Could a new wearable diagnostic patch detect sleep apnea?
Research presented at the Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies LLC (APSS; 3–7 June, MA, USA) has described a new disposable device, termed SomnaPatch, that could detect sleep apnea. The adhesive diagnostic patch records nasal pressure, blood oxygen saturation, pulse rate, respiratory effort, sleep time and body position.
The findings demonstrated that the rate of clinical agreement between the patch and standard in-lab polysomnography was 87.4%. Researchers hope that the lightweight wearable device could improve ease-of-use for home sleep apnea testing.
Principal investigator, Maria Merchant (Somnarus Incorporated, CA, USA) commented: “Our study provided clinical validation of a new wearable device for diagnosing sleep apnea. It was most surprising to us how well this inexpensive miniature device performed in comparison with in-lab sleep studies.”
The clinical trial results demonstrated simultaneous polysomnography and patch recording from 174 individuals. Furthermore, from a home usability study, it was noted that 38 out of 39 users were successful in activating the patch and collecting 4 hours of sleep data using the device instructions.
“Most home sleep diagnostic devices are difficult for patients to use and are disruptive to patient’s sleep,” said Merchant. “Our study showed that this wearable home sleep monitor is very comfortable, easy to use and does not negatively affect sleep.”
Researchers hope that the SomnaPatch device will next obtain US FDA approval before being used by individuals at home.
Sources: 31st Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies LLC (APSS) (MA, USA, 3–7 June 2017); www.aasmnet.org/articles.aspx?id=6924
