Importance

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Abstract

The present invention provides a method and a device for evaluating a fully ambulatory subject for sleep apnea. In a preferred embodiment, this method is seen to comprise the steps of (1) locating on the subject's upper lip an airflow sensor that is connected with a miniature, recording unit which has: (a) signal conditioning and filtering circuitry to yield required levels of airflow sensor signal fidelity, (b) a programmable controller having an analog to digital converter, an integrated recorder, a data display means, and firmware that analyzes the airflow sensor signal, (c) a mini jack connected to the recorder that connects with a smart cable to control data flow between the recorder and an external computer (2) using this unit to sample at prescribed time intervals the sensor data which effectively quantifies the temporal variation of the subject's inspiration and expiration airflow, (3) time stamping and storing this sampled data in the integrated recorder, (4) using the firmware to identify, count and cause the display of the number of apnea events identified as occurring per a specified period of time, and (5) using an external computer with application software to analyze and display the data for further evaluation of sleep apnea events.

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First Claim