Sleep apnea, a disorder characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, is a growing problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Conventional treatment options such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are effective but are often uncomfortable, bulky, and tethered to a power source.
However, the Airing Micro CPAP, promoted as a revolutionary device that promised to be the world’s first cordless, maskless, and hoseless micro-CPAP, aimed to change that.
Let’s delve into the history of the Airing’s Micro CPAP, its crowdfunding campaign, its eventual closure, the FDA-approved micro-sized device that came out after Airing, and the proliferation of ‘imposter’ or ‘scam’ Airing devices found on Amazon and elsewhere.
Airing LLC History
Stephen Marsh, a mechanical engineer, founded Airing LLC in 2014 with the goal of developing a revolutionary solution to treat sleep apnea. The company aimed to create a comfortable, silent, and effective CPAP device that would be easy to use and would not require a mask, hose, or power cords. Marsh spent several years researching and developing prototypes before launching a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo in 2015.
Micro CPAP Crowdfunding Campaign
Airing’s Micro CPAP crowdfunding campaign quickly gained attention and raised over $1.5 million from over 12,000 backers worldwide. The campaign was a massive success and generated a lot of buzz in the media. The device promised to be a game-changer in the field of sleep apnea treatment, and people eagerly awaited its release.
However, the campaign was not without controversy. Some backers criticized the company for failing to deliver on its promises, and others questioned the validity of the technology. Additionally, the company faced regulatory hurdles, and some questioned whether the device would receive FDA approval.
Bankruptcy and Closing Down the Company
Unfortunately, Airing LLC ultimately failed to bring the Airing Micro CPAP to market. The company faced a range of issues, including technical difficulties, regulatory hurdles, and financial problems. Not the least among their ‘regulatory hurdles’ was the fact that the device was never proven to be effective in treating sleep apnea — a company can’t get approval to market a product until they prove that it does what it’s supposed to do.
In 2018, the company filed for bankruptcy, and the Airing Micro CPAP became one of the most high-profile crowdfunding failures in history.
After Airing’s Demise, Micro-sized Sleep Apnea Therapy Becomes a Reality With an FDA-Approved ‘EPAP’ Device Called Bongo Rx
Despite the company’s closure, the Airing Micro CPAP remains an intriguing concept and represents the growing interest in innovative solutions to sleep apnea. While the Airing Micro CPAP may have failed, the concept continues to inspire entrepreneurs and researchers to develop new and better ways to treat sleep apnea.
One such product is Bongo Rx, a tiny device that, like the Airing, fits just into the nostrils. But Bongo Rx does not require any electronics or ‘nano technology’ to work. This is because Bongo Rx is based on a concept called ‘exhalation positive airway pressure’ or EPAP for short. Click the link below to learn more about Bongo Rx.
Learn About The New Micro-Sized and Effective CPAP Alternative That Does Not Require a Machine, Mask or Hose – Bongo Rx EPAP Therapy
Bongo Rx is an FDA-cleared prescription device for the treatment of moderate or mild sleep apnea
Conveniently available to you whenever and wherever you want to sleep
Clinically tested
Easy to use, small and discreet
Requires no machine, hoses, electricity, or batteries
Designed, molded, and assembled in the USA
Affordable
Enter Airing Micro CPAP Imposters and Frauds on Amazon and Elsewhere
In the last few years there has been a proliferation of Airing knock offs or imposters. A quick Google search shows “Airing Micro CPAP” devices everywhere, including Amazon. These are NOT CPAP devices, and are not approved by the FDA for the treatment of sleep apnea.
Except for putting “CPAP” in their name, these devices do not claim to treat sleep apnea. Instead, they focus on snoring. While snoring and sleep apnea are related, reducing snoring is not the same as treating sleep apnea.
These devices are simply a cheap fan in a plastic casing with an on-off switch. They do not generate enough pressure to keep your airway open and reduce or eliminate apnea events. Do not be taken in by this Airing micro CPAP scam. Sleep apnea is a serious condition and it must be treated with an effective therapy.
Conclusion
The Airing Micro CPAP was a highly anticipated device that promised to revolutionize the treatment of sleep apnea. While the company faced many challenges and ultimately failed to bring the product to market, Airing’s Micro CPAP represented a significant advancement in sleep apnea treatment technology. The failure of Airing LLC highlights the challenges of developing and bringing new medical devices to market, but it also underscores the need for continued innovation and investment in this field.
People with mild to moderate sleep apnea who are looking for an alternative to CPAP should try Bongo Rx, a non-invasive, low-cost solution.
The Bongo Rx was first released in 2019 and has quickly become one of the most innovative EPAP devices in the market. A portable nasal device that uses expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the Bongo Rx is a competitor of the Provent Sleep Apnea device. These two EPAP devices share a few similarities.
Portable
Nasal devices
No power required
Uses EPAP during exhalation to keep your airway open
FDA cleared to treat mild to moderate OSA
A frequently asked question we hear from a lot of our potential customers is, “What’s the difference between the Bongo Rx and Provent?” Despite their similarities, the Bongo Rx and the Provent Sleep Apnea device have several major differences. This article is not about provent reviews. This is a brief Bongo Rx vs. the Provent Sleep Apnea device comparison, pointing out what makes these FDA-cleared sleep apnea devices unique from each other.
The Bongo Rx Is Reusable, Provent Sleep Apnea Device is Disposable
One of the biggest differences between the Bongo Rx and the Provent Sleep Apnea Device is that the Bongo Rx is designed to be reusable. Made up of soft silicone nasal pillows and sturdy plastic valves, the Bongo Rx is reusable up to 90 days. All users have to do is gently hand wash the device with mild unscented soap and warm water after every use. In comparison, the Provent device is disposable and designed for one-time use. A standard pack of Provent Therapy includes 30 devices, which provides 30 nights of sleep apnea therapy.
Avoid Sticky Adhesive
Users don’t have to deal with sticky adhesive with the Bongo Rx nasal EPAP. Soft silicone nasal pillows directly seal just inside the nostrils. Every Bongo Rx starter kit comes with multiple pillow sizes (1 small, 1 medium, 1 large, 1 extra-large), allowing users to find their best fit. Since there is no adhesive, users can adjust the Bongo Rx as many times as they need to. What is provent? The Provent Sleep Apnea device uses hypoallergenic adhesive to seal onto the nasal openings. Since the adhesive gets weaker every time its repositioned, users are only able to adjust the device a limited number of times to get a good seal.
More Comfortable OSA Therapy
A recent study published in the Chest Journal, the official publication of the American College of Chest Physicians, concluded that the Bongo Rx may result in more comfortable obstructive sleep apnea therapy by providing a significantly lower expiratory WOB (work of breathing) than the Provent device.1 This decreased expiratory WOB is achieved because the Bongo Rx delivers a significantly lower average inspiratory and expiratory RTF (resistance to flow).
If you suffer from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, consult with your doctor to see if EPAP therapy is right for you. The reusable Bongo RxA more convenient alternative to CPAP because it increases the convenience of EPAP therapy. For effective obstructive sleep apnea treatment, ask your doctor about the Bongo Rx.
Learn About The New Reusable Micro-Sized and Effective CPAP Alternative That Does Not Require a Machine, Mask or Hose – Bongo Rx EPAP Therapy
New CPAP alternative treatment: EPAP – CPAP therapy is the most popular treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. While it is common, the bulky masks and tubes that come with most CPAP machines are major negatives of this sleep apnea therapy option. For OSA sufferers who cannot tolerate CPAP, there have been several alternative treatments that have sprung up in recent years. EPAP therapy has emerged as an effective CPAP alternative for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
EPAP vs. CPAP Therapy
CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; CPAP therapy works by pushing a continuous stream of air into the throat, keeping the airway open throughout the night. This prevents the airway from closing or collapsing during sleep and allows for uninterrupted breathing. A CPAP machine requires electricity, distilled water, a mask, and tubing to work. CPAP therapy is effective at treating sleep apnea.
EPAP stands for Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure; EPAP therapy works by creating pressure when exhaling, keeping the airway open until the next inhale. This allows for normal breathing by preventing airways from closing during sleep. An EPAP device seals with nostrils and does not require electricity to work. Bongo Rx is an FDA-cleared new CPAP alternative for the effective treatment for mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
Reasons You Can’t Use CPAP
There are several reasons some OSA patients cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. The bulky machine and time-consuming set up may be too big of a hindrance for some. Sleeping with a mask covering both the nose and mouth can be uncomfortable. Using a CPAP machine also comes with side-effects including stomach bloating, skin irritation due to the mask, and dry nose and throat after waking up. All these problems make it difficult for some users to consistently use their CPAP machine, which is important for effective sleep apnea therapy.
New CPAP Device Alternative: EPAP is Convenient Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Patients generally prefer EPAP therapy to CPAP therapy.1 The convenience of EPAP therapy is one of its top selling points. The Bongo Rx is one of the most convenient options in the EPAP device market. Portable and reusable, the Bongo Rx uses soft silicone nasal pillows that fit snuggly into your nostrils. Requiring no electricity, masks, or tubing, you can use it anytime or anywhere you fall asleep, including during air travel.
I received the Bongo Rx device. This device could revolutionize the sleep industry, especially if it is capable of producing the same clinical improvement one sees with standard CPAP devices.
As a Sleep Apnea sufferer, I was Very Impressed with the innovative simplicity of the device. I have used the Bongo Rx device over the weekend and found it comfortable and clinically, I felt as good the next day as when I use the standard equipment.
Brazell H. Carter, MD
Brazell H. Carter, MD is a Board Certified Internal medicine specialist in Richmond, CA and has been practicing for over 4O years. He graduated with honors from Meharry Medical College School Of Medicine in 1975. Dr. Carters practice, Lifelong Medical Care, provides high quality medical, dental, and social services to people of all ages. Dedicated to helping each patient live a health productive life, in addition of offering care, his center offers a wide range of patient educational and outreach services.
First of all the Bongo Rx has stopped me from snoring. I feel extremely fresh in the morning. I typically only sleep about six hours a night anyway, I never realized I could feel this fresh. In the past I wore a dental appliance that would leave my jaw extremely sore. It also hurt my teeth in the morning when I tried to chew food. This also does not leave a mark on my face like CPAP machines can. It can fit in my travel kit without any problem. I can’t believe it’s such a simple device and works so well. It has really changed my life.
My mother is using the Bongo Rx. My mother is in her mid-70s and I always remember her yawning and falling asleep on the sofa around eight or 9 PM, granted she was an early bird and would run 7 miles almost every morning at five and then be supermom for the rest of the day. Now when she visits she still sleeps only five hours, however she can talk to us till midnight without Yawning!!!!
She states that she is extremely fresh throughout the day as well. My dad typically sleeps one or two hours after her and states that finally after 53 years she’s not snoring when he goes to bed.
Regards,
Amir Piracha, MD
Dr. Amir R Piracha, MD is a Cardiologist primarily located in Louisville, KY, with other offices in Louisville and Shepherdsville, KY. He has 24 years of experience. Dr Piracha graduated at Marshall University Joan C Edwards School Of Medicine in 1995 and completed his residency at Allegheny General Hospital. His specialties include Cardiovascular Disease and Internal Medicine.
My wife Roberta was diagnosed to have sleep apnea and had been using Resmed CPAP equipment at a setting of 9cm for control of her symptoms for 5 years. She always complained that the CPAP equipment was uncomfortable. Two months ago, she was fitted for the Bongo Rx. She loves the Bongo.
She is getting a good night’s sleep without snoring. I noticed that the Bongo Rx performs as well as CPAP for mild to moderate OSA and without the requirement of electricity, loud pumps or uncomfortable headgear.
She now travels without her CPAP equipment and continues to use her Bongo Rx without problems. She has told me that the Bongo Rx is easy to use, comfortable and that she will no longer use her CPAP equipment after using Bongo Rx.
As a pulmonary physician I have been impressed with the Bongo Rx and have witnessed firsthand the advantages of using Bongo.
Thank you for supplying Bongo.
Larry Tankanow, MD FACP FCCP
Dr. Larry Tankanow is a pulmonologist in Warren, Michigan. His specialties include Pulmonary Disease and Internal Medicine and he is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Ascension St. John Hospital and St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital. He received his medical degree from CETEC University Santo Domingo and has been in practice for more than 20 years. He is one of 28 doctors at Ascension St. John Hospital and one of 9 at St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital who specialize in Pulmonology.
