PNOĒ 2.0 is a new portable metabolic analysis device that promises to bring lab-quality breath measurements directly to the user’s fingertips, without the need for a trained operator. PNOĒ ,headquartered in Malden, Massachusetts , with a branch in Athens , Greece, is preparing to release its new device on October 1, 2026, changing the rules in the wellness and sports science space. It is a technological advancement that could make metabolic testing accessible to millions of people worldwide.
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At first glance, PNOĒ ’s mask looks like something out of a comic book — it covers your nose and mouth and straps around your head, reminiscent of Bane , the famous Batman villain . However, its purpose is completely different: it measures how much oxygen your body consumes and how much carbon dioxide it exhales, turning that data into personalized advice on nutrition, training, and longevity. Co-founder and CEO Apostolos Atsalakis describes the process in simple terms: “ You put on the mask, press the button, sit down, and breathe for eight minutes. That’s it. ”
PNOĒ 2.0: What changes with the new autonomous metabolic analysis device
The biggest innovation of PNOĒ 2.0 compared to the previous version is the self-administration — the user can perform the test themselves, without the need for trained personnel. This paves the way for installation in gyms, pharmacies, and wellness centers that do not have specialized scientific personnel. The previous device required a certified operator, which significantly limited its commercialization possibilities.
The new device is also smaller and more compact, with fewer components, which Atsalakis makes it more reliable. It was designed in collaboration with Design Group Italia in Milan, through countless iterations — “many, many, many,” he said — as a self-administered metabolic testing device had never been built before. The collaboration with one of Europe’s leading industrial design houses is a testament to the seriousness with which the company takes both the functionality and aesthetics of the product.
Another practical issue that PNOĒ 2.0 is hygiene — especially important post-pandemic. The solution is clever: the electronics are detachable from the silicone mask and straps, allowing multiple users to share the expensive hardware while each keeping their own personal mask. This significantly reduces the cost per user and makes the device viable for high-traffic commercial facilities.
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PNOĒ and metabolic analysis: The science behind the mask
The science behind PNOĒ is not new. Metabolic testing — the analysis of breath gases to assess how the body produces energy — has been around for more than a century. For decades, it was the gold standard for measuring VO₂ max, the maximum amount of oxygen the body can use during exercise — one of the most reliable indicators of cardiorespiratory fitness. However, traditional tests required bulky and expensive equipment, available mostly in sports labs and hospitals, making them the preserve of elite athletes and corporate wellness programs.
PNOĒ acompany with a 10-year presence in the industry, promises the same accuracy in a wearable device, combined with software that turns the results into practical recommendations. The device records 23 biomarkers, including basal metabolic rate (how many calories the body burns at rest) and metabolic flexibility (how efficiently the body switches between burning fat and carbohydrates). Atsalakis argues that these measurements answer questions that blood tests can’t, such as how many calories a person needs or how they should structure their training.
VO₂ max has become one of the most talked-about topics in the longevity space, thanks in part to research linking higher cardiorespiratory fitness to lower mortality. Atsalakis calls it “the strongest predictor of human longevity” and sees his company’s data as a kind of “performance benchmark” for the wellness industry, which is booming worldwide. This trend is being fueled by popular books and podcasts that analyze the relationship between fitness and longevity, bringing the term VO₂ max to the masses.
When it comes to regulatory aspects, PNOĒ is cautious in its statements. The device has not been approved by the U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration), and the company does not provide medical advice. “It’s like a body composition device, like a scale,” explains Atsalakis. “A doctor cannot prescribe medication based on our results.” This positioning allows the company to operate in the wellness space without the strict regulatory requirements that would apply to a medical device, while still offering important information about the body.
PNOĒ ’s Greek presence in Athens is a testament to the importance the company places on the Greek tech ecosystem. Greece has produced several successful startups in recent years, and PNOĒ is one of the most prominent examples of Greek tech innovation with international reach. The fact that the CEO spoke to reporters via Zoom from the company’s Athens office underscores the important role the Greek team plays in the development of the product.
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Overall, PNOĒ 2.0 represents a significant advancement in wearable health and wellness. By combining lab-grade measurements with ease-of-use and affordability, the company aims to democratize access to data that was previously only available to elite athletes and expensive medical centers. If the technology proves to be as reliable as it promises, it could change the way millions of people understand and manage their health. The device’s launch is expected to generate significant interest in the fitness and wellness industry worldwide.
