Innovative Wearable Sensor Promises Improved Monitoring for Sleep Apnea Treatment

A novel wearable pulse oximeter, paired with an advanced software platform, has emerged as a promising tool for monitoring obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and other related sleep disorders. This innovative device was showcased at the ATS 2025 International Conference and subsequently published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

The pulse oximeter, which has received medical clearance for use, is engineered for comfort and user-friendliness. A recent clinical trial revealed high patient adherence rates, indicating that it can effectively monitor patient responses to OSA treatments over an extended period.

Experts involved in clinical research highlighted the importance of longitudinal data in tracking variations in treatment efficacy from night to night. One sleep specialist noted that gathering data over multiple nights is often more beneficial than traditional one-night comprehensive testing, which is the standard in laboratory settings.

While consumer-grade wearable devices, such as the Oura ring and Apple Watch, are popular for tracking biometrics during sleep, they lack medical clearance. Conversely, existing medical devices used in sleep studies often prove too cumbersome or expensive for regular monitoring. This new tool aims to bridge that gap, enhancing patient access to care through pulmonary specialists, potentially reducing the need to refer patients to sleep specialists.

The device, worn as a ring, distinguishes itself from other consumer wearables by employing transmittance-based photoplethysmography. This method is particularly effective for capturing accurate readings from the proximal phalanx region, offering improved signal quality even in low perfusion conditions. Unlike typical spot-check devices, this innovative sensor enables continuous data collection.

Additionally, the wearable sensor connects to a user-friendly app that allows patients to access a selection of their health data, fostering improved communication between patients and healthcare providers. This shared access encourages collaborative decision-making in managing health, enhancing the overall patient experience.

In various clinical settings, the device has been utilized to monitor patient responses to pharmacological treatments for OSA. During a recent study, participants were instructed to wear the device for nine nights over a span of 47 days, with many exceeding this recommendation. Notably, 85% of participants wore the device more frequently than required, with one patient using it almost nightly for 44 consecutive days.

Beyond its application in sleep apnea, the device and its associated software could also be beneficial in research related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease (ILD), and other conditions that necessitate ongoing monitoring of oxygen levels.

Currently, the device has received FDA clearance for medical use; however, the connected software will require similar approval before it can be utilized outside of clinical trial environments. Researchers are committed to continuing data collection to validate the effectiveness of the device and its software, alongside understanding both patient and clinician experiences more comprehensively.