Rajiv Doshi says he has invented a cheaper, much more portable alternative to the sleep apnea machine:
Once taped to each nostril, [Provent's] proprietary valve mechanism kicks in. Breathing in is almost unobstructed, but the valve blocks most of the air as it is exhaled. This air ricochets back
into the respiratory tract and creates just about enough pressure to keep the upper airway (the area between the back of the tongue and the top palette) open. This allows for more air to be inhaled in the next breathing cycle. "It works like a CPAP, but you use your own breathing to create that pressure,” says Dr Doshi. …
The product retails at $120 for a pack of 30 units in America. Dr Doshi reckons that it is a cheaper alternative to the CPAP machine which cost about $1,700 apiece and is difficult to lug around. The World Health Organisation estimates that over 100m patients suffer from sleep apnea. Little wonder investors spy an opportunity. They have already stumped up $93m.
The Dish 