Beddr Sleep

About Beddr Sleep

Beddr Sleep operated as a health technology firm with a focus on the digital analysis and improvement of sleep quality. The company was established in 2012 by Michael Kisch, Simon Vining, Kirby Chiang, and Tom Goff, who were motivated by their own personal struggles with sleep disorders. The founding team brought a blend of experience to the venture, with CEO Michael Kisch having previously worked at Cisco and Kraft, and CTO Tom Goff bringing a background in health tech design.

Beddr's core offering was the SleepTuner, an FDA-registered wearable device designed to provide clinical-grade sleep analysis from home. This small sensor, worn on the forehead, used an optical sensor and an accelerometer to track key metrics that are typically monitored in a sleep lab. The device measured blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate, sleep position, and instances of stopped breathing. This data was wirelessly synced via Bluetooth to a companion iOS mobile app, which provided users with detailed insights and personalized recommendations to improve their sleep. The placement on the forehead was chosen for its accuracy in measuring blood oxygen levels and tracking sleep position, a critical factor in positional sleep apnea.

The company's business model was initially direct-to-consumer, with the SleepTuner priced at $149. Beddr also explored the employer market, offering a program for companies that included the device, sleep coaching, and referrals to medical experts to enhance employee productivity and well-being. The long-term vision included providing users with seamless access to board-certified sleep physicians and personalized treatment options through a telemedicine portal. Despite raising a total of $10.6 million in funding, including a $5.6 million Series A round in 2018 led by Three Leaf Ventures, the company has since ceased operations.