REMPlenish traces back to a graduate project and a clinical question. In 2017, Anders Olmanson was studying medical device innovation at the University of Minnesota when he encountered patients struggling with sleep and breathing disorders. He saw that many cases of obstructive sleep apnea went undiagnosed, and even those who received treatment often did not stick with it. That gap led him to focus on whether airway function itself could be improved through simple daily habits rather than complex equipment.
Olmanson began working with a small team to explore that idea. Their research moved toward exercises that strengthen the tongue and throat, but they found that most people did not keep up with structured routines. The turning point came when they looked for a way to embed those movements into something people already do each day. That thinking led to a device that pairs with a water bottle and uses resistance while drinking to train airway muscles. The concept grew out of experimentation and small design iterations rather than a single breakthrough moment.
The business operates around that core product. Olmanson, as founder and chief executive, oversees development and distribution while working with healthcare providers who introduce the device to patients. Early sales moved through clinical channels, where dentists and sleep specialists recommended it as part of treatment. Over time, online sales and direct outreach expanded, allowing the product to reach customers outside clinical settings.
Growth came in stages. The device entered the market around 2020 after several years of research and testing. Support from a federal research grant helped fund development and clinical work, including studies tied to the Mayo Clinic. As awareness increased, the product line expanded to include versions for children, and the team adjusted its focus toward broader consumer access. The operation remained small, with a limited staff, while revenue and distribution gradually increased.
REMPlenish developed from a student project into a working business built around a single idea. Olmanson continues to center the work on airway health, while the structure reflects its origins in research, small-scale testing, and steady expansion.
