Record exports produced in 2025 reaffirm the country’s role in manufacturing devices used to treat sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.
The Costa Rican manufacturing operation of multinational Philips reached a new milestone in 2025, producing over 15 million devices designed to treat sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.
The production record reaffirms Costa Rica’s emerging role as an important manufacturing hub for medical technology exported to markets around the world. The milestone also highlights the continued growth of medical devices manufactured in Costa Rica.
Philips manufactures medical devices in Costa Rica used to treat sleep disorders, specifically sleep apnea, which impacts millions of patients around the world.
“Producing over 15 million devices this year represents the highest production volume this business unit has seen in recent years,” said Rodrigo Víquez, plant manager of Philips Costa Rica’s S&RC business unit. “Not only does this reaffirm our capacity to meet growing global demand, but it also showcases the talent we have here in Costa Rica.”
Costa Rica continues to grow its presence in the global medical device industry. Over the last decade, Costa Rica has become a hub for medical device manufacturing in Latin America.
Multiple multinational corporations have established operations within the country to produce high-tech medical devices that are exported to other countries in North America, Europe, and Asia.
These factors have allowed medical devices manufactured in Costa Rica to continue increasing their presence in international markets.
Philips manufactures medical devices that allow patients to breathe more easily while sleeping. These devices are part of therapies used to treat sleep apnea.
Manufacturing devices that require advanced technologies and can be used for medical purposes requires facilities, equipment, and employees with specialized skills and training.
“The global demand for devices and technology focused on wellness and healthy sleep habits continues to rise. Costa Rica has established itself as a key player in meeting this demand through manufacturing,” said Víquez.
The Need for Better Sleep and Treatments that Allow for It
Millions of people around the world suffer from some type of sleep disorder that can greatly impact the quality of sleep they receive on a nightly basis. One of the most common breathing disorders is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a disorder that causes a person to have their breathing temporarily pause while they sleep. These pauses can range from a few seconds to minutes and can happen 30 or more times an hour.
If sleep apnea goes untreated, it can cause a variety of health problems that range from high blood pressure to stroke. Even metabolic diseases and diabetes have been linked to individuals with sleep apnea.
Other effects of poor sleep or sleep disorders can include:
- Decreased performance at work
- Higher risk of accidents
- Extreme sleepiness during the day
Sleep apnea is one of many sleeping disorders that could affect millions of people worldwide. In fact, it’s estimated that over 500 million people around the world have sleep apnea.
By manufacturing devices focused on providing therapy for sleep apnea, medical devices manufactured in Costa Rica are able to help provide solutions to patients worldwide.
Devices That Can Help Provide a Good Night’s Sleep
The devices produced by Philips help keep airways open while an individual sleeps. Philips incorporates the devices into machines that provide air pressure to patients while they sleep.
There are many components that go into the production of these devices. Medical devices manufactured in Costa Rica have to follow rigorous standards set by the international bodies that regulate medical device production. This ensures that the products produced meet quality standards and are safe to use.
Medical devices manufactured in Costa Rica that focus on providing sleep therapy often require:
- Technical employees who are trained in precision injection molding
- Employees trained to assemble components with precision
- Employees who work in clean room facilities
- Quality Assurance teams to test and validate the devices
Over 800 employees work at Philips’ medical device manufacturing operation in Costa Rica. They work in different aspects of the production process from beginning to end.
Philips in Costa Rica hits production milestone of over 15 million devices for 2025
“The dedication of our Costa Rican employees has allowed us to innovate and improve these types of devices to provide better comfort and usability for patients,” said Víquez. “As we continue to grow and reach production milestones, we will also continue to bring jobs and advanced operations to the country.”
Advancements in Medical Technology Produced in Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s medical device industry continues to expand as more and more multinationals establish operations within the country.
Currently, there are manufacturers of medical devices in Costa Rica that produce everything from pharmaceutical packaging to respiratory devices. Medical devices manufactured in Costa Rica employ thousands of employees and export billions of dollars’ worth of products to international markets.
Costa Rica’s medical device industry has positioned itself to take on high-value manufacturing that requires detailed technical expertise.
“Costa Rica has been successful in attracting companies that don’t just want to set up a generic manufacturing facility, but rather want to set up world-class production operations that specialize in medical devices,” said Rodrigo Víquez of Philips Costa Rica.
Sleep Issues Are Medical Issues
Sleep plays a vital role in your overall health and well-being. For people suffering from sleep disorders, getting a good night’s rest can be difficult. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, common signs of sleep apnea include:
- Snoring loudly on a regular basis
- Breathing that stops and starts during sleep
- Morning headaches
- Feeling tired after a full night’s sleep
- Trouble focusing
There are many things you can do to help yourself sleep better. However, if you think you might be suffering from sleep apnea or another sleep disorder, you should visit a medical professional.
Some ways to promote better sleep include:
- Keeping a consistent sleep schedule
- Avoid drinking alcohol close to bedtime
- Avoid looking at screens before bed
- Create a calm sleeping environment
Devices like those produced by Philips and other medical devices manufactured in Costa Rica help relieve patients who suffer from sleep disorders.