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First Sensor AG: Sleep Day: Pressure Sensors from Berlin Save Lives Every Night

DGAP-News: First Sensor AG / Key word(s): Miscellaneous First Sensor AG: Sleep Day: Pressure Sensors from Berlin Save Lives Every Night 21.06.2017 / 12:13 The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Sleep Day: Pressure Sensors from Berlin Save Lives Every Night Market researchers anticipate that the global market for medical ventilators will reach $1 billion by 2021. In ventilator systems, the finely tuned pressure sensors from First Sensor ensure a safe night's sleep for patients with conditions such as sleep apnea.

Experts estimate that 10% of snorers suffer from sleep apnea, a life-threatening condition. With this condition, breathing stops intermittently during the night. Those affected find that they feel tired during the day as a result, and often suffer from secondary complications. Studies have even shown that the condition can reduce life expectancy by up to eight years. "If patients wear sleep apnea therapy devices at night, mild pressure can prevent the airway from closing and therefore the associated pauses in breathing. The integrated sensors ensure a safe night's sleep," explained Dr. Dirk Rothweiler, CEO of First Sensor AG, to mark Sleep Day on June 21. The company develops and produces highly sensitive pressure sensors, which can detect even the smallest interruptions to breathing and help to equalize pressure quickly and comfortably. Sleep apnea occurs in approximately 800,000 people in Germany alone.

Around the world, many patients visiting hospitals suffer from respiratory diseases. In Europe, they make up roughly 7% of annual hospital admissions. In Germany, artificial respiration was administered to 412,000 people in intensive care units alone in 2016 - an increase of 86,000 on the previous year. According to estimates by RnR Market Research, the global market for medical ventilators is expected to grow from $690.8 million in 2016 to $1,012.3 in 2021. "We assist our customers in our role as a strategic partner in the development of innovative ventilation solutions. There is currently rising demand on the market for mobile ventilators. This is driven by an aging population and the needs of patients for comfort and quality of life alongside the best possible medical care. Our products put us in an ideal place in this growth market," commented CFO Dr. Mathias Gollwitzer.