From remote-controlled mattresses to oral sprays and anti-snoring rings to wear on your finger at night, ‘sleep’ is big business. And it is easy to understand why when, according to the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, seven out of ten Australians are sleep deprived and Australia is experiencing a sleep crisis. In total, sleep disorders cost the Australian economy more than $5.1 billion a year in health care and indirect costs.

In the US, the Food and Drug Administration has just made history by approving a sleep apnoea device called Inspire which is implanted like a pace maker. It will cost approximately $33,000.

It wasn’t until we helped Australian company Oventus develop a new 3D printed mouthguard earlier this month that it dawned on us just how big the business of sleep really is.

Our scientists helped Oventus to create the first 3D printed mouth piece, which allows air to flow through to the back of the throat, avoiding obstructions from the nose, the back of the mouth and tongue.

Following the announcement CSIRO and Oventus were inundated with enquiries, receiving around 700 calls and emails from people interested in the product. Oventus is now looking to ramp up production to meet demand, so watch this space.