: We haven’t had a patient population that has been clinically educated on the risk factors of sleep apnea. People don’t associate snoring or being tired during the day with potential sleep apnea. They don’t associate having co-morbidities that have close associations to your cardiac health with sleep apnea. The other thing is, we haven’t had access to patient friendly and fast care. 

HME: How does NiteWatch help to address these hurdles? 

Koos: Even traditional home sleep testing devices – and we have one called Ares – require a nose cannula that wraps around your head. They are good but can be intimidating and a reason to opt out of testing. A watch is very easy and comfortable to wear and still have a good night’s sleep. 

HME: Consumer wearables have drawn a lot of attention to sleep health. Why is the NiteWatch a better option than an over-the-counter wearable? 

Koos: NiteWatch is prescribed through a board-certified physician. If a diagnosis comes through, that physician or a prescribing sleep doctor can help with PAP therapy or an alternative. All the medical necessity requirements are in place. This allows more people to get screened and if they have OSA, shorten their time to treatment. There are so many excuses for not getting tested and treated, and when you’re looking for an excuse, anything can be a deal-breaker. 

HME: What’s the downstream impact of the NiteWatch on the HME providers who provide sleep therapy? 

Koos: We’ve found that many providers have customers coming to them and saying I want a sleep test. The industry needs to meet patients where they are. Sleep awareness is growing significantly and helping patients find solutions easier and more efficiently is what React is all about.