Antwerp-based siblings Stefanie and Michael Broes have marked the first anniversary of their groundbreaking stress-reducing device, the Moonbird, with resounding success.
Launched in 2021, this innovative creation has already made its way into the hands of nearly 30,000 people across Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom, enchanting users with its calming effects. Now, with ambitions as expansive as the migratory Moonbird itself, Stefanie and Michael are gearing up to conquer the American market in the coming year.
The Moonbird's origin lies in a simple yet powerful idea: using rhythmic expansion and contraction to aid relaxation. Resembling a small, serene bird in one's hand, the Moonbird gently vibrates and expands, guiding users to breathe in and out calmly. Different programmes can be set depending on the user’s needs, ranging from stress management to helping with sleep while employing the basics of the breathwork principle.
In a world where anxiety, insomnia, burnout, depression, and stress are prevalent, taking care of mental health is a priority. Breathwork is emerging as a rising star in this area, with yoga, meditation, and mindfulness paving the way. It involves consciously controlling one's breath, offering a tool to improve health and manage stress.
Technology-driven stress solutions
Breathwork comes in various forms, from simple breathing exercises at home for relaxation to guided sessions with certified coaches for personal development and trauma processing. Its rising popularity aligns with the increasing recognition of its effectiveness in addressing stress-related issues.
In response to the rising popularity of breathwork, health-tech solutions are emerging, including apps, tools, and wearables supporting breathing exercises. Moonbird, with its intuitive device guiding users through calming breathing exercises, stands out as a useful tool. Combining breathwork techniques with the Moonbird has been particularly successful, according to the doctors and psychologists on the Moonbird team.
Situated in the heart of Antwerp, their production facility produces 100 to 200 Moonbirds daily. According to their website, the name "Moonbird" – inspired by a small bird's migratory journey – symbolises vitality and sustainability.
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Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic limiting trade fairs, Stefanie and Michael aim to double the number of Moonbirds finding homes in the coming year. They plan to showcase their creation at international events in 2024, including the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, a trade show in Texas, and the Digital Health Conference in Berlin.
With thousands of satisfied users and collaboration with coaches, psychologists, and hospitals, Moonbird demonstrates the growing recognition of conscious breathing and the value of accompanying tools. As Moonbird celebrates its one-year milestone, it signifies not just a device but a breath of fresh air in the pursuit of mental well-being.
