Ashwin Lewis
The ResMed ApneaLink Air is a home sleep apnea test that allows users to gather health information without visiting a sleep centre. The device can record up to five sleep metrics, including respiratory effort, pulse, oxygen saturation, nasal flow, and snoring, to help doctors diagnose sleep apnea. It is lightweight, compact, and easy to use, with a one-touch stop/start operation and a completion light that indicates when evaluation begins and ends. Before using the device, users should consult a healthcare professional and follow instructions provided by their physician. During the test, users should wear the device over their clothing, with the monitor placed above the chest and under the armpits, and a probe fitted over a finger. After the test, users should return the device for sleep study results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | ResMed |
| Cost | Rental cost varies, replacement cost is $2,900 |
| Channels of information | 5 (respiratory effort, pulse, oxygen saturation, nasal flow, snoring) |
| Differentiation | Differentiates between obstructive and central apneas, as well as CSR probability detection |
| Ease of use | Compact, lightweight, easy-to-use, intuitive, one-touch stop/start operation, clear completion light |
| Test procedure | Wear over clothing, above chest and under armpits, tighten straps, place grey probe on finger, screw nasal cannula into device |
| Test duration | Minimum of 4 hours of 'validated data' for the 'Test Complete' light to turn green |
| Test preparation | Follow normal night-time routine, take medication as usual, wear at least a t-shirt or pyjama top and bottom to sleep |
| Test follow-up | Remove device before smoking, eating, drinking or bathing, pack all items into travel case, return to provider at the scheduled time |
| Test results | Viewed and analysed by clinical users of a physician practice or sleep lab, who can create a diagnostic report |
| Test limitations | Does not monitor brain activity, cannot be used to diagnose disorders other than sleep apnea |
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What You'll Learn
How to set up the ApneaLink Air device
Setting up the ApneaLink Air device is straightforward and can be done by following these steps:
Firstly, ensure you have located a provider and received the device. This device is not available for the general public to purchase, so it must be rented from a sleep specialist or healthcare provider. Once you have the device, you should follow your normal nighttime routine, taking any medication as usual. The device should be worn over clothing. Undo the straps and place the monitor on your chest, under your armpits, and tighten it so that it is held firmly in place.
Secondly, place the grey probe on your finger, choosing the finger with the most comfortable fit. If you are wearing nail polish, rotate the oximeter 90 degrees so that the probe touches the skin on either side of your fingernail. If you have a bruised fingernail, simply choose another finger. The probe is used to measure your pulse and blood oxygen levels.
Thirdly, screw the end of the nasal cannula into the ApneaLink Air device. The cannula will go around your nose and mouth to record your breathing and detect snoring.
Finally, turn on the device. The ApneaLink Air will record your sleep data throughout the night. The device should be left on at all times, even if you get up to use the restroom, to ensure a consistent flow of data. The device will automatically stop recording when you wake up. Once you wake up, check the device to ensure it has captured all the necessary information. If you have any issues, contact your doctor to set up a second test.
The ApneaLink Air is a simple, compact, and lightweight home sleep testing device, which can help diagnose sleep apnea by recording sleep data such as respiratory effort, oxygen saturation, nasal flow, and snoring.
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What to do during the test
Firstly, it is important to note that the ApneaLink Air home sleep testing device is worn over clothing. Undo the straps and place the monitor on your chest, under your armpits, and tighten it so that it is held firmly in place. Place the grey probe on your finger—choose the finger that has the most comfortable fit. If you are unable to remove nail polish, rotate the oximeter 90 degrees so that the probe touches the skin on either side of your fingernail. If you have a bruised fingernail, choose another finger. Screw the end of the nasal cannula into the ApneaLink Air.
You should wear at least a t-shirt or pyjama top and bottom while sleeping with the device. Sleep in a position that is most comfortable for you. If you are able to sleep supine (on your back), you may be encouraged to do so as sleep apnea and snoring tend to be more prominent when sleeping on your back. However, always follow your physician or healthcare provider's directions regarding sleep position.
If you wake up during the night to change your sleep position or use the restroom, check the correct sensor placement when you return to bed. There should be three green lights. If there are not, troubleshoot as needed.
Leave the equipment on at all times, including when you go to the restroom, for a consistent flow of data. The equipment should be completely powered down in the morning. If the light changes from green to red, this usually indicates that a piece of equipment has come loose. Check the placement of the items and adjust them until the light turns back to green. If the light switches to red and this cannot be resolved, the test will likely need to be repeated.
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What to do after the test
After you have completed your sleep test, there are several important steps to follow. Firstly, it is crucial to power down the ApneaLink Air device. This will ensure that the device does not continue to record any data inadvertently.
Next, carefully pack all the items back into the provided travel case. This includes the disposable nasal cannula and any other disposable items. Ensure that you do not miss any components and that everything is securely packed. The case should protect the device during transit.
After you have packed the device and its components, it is important to return it promptly to the appropriate location, such as SleepSomatics or SleepMS, by the scheduled return date and time. This is essential to avoid any additional charges or late fees. Typically, there is a daily fee for late returns, and you may be responsible for covering the replacement cost if the device is returned damaged or broken.
Once you have returned the device, the next step is to wait for your sleep study results. The sleep study results will provide valuable insights and help determine whether you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or central sleep apnea (CSA). These results will be analysed by sleep specialists, who will then share the findings and recommendations with you.
If you have any further questions or concerns after the test, it is important to reach out to your healthcare provider or the sleep specialist overseeing your test for guidance and clarification. They can provide personalised advice and ensure that you receive the care you need.
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How to interpret the results
The ApneaLink Air home sleep testing device records your heart rate, oxygen saturation in the blood, and breathing while you sleep. The results of the test will be saved to a secure database in the cloud, which clinical users can access 24/7.
If you are using the device at home, a sleep medicine specialist will interpret the results of your tests and forward the information to the physician who ordered the tests. Based on your diagnosis, your physician will continue your care and treatment or refer you to a sleep medicine specialist.
While setting up the device, ensure that you have inserted a pair of new AAA batteries into the back of the device. Also, make sure that the respiratory effort sensor band is pulled securely and snugly across your chest. If the band is snug across your chest, there should be a sufficient signal once you fall asleep.
The finger sensor on the device may show a red blinking light due to excess humidity, sweating, or finger swelling. As long as your finger sensor has a visible red light within the sensor itself, the device is correctly recording data.
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The pros and cons of the device
The ResMed ApneaLink Air is a lightweight, compact, and easy-to-use home sleep testing device. It is a cost-efficient, type III home sleep testing device capable of recording up to five channels of information: respiratory effort, pulse, oxygen saturation, nasal flow, and snoring. The device is designed to make home testing easy, with a one-touch stop/start operation and a completion light that indicates when the evaluation begins and ends. It is also intuitive, with a clear diagnosis and effective reports that meet AASM and CMS definitions for hypopnea scoring guidelines. The device is FDA-approved and meets American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) requirements.
Pros
- Easy to use: The device has a one-touch stop/start operation and a clear completion light, making it user-friendly and intuitive.
- Comprehensive data recording: The device records data on respiratory effort, pulse, oxygen saturation, nasal flow, and snoring, providing a comprehensive view of sleep health.
- Differentiates between obstructive and central sleep apneas: This feature helps doctors make more accurate diagnoses and provide effective treatment options.
- Secure data storage: ResMed's AirView Diagnostic cloud solution securely stores test results in the cloud, allowing 24/7 online access and improving collaboration between healthcare professionals.
- Cost-efficient: As a type III home sleep testing device, it is a cost-effective option for patients and healthcare providers.
Cons
- Limited functionality: The device is designed specifically for sleep apnea testing and does not diagnose or treat other sleep disorders. It also does not measure or quantify neurological sleep, sleep continuity, or restorative sleep indices.
- Potential skin irritation: There have been reports of skin irritation and allergic reactions to the hospital tape used with the device.
- Inaccurate algorithm: The automated algorithm that confirms whether data is 'valid' or 'invalid' during testing has been reported to be inaccurate at times.
- Requires proper setup: The device must be set up correctly and worn all night to ensure accurate data collection. This includes ensuring all sensors are secure and snug, especially the finger sensor and the respiratory effort sensor band.
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Frequently asked questions
First, you need to consult a healthcare professional to determine whether an at-home test is suitable for your needs. If it is, you will need to find a sleep specialist who uses the device. Once you have the device, follow these steps:
- Undo the straps and put the monitor on above your chest, under your armpits, and tighten so it is held firmly in place.
- Place the grey probe over your finger—if you wear nail polish, rotate the oximeter 90 degrees so the probe touches the skin on either side of your fingernail.
- Screw the end of the nasal cannula into the ApneaLink Air.
The device can record up to five channels of information: respiratory effort, pulse, oxygen saturation, nasal flow, and snoring. It is used to diagnose sleep apnea.
After the test is over, pack all items back into the travel case (including the disposable nasal cannula) and return the device to your healthcare provider at the scheduled return date/time.
