subject: Pulse Oximeter Used For Sleep Apnea [print this page] Sleep apnea is a growing health related issue in the United States. Doctors have noted the increase of patients with sleep apnea, which has alarmed many medical professionals. The rise in apnea does not surprise these medical professionals, because it is a respiratory related condition. Recent increases in pollution and lack of exercise amongst Americans, makes this apnea a likely condition. In order to combat sleep apnea, an individual must be able to monitor its conditions and be able to report them to his or her doctor for evaluation. In the past many individuals were sent to sleep labs for overnight stays for observations. Now, an individual can easily stay home and gather his or her own data using a pulse oximeter.
A pulse oximeter, also known as a pulse ox by some medical professionals, is a medical device that is used to measure blood oxygen saturation levels and pulse rates of individuals. In the past, a pulse oximeter was known as a bulky tabletop medical device which was only found at hospitals and clinics, but those days are over. A pulse oximeter now is available in three forms: fingertip, wrist, and hand held. To monitor the conditions of sleep apnea, a wrist pulse oximeter is required, because it can easily be attached to an individual's wrist with the probe placed onto the fingertip. A wrist pulse oximeter is designed to constantly record pulse rate and blood oxygen saturation levels in specific time intervals. This data can then be transferred to a computer to be analyzed by a medical professional. A doctor could then use this data to diagnosis a person with this condition and/or treat this condition with various other medical devices.
The pulse oximeter's offered to you are portable, easy to use and come with many accessories. Ensure that your oximeters are FDA approved and come with a user manual that is easy to follow. Many websites on the internet today supply more and more oximeter's but do your homework to ensure your oximeter that is affordable, lightweight, high quality and very easy to use.
