A lot of health problems can be caused by sleep apnea. This sleep disorder, also spelled sleep apnoea, causes blood pressure problems, heart failure, diabetes and obesity. The root of the problem is hypoxia—low blood oxygen levels in various vital organs at the tissue level that could slowly damage them.
The most common symptom of sleep apnea is loud snoring. Today, it is easy to have a sleep apnea test, even at the convenience of your home.
The Sleep Apnea Test Devices and How They Work
A cost-effective home sleep testing device, the ApneaLink Air is capable of recording up to five channels of information: respiratory effort, pulse, oxygen saturation, nasal flow and snoring. Thanks to its new hardware, ApneaLink Air is easier to use for both patients and healthcare professionals.
The video below explains the entire home sleep testing process, from start to finish, using the ApneaLink Air. It demonstrates exactly how to set up the device once you get home and it also explains how to use it.
ApneaLink Air
The ApneaLink Air is a wearable sleep device that can help monitor breathing. It will help your doctor diagnose sleep apnea—whether you have mild, moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea. It’ll also help them decide whether you need a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP machine, or surgical treatment.
In the video, you can find explanations about the five components of the device:
- ApneaLink Air recorder
- Belt
- Effort sensor
- Nasal cannula
- Pulse oximeter
The video will also explain how to wear all the components, operate the recorder, read the recorder indicators, stop the test and disassemble the device. When the device light turns green, it means that the device has finished its sleep study.
Your clinician will download the data and analyze the result. Then, they can decide whether you have trouble breathing during sleeping and need further sleep apnea treatment. The options can vary—from as simple as changing your sleep position to undergoing CPAP therapy every night.
Contact Us
As a premier sleep clinic in British Columbia, Pacific Sleep Care is committed to building knowledge of sleep apnea symptoms and the health benefits of various treatments. Our patient’s well-being is always our top priority. Our trusted sleep specialists enjoy working with people to restore their healthy sleep patterns and improve their quality of life.
If you are experiencing sleep apnea symptoms or have further questions about the devices, contact us today and schedule your appointment. You can also visit us in our three locations in Nanaimo, Campbell River and Courtenay.
