SleepStrip

SLP SleepStrip sensor is a small, disposable (single use) sleep apnea screening monitor. The sensor comprises three thermal airflow sensors (two nasal and one oral), a microprocessor for real-time data acquisition, analysis hardware and software, permanent display screen and a battery.

SLP SleepStrip sensor is a complete, lightweight, wireless monitor. All the patient has to do is apply on the face and pull out the red tab to activate.

Real-time respiration waveform analysis eliminates data memory and downloading step. Sleep apnea score is calculated automatically in the morning, according to standard scoring criteria.

Sleep apnea severity is read directly off the built-in display. Data is presented in binary format; read the number to get the score. Two control bits assure a valid study.

The SleepStrip serves as the test medical record. The display is permanent. The sensor can be returned to the medical professional by mail.

Sleep labs use SleepStrip to prioritize patients needing testing and can schedule severe patients sooner.

Research has shown that sleep apena patients undergoing surgery are at greater risk due to anesthesia and thus may increase the number of and duration of sleep apnea episodes and may decrease arterial oxygen saturation. Post-operative periods also hold more risk for sleep apnea patient. The SleepStrip can help screen non-emergency surgery patients to provide the anesthesiologist with important information about a possible sleep apnea condition. With the vast majority of sleep apnea patients undiagnosed, SleepStrip provides real value in pre-operative screening.

The high cost of undiagnosed sleep apnea:

On June 22, 1995, the Liberian-registered passenger vessel STAR PRINCESS, carrying 1,568 passengers and 639 crew members, grounded on the submerged Poundstone Rock in Lynn Canal, about 21 miles northwest of Juneau, Alaska. The vessel’s bottom sustained significant damage. The total cost resulting from required repairs and the delay before the vessel could return to service was estimated at $27.16 million.

Issues examined include: the adequacy of the pilot’s physical fitness for duty; the importance of bridge resource management; the pilotage practices in the Alaskan cruise industry; and the need for search and rescue planning.

On June 20, 1997, the National Transportation Safety Board determined that the grounding of the STAR PRINCESS was probably caused by the pilot’s poor performance, which may have been exacerbated by chronic fatigue caused by sleep apnea. Seventeen safety recommendations were issued to the Coast Guard, Princess Cruise Lines, and several marine associations as a result of this accident.