Oura partners with ResMed to tackle undiagnosed sleep apnea

Oura and ResMed announced a partnership today that connects Oura Ring users who show signs of breathing problems during sleep directly to educational resources and healthcare providers. The collaboration targets a major health gap: an estimated 80% of people with obstructive sleep apnea remain undiagnosed worldwide.

The partnership comes as wearable sleep tracking grows more popular, jumping from 16% of adults in 2025 to a higher percentage in 2026 according to ResMed's Global Sleep Survey. Sleep disorders like sleep apnea carry serious health risks when left untreated, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline.

How will it work?

The Oura Ring already monitors breathing patterns during sleep. When it detects a higher number of breathing disturbances, it sends a notification through the app suggesting the user might want to talk to a healthcare provider.

Now, users who get this notification can access ResMed's resources directly through the Oura app. The options include:

• A sleep assessment and educational materials about sleep health
• An informative guide to help users discuss sleep issues with their doctor
• The option to connect with an independent healthcare provider, either virtually or in person

The feature launched April 28 for Oura Ring Gen3 and Oura Ring 4 users with active memberships in the United States.

Why does it matter?

Sleep apnea affects millions of people, but most don't know they have it. The condition causes breathing to stop and start repeatedly during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and serious health problems over time.

Getting diagnosed typically takes months or years from when symptoms first appear. During that time, related health problems can develop or get worse. The partnership aims to shorten that timeline by catching potential issues early and connecting people to care faster.

Untreated sleep apnea is linked to several serious conditions:

• Cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes
• Depression
• Cognitive decline

The context

This partnership reflects a broader trend of consumer health devices becoming more connected to the healthcare system. Wearables are increasingly moving beyond just tracking fitness metrics to identifying potential health issues and connecting users to medical care.

ResMed is a major player in sleep medicine, making devices like CPAP machines that treat sleep apnea. Oura has built a reputation for detailed sleep tracking through its ring-shaped wearable. The collaboration makes sense for both companies - Oura gets to offer its users a clear next step when problems are detected, while ResMed can reach people who might never have sought help for sleep issues on their own.

The focus on sleep health also comes as more research shows how critical good sleep is for overall health, yet many people still don't prioritize it or recognize when they have problems.