Sleep Aid Products

Sleep Strip

Technical Overview

The Sleep Strip is a novel low-cost device designed to help physicians screen patients for sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) reliably and conveniently.  To fully exploit the advantages this innovative device offers, it is helpful to know and understand its inner workings and technology.

 A “one-channel sleep lab”

The SleepStrip is, in fact, a “one-channel sleep lab” comprising signal detection, acquisition, analysis and display in one easy-to-use disposable package.  The flow signals are derived from three thermistors (respiration airflow temperature sensors) similar to those used in standard sleep-lab sensors. These sensors are located under the three blue dots on the nose and mouth prongs. The signal is processed ten times each second by SleepStrip’s internal microprocessor (CPU). The CPU tracks the signal continuously, calculating average amplitude of normal respiration cycles, peak-to-peak amplitude for each consecutive breath cycle, and other parameters of the respiration pattern.

An apnea event is counted when respiration amplitude drops to under 12% of the average for more than 10 seconds. A hyponea event is counted if respiration amplitude drops to less than 50%, but more than 12%, of the average for more than 10 seconds.  Respiratory events (apneas and hypopneas) are counted for the duration of the study.  These values were selected for maximum correlation with polysomnographic results.

After a study is complete, the apnea and hypopnea counts are used to calculate the final test score, which is readable on the display 30 minutes after the study has ended.

The Sleep Strip’s intended use is for screening purposes only.  It should be used on patients who are considered high risk for Sleep Apnea Syndrome and require additional information for diagnosis.  If the indication of the Sleep Strip is positive, together with additional indications and risk factors such as obesity,  hypertension, heavy snoring, and/or a family history of Sleep Apnea Syndrome, patients can then be referred for further evaluation.

Patient setup

Instruct the patient to read through the instructions and follow them closely before using Sleep Strip. The Sleep Strip should be applied at bedtime.  The device is activated by first rubbing the display area with the alcohol prep pad provided, and then firmly attaching the green sticker on the display area as described in the instructions to the patient.

A small red light will turn on (located on the left side underneath the oval-shaped white cover) thus indicating proper placement of the sticker.  The Sleep Strip is then affixed on the face under the nose.  Within a few seconds, the red light turns off and then will blink each time the patient exhales.  During this time the Sleep Strip “learns” the normal respiration pattern of the patient, assuming he or she is still awake. 

Approximately 20 minutes after activation the blinking stops, and the device switches to “study” mode and begins counting respiratory events.  This delay is designed to allow to patient to fall asleep before the study begins.

In the morning, approximately three minutes after the patient wakes up and removes the SleepStrip from his or her face, the red light will turn on again to mark the end of the study.  The display will be readable 60 minutes later, and the green sticker must not be removed until then.

Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Sleep Strip  $65.00 (ex GST.)