Home Apnea Monitor
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
A home apnea monitor
is a device that measures how well you breathe. Your healthcare provider may ask you to wear a home apnea monitor while you sleep. The monitor will record how strongly you breathe in and out, your respiratory rate, your heart rate, and your blood oxygen level.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- You have questions about how to use the apnea monitor.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Why you may need a home apnea monitor:
You may need a home apnea monitor for any of the following:
- To help identify obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- To check how well OSA treatment is working
- Before weight-loss surgery or surgery on your upper airway
How to use an apnea monitor:
Your healthcare provider will show you how to use the home apnea monitor. The following are tips:
- Wrap the belt and recorder across your chest. Position the belt as high as you can under your armpit. Women should wear the belt over their breasts. Make sure you can fit 2 fingers between your chest and the belt. This will make it easier to breathe.
- Wrap the sensor around your finger as directed. Do not put lotion on your hands before you attach the sensor. Plug the wire from the sensor into the recorder as directed.
- Insert the prongs into your nose with the ends pointing toward you. Do not insert the prongs with the ends pointing up. Place the tubing around your ears after you insert the prongs into your nose. Tighten the tubing near your chin to prevent it from falling off. Connect the end of the tubing to the recorder as directed.
- Press the start button to record. Keep the monitor attached if you get up to use the bathroom. Stop recording when you are done sleeping for the night. Your healthcare provider may tell you to write down what time you go to sleep and wake up.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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