Sleep Apnea Device: Function, Choices, and When to Request Assistance
In the quest for better sleep and improved health, sleep apnea monitors have emerged as essential tools for those at risk of this disorder. This article explores various sleep apnea monitors and apps designed for adults and infants, highlighting their key features and purposes.
For Adults:
1. **App-Connected CPAP/APAP Devices and Apps**
- **ResMed myAir App** The ResMed myAir App is compatible with ResMed CPAP machines, providing daily sleep scores, tracking usage, AHI (apnea-hypopnea index), and mask seal feedback. It includes video coaching to improve therapy comfort and compliance, making it accessible on iOS and Android devices.
- **Philips DreamMapper App** The Philips DreamMapper App works with Philips Respironics DreamStation devices, syncing data like therapy use, mask fit, and AHI levels via Bluetooth. It encourages goal setting and long-term therapy adherence, available on iOS and Android.
These apps connect directly with CPAP or APAP machines to deliver real-time insights on breathing therapy, helping users monitor their treatment effectiveness and receive personalized feedback. APAP machines automatically adjust air pressure based on breathing patterns, making therapy more comfortable and adaptive.
2. **Wearable Sleep Trackers**
- **Sleepon Go2Sleep 3 Ring** This silicon wearable ring continuously monitors blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and sleep cycles, providing valuable continuous oxygen level data relevant to sleep apnea detection. Priced affordably for a comprehensive wearable tracker.
- **Rise Science Sleep Tracker (App)** The Rise Science Sleep Tracker uses phone sensors and can integrate with other wearable devices, generating high-quality sleep reports, calculating sleep debt, and offering tailored sleep improvement advice. However, a subscription is required after the trial for ongoing use.
These devices and apps track blood oxygen levels, heart rate, and movement to detect breathing irregularities during sleep, a common sign of sleep apnea.
For Infants:
Medical apnea monitors are designed to track the infant’s breathing and heart rate via electrodes or belts placed on the chest or stomach. If the infant’s respiration or heart rate falls below safe limits, the monitor triggers alerts to notify caregivers immediately. These monitors are critical in detecting infant sleep apnea and preventing potentially life-threatening events. Setup involves attaching sensors to the infant and connecting them to a monitor unit that continuously displays and records vital stats.
In addition to medical apnea monitors, there are wearable sleep apnea monitors specifically designed for infants, such as the Wellue O2Ring, the Sense-U Breathing & Rollover Monitor, the Owlet Smart Sock, and the LOOKEE Wrist Sleep Oxygen Monitor. These devices work by continuously monitoring physiological signals tied to breathing and sleep quality, delivering actionable alerts and data for managing sleep apnea risks effectively.
It is essential to consult a doctor if one suspects sleep apnea. Using a tracker ahead of the appointment can provide useful information to the doctor. The CMI Health Battery-Operated Pulse Oximeter allows a person to spot-check blood oxygen levels at any time of day, offering peace of mind and valuable data for discussions with healthcare providers.
[1] [ResMed myAir App](https://www.resmed.com/us/en/products/accessories/myair-app.html) [2] [Philips DreamMapper App](https://www.philips.com/global/products/sleep-and-wellness/dreamMapper-app) [3] [Sleepon Go2Sleep 3 Ring](https://www.sleepon.com/products/go2sleep-3) [4] [Rise Science Sleep Tracker](https://risescience.com/products/sleeptracker)
- The ResMed myAir App, compatible with ResMed CPAP machines, offers daily sleep scores, usage tracking, AHI insights, and mask seal feedback, even providing video coaching to improve therapy comfort and compliance, all accessible on iOS and Android devices.
- The Rise Science Sleep Tracker app utilizes phone sensors for sleep analysis, generates high-quality sleep reports, and offers tailored sleep improvement advice, though a subscription is required after the trial for ongoing use.
- As caregivers monitor infants for sleep apnea, wearable sleep apnea monitors like the Wellue O2Ring and the Sense-U Breathing & Rollover Monitor can continuously track physiological signals tied to breathing and sleep quality, delivering actionable alerts and data for managing sleep apnea risks effectively.
