The Apnealink Sleep Apnea Monitor is a more simplified way of evaluating sleep overnight, often done for patients as an initial, at-home alternative to a traditional polysomnograph (PSG) or sleep study, which requires sleeping in a sleep evaluation unit overnight, and can be more time-consuming and expensive.
Why is an Apnealink monitor performed?
An Apnealink monitor is often performed as a means of evaluating for sleep disordered breathing or sleep apnea. It is a simpler way of evaluating sleep than a traditional polysomnograph (PSG) or sleep study. In patients with cardiovascular disease, changes in sleep pattern (including Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)) have been recognised to occur at increased rates.
The monitor may provide useful information regarding breathing, lung movements and blood oxygen levels. It also examines changes with snoring and allows responses to medications and breathing-assisting treatments to be assessed.
How is an Apnealink monitor performed?
You will need to allow about 15 mins plus any waiting time to be shown how to fit the Apnealink Monitor to yourself. Our staff will show you how to fit the Apnealink Monitor to yourself, and this will remain on you overnight. Keeping this fitted overnight allows the monitor to record the level of oxygen in your bloodstream, any snoring sounds, your chest wall movements and your breathing.
Should I do any special preparation for an Apnealink Monitor?
Yes. You will be shown how to fit the Apnealink by one of the Concord Cardiology Staff, and given a set of instructions. You will then fit it yourself and then deliver it back to the staff the day after.
How do I find out what the Apnealink monitor shows?
Our technical staff analyse the Apnealink recording which is then reviewed by one of our respiratory doctors. This may take 1‐2 days. Your cardiologist will arrange either a follow‐up appointment or give you the results directly after that time.
If OSA or CSA (central sleep apnea) is present it may be recommended to then be referred to a specialist sleep physician or have more comprehensive testing or both.
Are there any risks associated with an Apnealink monitor?
The only known risk may be mild skin irritation from wearing the monitor.
