Masimo & NICU Awareness

Masimo History

34 years ago, two engineers decided to rethink pulse oximetry to solve what was widely deemed an “unsolvable” problem: how to make pulse oximetry work on the patients who needed it most – vulnerable babies in the NICU. Their invention, Masimo Signal Extraction Technology®, or SET®, revolutionized the industry.


In the years since, with our (Masimo’s) ongoing commitment to improving outcomes for even the youngest and most fragile of patients, SET® has helped virtually eliminate blindness in the NICU due to retinopathy of prematurity1 and dramatically improve screening for critical congenital heart disease in newborns.2 Our technology is now the primary pulse oximetry technology used at all 10 of the top 10 US hospitals3 and has been trusted to monitor over 10 million babies globally every year.4


Now, we’re offering that same advanced technology and commitment to accuracy to parents at home via our Stork baby monitoring and alarm system - providing parents with peace of mind as they transition from hospital to home for the first time with their baby. 


As we continue to drive awareness for Stork and build trust with consumers, we’re exploring ways to elevate our hospital legacy story and begin to expand our mission of improving lives further via cause marketing programs and partnerships. Our first endeavor will kick-off during NICU Awareness Month (September), with a new partnership with the national non-profit March of Dimes. 

NICU Awareness Month

The best laid plans don’t always turn out as hoped for parents, and many babies will spend their earliest days in the NICU due to a preterm birth, birth defects, surgical or genetic conditions, or other diagnosis.  


These families are often in need of access to support, education, positive patient experiences and aid in the transition from leaving the NICU to starting their new lives with baby at home. 

NICU Awareness Month (Sept) is a time to shed light on the experiences of families and HCPs involved NICUs. It serves as an opportunity to provide educational resources, extend emotional support, and acknowledge the strength of caregivers, the relentless commitment of medical staff in this specialized field and the cutting-edge technology that enable 24/7 care of vulnerable infants. 


Stork may be new to the market, but we use the same Masimo SET® technology that has been trusted for 25+ years in hospital NICUs. We believe we have a unique opportunity to make an impact on these families, particularly those in need, who unexpectedly spend time in the NICU and must make the nerve-wracking transition home for the first time with their baby.  

1Castillo A et al. Prevention of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Preterm Infants through Changes in Clinical Practice and SpO2 Technology. Acta Paediatr. 2011 Feb;100(2):188-92. ROP caused by over oxygenation in NICU babies
2de-Wahl Granelli A et al. Impact of pulse oximetry screening on the detection of duct dependent congenital heart disease: a Swedish prospective screening study in 39,821 newborns. BMJ. 2009;Jan 8;338.
3As ranked in the 2024 Newsweek World’s Best Hospitals Listing
4Estimate: Masimo data on file.

  PLCO-007467/PLM-15092A-0824