Just Breathe’s Vision: Help reduce symptoms, impacts of anxiety through breathwork
Founded by IT Professional and CEO Greg Calderiso, Just Breathe was born from Greg’s own personal journey in reducing anxiety symptoms through breath work. After exploring treatment options, which ultimately amounted to either therapy visits or medication, Greg sought alternative methods to address his symptoms. He was introduced to the amazing practice of breath work, and after some training and practice, the results were impressive. However, as the day-to-day stressors forged on, Greg found it challenging to remain consistent in his mindful breathing practice and wondered if there was a way to assist in the practice of breath work passively without having to dedicate precious time and focus. With no such solution evident, Just Breathe was born.
Just Breathe is a revolutionary relaxation device placed into the mouth that uses light airflow to guide users through pre-programmed breathing patterns that are calming, targeted, and science-backed. Air enters the mouth from the device for a specific period of time, prompting a timed inhale from the user. Upon completion of the inhalation cycle, the air is then directed toward the user’s upper lip, prompting a timed exhalation. The pattern repeats for a timed interval, thus inducing the mindful breathwork exercise that has been so glowingly demonstrated to work for so many. The inspiration behind the hands-free design is that the user remains free and able to continue any ongoing daily tasks that may require attention while still reaping the benefits of breathwork–and doing so passively. The device serves as a tool for anyone looking to harness the power of mindful breathing, and build confidence that they are doing it correctly just by putting it in their mouth, turning it on, and following along.
One user states:
“If I have three minutes, and I turn it on, I know immediately that I’m doing it right. I sit down, and it starts, and you're in it. It is not like rolling out a yoga mat, and then putting on special clothes or needing to pull up an app and decide which breathing program I want to do…It's, like, so simple. The device offers physical delivery of the cues in the mouth, which helps the body override the brain and maintain focus on the breathing process."
How NEMIC Became a Pivotal Partner for Just Breathe
After working with the Brown University Digital Healthcare program, with RIHub’s Venture Mentoring Services, and securing a Provisional Patent, Greg came to NEMIC in 2023 seeking ongoing development of his device concept. NEMIC worked with Greg to design and develop a proof of principle prototype, bringing Zackary Konsin into the fold (now a critical member of the JustBreathe Team). NEMIC also accepted Just Breathe into the highly competitive NEMIC Accelerator Program, funded through the RI Department of Labor and Training [RI DLT], and has been awarded $10,000 in funding to continue development; today, the device continues to be in the R&D process with prototypes, as the design is refined and perfected.
