# DreamPort-Eclipse: Compact, ultra-low contact, custom fit CPAP human interface solution for obstructive sleep apnea

> **NIH NIH R44** · BLEEP, LLC · 2022 · $842,197

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
 Approximately 40 million people in the U.S. and 938 million globally are diagnosed with obstructive sleep
apnea (OSA) and could benefit from continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. The largest barrier to
treatment is the archaic design strategy for masks, which causes as many as 50% of individuals using CPAP
therapy to become noncompliant within the first 30 days of treatment. Patients cite reasons for noncompliance
such as discomfort, pain, ill-fitting headgear, face marks, leaks, and claustrophobic reactions. Untreated sleep
apnea limits productivity, increases motor vehicle and workplace accidents, and increases risk of costly chronic
healthcare conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and depression. Healthcare costs for those
with OSA not treated by CPAP therapy can exceed $5,000 over those receiving treatment.
 The innovative DreamPort technology is positioned to create a dramatic market shift in CPAP compliance,
as it removes traditional headgear, addresses major concerns to current masks, and delivers effective treatment.
The DreamPort uses small, lightweight adhesives to seal around nostrils with an ergonomic design that
accommodates unique human profiles of individuals. It completes an ideal mechanical circuit for CPAP therapy
to deliver pressure to the airway and stabilize users’ disordered breathing during sleep. Since the initial soft
launch of the first generation DreamPort in early 2019, rapid market penetration has been achieved in both the
direct to consumer and HME/DME spaces with over 5,000 patients currently using DreamPort. The current
platform is FDA 510k cleared to market with established billing codes (CMS HCPCS codes) and issued
intellectual property protection. While early feasibility and market adoption have been successfully demonstrated,
several technical updates will optimize user experience and derived sleep quality.
 More specifically, this Direct to Phase II project will leverage our existing DreamPort mask technology as a
strong foundation to increase likelihood of success, with continued development focusing on several key design
enhancements to optimize setup, comfort, and compatibility. The DreamPort-Eclipse platform will simplify the
human interface connection through an innovative magnetic connection between nostril adhesive and connector.
Furthermore, the device profile and weight will be reduced and optimized for integration with a larger number of
CPAP device manufacturers. User setup workflows will also be ergonomically updated to minimize barriers to
adoption. Once the prototype passes all engineering bench testing, it will be deployed in a simulated in-house
usability study. Continued development will target final design modifications based on preliminary user feedback,
and full-scale validation testing as per regulatory standards. Finally, we will conduct a randomized controlled trial
to assess the effectiveness of the DreamPort-Eclipse on leak, AHI, and p...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10492657
- **Project number:** 5R44HL158286-02
- **Recipient organization:** BLEEP, LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** Stuart Heatherington
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $842,197
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-09-22 → 2023-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10492657

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10492657, DreamPort-Eclipse: Compact, ultra-low contact, custom fit CPAP human interface solution for obstructive sleep apnea (5R44HL158286-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10492657. Licensed CC0.

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