How the Sleep Analyzer Works
The Sleep Analyzer uses a combination of technologies to detect sleep apnea and snoring:
Pneumatic sensor (under the mattress): This sensor measures micro-movements of the body associated with breathing (respiratory rate, respiratory amplitude), heartbeat and general sleep movements. This is the main data used to detect significant interruptions or reductions in respiratory flow (apnea or hypopnea). Apnea is a complete cessation of airflow for at least 10 seconds, while hypopnea is a significant reduction in airflow.
Built-in microphone: The microphone picks up ambient sounds, including snoring. The Sleep Analyzer uses sophisticated algorithms to identify the frequencies and sound patterns characteristic of snoring.
Confusion Between Apnea and Snoring
The sound that the body makes immediately after an Apnea can cause confusion between the two, as it can sound slike a sudden, sharp snore. When a person experiences obstructive apnea (the most common type), air can no longer pass despite the effort of the diaphragm. This phase is often silent or accompanied by muffled breathing efforts.
However, when the person finally manages to resume breathing (often following an unconscious micro-awakening), this resumption is frequently very noisy: a gasp, loud panting, or very powerful and sudden snoring to compensate for the lack of oxygen.
It is often this ‘resumption noise’ that can be mistaken for snoring.
Snoring as a Symptom of Apnea:
Snoring is caused by the vibration of soft tissue in the throat when the airways are partially obstructed. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when these airways collapse completely. It is very common for people with sleep apnea to snore. However, some people snore very little even with severe apnea, and others snore a lot without having apnea. The important thing to remember is that apnea is an interruption in airflow, not just a noise.
The Sleep Analyzer's Interpretation vs. the Human Ear:
The Sleep Analyzer is designed to differentiate between ‘simple’ snoring and apnea. It analyses not only the sound but, more importantly, the absence of respiratory flow. A loud gasp or a ‘resumption’ snore may be much more noticeable to you than the periods of silence caused by the apnea itself.
Warning: Severe sleep apnea is a medical condition that requires diagnosis and management by a healthcare professional (pulmonologist or sleep specialist). It is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular problems, diabetes, chronic fatigue and accidents and should be treated seriously. If you suspect that you may suffer from Sleep Apnea, Withings recommends you consult your doctor and share your Sleep Analyzer data for analysis.