Sleep apnea tests using jaw movement can now be sold without a full clinical trial

US health regulators just made it easier to bring new sleep apnea testing devices to market. These devices measure jaw movement to diagnose sleep apnea, and they no longer need to go through the most rigorous approval process.

For years, any new medical device had to prove its safety and effectiveness through a long, expensive clinical trial. This rule change means that devices using a specific, less invasive technology can now get to patients faster. It lowers the barrier for companies to innovate in sleep apnea diagnosis, potentially leading to more options for patients.