Utility of a wearable thermal device for optimizing sleep

The Embr Wave, Embr Lab’s flagship product, is a smart wrist-wearable (similar to a smartwatch) that generates low-intensity warming and cooling. The Embr Wave changes the perception of temperature by 5ºF and is used by customers to improve thermal comfort, manage temperature-related conditions (eg, hot flashes), improve sleep, and reduce stress. Since 2017, over 80,000 Embr Wave devices have been sold directly to consumers. The technology in the Embr Wave offers a novel solution for improving sleep and reducing fatigue, which impairs human performance. Embr Labs has engaged with stakeholders at the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) / 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW), which has a national defense-related mission need of sustaining and enhancing airman performance. The proposed Phase II SBIR will be to develop the Embr Sleep, a novel thermal device designed specifically to improve sleep in USAF pilots experiencing fatigue due to poor sleep and circadian disruption. The technology in the Embr Sleep will be designed with the goal of giving users access to thermal technology that allows them to be better able to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up and that meets the comfort and durability requirements of Air Force end-users.