Most of us have at some point experienced sleeping troubles or even disorders due to life pressures or other outside factors. But there is hope. Shenzhen-based startup Sleepace is dedicated to helping helping troubled sleepers improve the quality of their slumber.
The company’s latest product RestOn is a non-wearable device that measures, tracks and analyzes the sleep quality of its users through collecting data on sleep time, heart rate, respiration, body movement and sleep cycles. Powered by a 2-foot long vibration sensor, RestOn takes the form of 2mm-thick belt which is placed under users’ chest and abdomen area during sleep.
Simply placing the sensor band under the bed sheet and then covering the base with the magnetic lid turns the device turns on so it’s ready to be used. The combination of the fractional microfiber band and magnetic lid prevent the device moving about under users while they sleep.
The captured data is first stored in the device then synced to your smartphones once connected via Bluetooth. A single battery charge takes around three hours and can deliver a full month of sleep monitoring, so users can rest at ease without worrying about if the battery’s running out and if it needs charged up yet again, the way you do with a smartphone.
Like most smart hardware, the device has an accompanying data analysis app, and provides users with actionable tips and sleeping reports to improve the quality of your rest. According to David Huang, CEO and company founder, the data analytics system is developed in house, in cooperation with Shenzhen health institutions and the health science center of Peking University. RestOn also makes better sleep quality shareable on social media and allows families to track their children’s bed time.
Since most current smartwatches or wristbands offer similar sleep tracking features, you might ask why you should purchase a dedicated, separate sleep monitor?
Huang argued that the best sleep advice comes from the most accurate and comprehensive sleep data. RestOn adopts medical-grade sensors to guarantee data accuracy that outperforms wristbands, he says. “RestOn’s accuracy is reinforced by the sensor’s advanced sensitivity, extra-large impact area and close proximity to your vitals.”
Moreover, RestOn goes after customers who value sleep qualities or troubled sleepers. Most of their target users are either under pressure white collar workers, middle-aged men suffering from sleeping problems or those with chronic diseases. For them, even something as small as a wristband could be an impediment to sleep, whereas a non-wearable and ultra-thin device does not impose any extra sleeping burdens.
RestOn is not the only company eyeing this market. Finnish company Beddit is the developer of a similar sleep monitor. Huang claimed their competitive edge against competitors is in providing real-time heart rate and respiratory monitoring data, battery support, and data storage that avoids smartphone connection during the night.
The product has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo and is expects to ship in mid-December, to tap the holiday season market.
Sleepace has released two other sleep quality-related products since its foundation 2011 by Peking University alumni, one for babies and the other for senior citizens. Drawing upon previous experience, Huang offered some tips to fellow hardware makers: 1. Find a precise market positioning for the product and don’t follow trends. The company’s first baby sleep monitor followed the trends in the Western market, but demand for such products is not huge in Chinese market. 2. Product design is something that’s worth investing heavily in. 3. Attention to every detail in the user experience.
Editing by Mike Cormack (@bucketogftongues)
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