European Market for Sleep Apnea Diagnostics

In spite of low awareness among patients and doctors about sleep apnea, the total European market for sleep apnea diagnostics grew at an estimated 12% to reach U.S. $50 million in 2004. Rising public and physician awareness and increases in reimbursement and funding are set to push revenues to $98 million in 2011, according to a new report from Frost & Sullivan (Palo Alto, CA, USA), international marketing
consultants.

An aging population and increasing obesity cases are boosting the patient population, and the number of sleep clinics is expanding. Another driver to market expansion is the cardiology sector, which is beginning to recognize the importance of sleep apnea and its links with cardiac diseases such as congestive heart failure. Meanwhile, alternatives to fixed polysomnography (PSG) are being investigated, such as ambulatory and portable PSGs based on electrocardiogram (ECG) Holter monitors that can be used at home. Auto-setting machines and improved interfaces that promote patient comfort are also poised to improve compliance.

"The majority of total market growth is expected to be in the fixed PSG segment since this is expected to continue to be the most widely used sleep apnea diagnostic device,” said Fiona Rahman, a research analyst with Frost & Sullivan. "However, further high growth is expected to be found in portable and ambulatory PSGs, as they are becoming preferred choices of diagnostics, as they can be used at home and integrated with cardiac disease diagnostics.”




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