Screening of Sleep Apnea Syndrome During Full Health Check-up: Comparison between Optical Fiber Sleep Apnea Sensor and Overnight Pulse Oximetry Measurements

Abstract

Objective: The optical fiber sleep apnea sensor (F-SAS sensor), a simple sensor that utilizes plastic optical fibers to assess breathing changes using optical signal changes, affords a much needed, easy-to-use non-invasive, completely unrestrained screening technique for sleep apnea syndrome (SAS).
Methods: To evaluate the ability of the F-SAS sensor in screening for SAS, it was used to detect changes in breathing pattern during sleep in 42 subjects during a two-day full health check-up (35 males, 7 females, 55.7 ±7.8 y/o, BMI 25.6 ±4.0, ESS 6.6 ±3.8). Its measurements were compared with those from a pulse oximeter (PLSX attached to a subject’s finger to measure SpO₂.
Results: SAS was suspected in 36 of the 42 subjects, based on a pro-AHI index (number of "apneas of 10 seconds or more and hypopneas with 70% or less of normal breathing") greater than 5/hr from F-SAS sensor measurements. Simultaneous measurement with the PLSX indicated a significant correlation (r = 0.79, p < 0.01) between the pro-AHI and the oxygen desaturation index (ODI3%). Among them, 24 had a pro-AHI≥10 and/or ODI3%≥10 and were recommended to consult a SAS specialist. Five subjects who received detailed examination by polysomnography (PSG) were started on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment.
Conclusion: The F-SAS sensor was confirmed to be non-invasive and non-restrictive and did not disturb normal sleep during examination. In this study, the PSG detailed examination indicated that PLSX measurements were correlated with those made by the F-SAS, indicating its effectiveness in SAS screening during a full overnight health check-up.