Gerald E. “Jerry” McGinnis was a biomedical engineer who invented the CPAP machine and founded several medical technology companies, including Respironics and Lanz Medical Products.
- Died: January 25, 2024 (Who else died on January 25?)
- Details of death: Died in Plum Borough, Ohio, from complications of Parkinson’s disease at the age of 89.
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Gerald McGinnis’ legacy
McGinnis earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois, then obtained a master’s degree in engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. After graduation, he worked for Westinghouse and became manager of its bioengineering department, helping to pursue and develop new medical technology.
McGinnis later became director of surgical research at Allegheny General Hospital, where he wanted to develop a way for patients to avoid having to use endotracheal tubes, an invasive means of ensuring proper breathing while sleeping. Much of his research and efforts took place in his own home. McGinnis built prototypes in his kitchen and eventually developed the continuous positive airway pressure machine, or CPAP. These devices have since helped countless people deal with sleep apnea.
McGinnis founded the medical device company Respironics in 1976, which was sold to Dutch company Royal Philips in 2008. He also formed Lanz Medical Products in 1971, which was also sold to Royal Philips. McGinnis held more than a dozen patents, was a member of the Engineering at Illinois Hall of Fame, and he was granted a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Pittsburgh Venture Capital Association.
On inventing the CPAP machine in his kitchen
“I jumped in with both feet, pretty much the one-man gang for about six months, and by then I had pretty much everything I owned committed, so I couldn’t fail … That was not an option.”—from a video interview with the Pittsburgh Technology Council
Tributes to Gerald McGinnis
Full obituary: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
