Samsung Electronics has recently made a significant announcement that is set to benefit users across Europe, Australia, and Singapore. The tech giant is expanding the availability of its Sleep Apnea feature on the Galaxy Watch series to an additional 34 European markets. This development brings the total number of markets where the feature is available to 70 globally. This expansion is part of Samsung’s ongoing commitment to enhancing user health by providing innovative solutions for sleep monitoring.
### Expansion Following CE Marking Approval
The expansion of this feature comes on the heels of its approval by several regulatory bodies, including the CE (Conformité Européenne or European Conformity) marking for the European Economic Area. The CE marking is a testament to Samsung’s adherence to the European Union’s stringent health, safety, and environmental standards. This certification is a significant endorsement of Samsung’s leadership in sleep technology.
In addition to the CE marking, the Sleep Apnea feature has also been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia and Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority. These approvals signify the feature’s compliance with local health regulations, making it a trusted tool for monitoring sleep health.
### U.S. FDA De Novo Authorization
Samsung’s Sleep Apnea feature has already made waves in the United States, where it received the De Novo authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This authorization is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time a wearable device has been approved to detect signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, a common yet often undiagnosed condition. In addition, the feature has also received approvals from Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Brazil’s health regulatory agency ANVISA, and Health Canada, further solidifying its global credibility.
### The Importance of Sleep Apnea Detection
Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep. These disruptions can lead to reduced oxygen supply, poor sleep quality, and various health issues such as hypertension, cardiac disorders, stroke, and cognitive problems. By detecting symptoms earlier, individuals can seek professional advice and potentially prevent these health complications.
### Samsung’s Commitment to Better Sleep Health
Samsung’s Sleep Apnea feature is a testament to the company’s dedication to improving user health. The feature is designed to provide users with meaningful insights into their sleep patterns, enabling them to take proactive steps toward improving their sleep quality. By expanding access to this FDA-authorized feature, Samsung empowers users worldwide to prioritize their sleep health.
The Sleep Apnea feature operates through the Samsung Health Monitor app, available on compatible Galaxy Watch series models and Galaxy smartphones. It uses the BioActive Sensor to measure blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂) during sleep. By analyzing changes in SpO₂ levels and identifying apnea and hypopnea patterns, the feature estimates the Apnea-Hypopnea Index, providing users with valuable information about potential symptoms.
### Technical Details and Availability
For those interested in the technical specifics, the Sleep Apnea feature is an over-the-counter (OTC) software application that works on compatible Galaxy Watch series models and Galaxy smartphones. It is intended for use by adults aged 22 and older to detect moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea signs over a two-night monitoring period. However, it is important to note that this feature is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment by a qualified healthcare provider.
Availability of the feature may vary by market, carrier, model, or paired smartphone. It is available on Galaxy Watch4 series and later models running Wear OS 5.0 or later and must be paired with a Galaxy smartphone running Android 12.0 or later. Regulatory restrictions may affect the feature’s operation in certain markets, and users should be aware that service may be restricted when traveling to unsupported regions.
### Supported Markets
The Sleep Apnea feature is currently supported in numerous markets worldwide, including Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norfolk Island, Norway, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Réunion, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Yemen.
### Conclusion
Samsung’s expansion of its Sleep Apnea feature to new markets underscores its dedication to leveraging technology for better health outcomes. By providing users with tools to monitor and understand their sleep patterns, Samsung is not only enhancing the functionality of its wearable devices but also contributing to the overall well-being of its users. This development is a clear indication of how technology can play a pivotal role in addressing common health issues and empowering individuals to lead healthier lives.
For more information on this feature and its availability, interested readers can visit Samsung’s official news page. This expansion is yet another step forward in Samsung’s mission to innovate and improve the health and lives of users worldwide.
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