If you suspect you might have sleep apnea, a new at-home testing device hopes to make it easier to detect the common yet dangerous disorder.
The US-based Watermark Medical offers a wearable headset monitor to test for sleep apnea in the comfort of your own home. Just like at a sleep clinic, the device measures factors such as a blood oxygen saturation, snoring, and pulse rate.
On June 13, the company, based in Florida, announced a revised version of the monitor that features a Bluetooth receiver, allowing physicians to evaluate the data via the web to diagnose sleep problems.
Sleep apnea is a common disorder that can be caused by either complete obstruction of the airway or partial obstruction causing slow, shallow breathing and disrupted sleep. If left untreated, the disorder can increase the risk of several health problems, such as high blood pressure, obesity, and stroke. Testing for sleep apnea typically requires an often costly overnight stay in a sleep clinic.
The product, which aims to make testing for sleep apnea more convenient and less pricey, is currently available only in the US and must be prescribed by a physician. The device costs around $40, which the company states is reimbursable by many insurance companies.
To treat sleep apnea, many patients undergo continuous positive airway pressure therapy -- called CPAP -- which requires wearing a mask that is hooked to a bedside machine. Two US companies are currently working to develop new implant devices that could provide a less obstructive alternative. Both devices, in early phases of research now, stimulate a nerve that controls tongue movements to help prevent the tongue from blocking the airway during sleep.
Be sure to talk to your doctor about any medical conditions that can interfere with your shut-eye, such as sleep apnea or heavy snoring. In mild cases of sleep apnea, WebMD suggests the following lifestyle modifications: losing weight, abstaining from alcohol and sleeping medications, stopping smoking, and avoiding sleeping on your back.
Read more about the Watermark Medical device: http://www.watermarkmedical.com/
Learn more about sleep apnea, prevention, and treatment: http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/diagnosing-sleep-apnea
Watch a video on the device: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CYw1516rS4
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