Zeus Sleep wins £1.48 million NIHR funding to tackle sleep disruption at the source
Anti-snoring device creator Zeus Sleep has been awarded £1.48 million of funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to run one of the UK’s largest multi-centre clinical trials in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).
With the trial is being led by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London, new research by Zeus Sleep has found that over half of adults reveal snoring either significantly or slightly impacts their life, offering fresh hope to millions suffering from sleep disruption due to chronic snoring.
This comes as the company’s first consumer product, a discreet anti-snoring device, is already available in the UK and helping poor sleepers and their partners.
The data by Zeus Sleep reveals relationships may be on the brink as 36% say snoring has resulted in them sleeping in another room or on the sofa to escape. 1 in 10 (11%) also say if snoring in the household doesn’t stop or gets worse, their relationship will go downhill.
Building on the success of the pioneering anti-snoring device, Zeus is preparing to launch a medical device for OSA in early 2026, informed by the results of the NIHR-funded trial and supported by evidence from three earlier clinical studies.
OSA affects an estimated 8 million people in the UK and more than a billion worldwide. The condition occurs when airflow is repeatedly reduced or stopped during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality, excessive tiredness, cardiovascular risks, and higher accident rates.
The research also highlights fears that continuous snoring will leave them feeling tired all the time (26%), in addition to causing anxiety or making current anxiety worse (13%).
The NHS currently prescribes CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) as the gold standard treatment. However, over half of patients stop using CPAP within a year due to discomfort and inconvenience, leaving many with little more than lifestyle advice as a fallback.
The ZeusOSA device offers a breakthrough. Worn under the chin at night, it uses gentle electrical pulses to stimulate the hypoglossal nerve, helping keep airways open. Unlike surgical implants, it is non-invasive, user-friendly, and affordable — with the potential to transform both patient outcomes and NHS efficiency.
Whilst money is no object to 1 in 10 (11%) who confess they would be willing to pay whatever it costs to stop snoring forever, further advancements in technology could be a game-changer and the launch of a new sleep era for many.
The new NIHR-funded trial builds on three earlier clinical studies, including a Dorset NHS trial. Results showed that 84% of patients reported improved sleep quality.
Furthermore, 78 per cent saw better daytime function and 68 per cent experienced reduced daytime sleepiness.
Professor Joerg Steier, Chief Investigator (Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London) of the new trial, commented: “Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is a highly prevalent condition, but CPAP non-adherence leaves too many patients without effective care.
“The latest Zeus study shows promising results, with improved sleep quality and good tolerance when used at home. This NIHR funded trial will provide the robust evidence needed to support NHS adoption.”
Nigel Clarke, CEO of Zeus Sleep, said: “This is a proud moment for our team. Our snoring device is already improving lives, and now, thanks to NIHR funding and our clinical partners, we can build the evidence needed to bring a medical version into the NHS for sleep apnoea. Our aim is simple: to help people sleep better, feel better, and live better.”
Earlier this year, medical equipment manufacturer Alerta Medical launched new long-life pillows and duvets to enable users to sleep in comfort.
