Start-up develops tiny wearable that it hopes will help prevent falls

“That’s a huge valuable feature. It’s just that takes a little more time,” Lee says, conceding the product is still in a late-stage beta phase as the company tunes the experience for older

adults. After a person is diagnosed with a blood flow issue, he envisions Lumia becoming a device to prevent fainting, like someone with diabetes who wears a continuous glucose monitor.

COST. $379 for the hardware and a custom fit, plus up to $19.99 for a monthly subscription, starting in February. RELATED: Balance scale developer Zibrio gets judges’ 2020 pitch award

Courtesy Appscent Medical SCENTS CAN SHUT DOWN SLEEP APNEA, COMPANY SAYS THE PROBLEM. More than 900 million people around the world suffer from sleep apnea, which causes sufferers to stop

breathing repeatedly while they slumber. Left untreated, the condition can lead to a variety of other significant health risks, including diabetes, heart disease and obesity. THE PRODUCT.

Appscent Medical, headquartered in Ra’anana, Israel, about 10 miles north of Tel Aviv, says it has developed contactless sleep apnea therapy based on what Chief Executive Yosi Azoulay calls

the “power of scent.” The company’s approach doesn’t require masks, tubes or surgery — or a clunky continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. “Just breathe,” he says. Wireless

sensors monitor a person’s breathing patterns during sleep. If signs of apnea are detected, an artificial intelligence-based algorithm releases natural scents such as citrus, lavender or

other herbs, which triggers the body to breathe in. Appscent has started clinical trials in Israel and has begun the process required to ultimately land U.S. Food and Drug Administration

approval. COST. To be determined. RELATED: Smart wristband for the blind wins 2019 pitch contest Courtesy Beacon Technology Solutions DEVICE USES LIGHT TO KILL GERMS WITHOUT HARMING US THE

PROBLEM. Founder Susie Spigelman of Chicago-based Beacon Technology Solutions calls her product a “smart disinfectant device” that helps reduce the spread of illnesses by eliminating up to

99.99 percent of air and surface bacteria, viruses, molds and allergens. It targets homes, hospitals and assisted living centers. THE PRODUCT. The hand-sized Beacon device, which the company

says does not use toxic chemicals nor harsh cleaning products, can be mounted on a wall and plugged in. It tackles pathogens at the cellular level using an invisible, specific ultraviolet-C

light wavelength that has been shown not to penetrate humans’ skin and eyes but kills germs. The concept is similar to devices that use UV-C light to disinfect cellphones and other

electronic devices. But Beacon employs a different wavelength that is safe to be used in large, occupied areas, the company says. COST. $999. The company recommends one device for every

1,000-square-foot room. An internal bulb is projected to last around 10,000 hours. RELATED: Embodied Labs helps caregivers grasp Alzheimer’s, wins 2018 contest