Five devices recommended by NICE to facilitate home sleep apnea testing

NICE recommends five devices that can be used at home to diagnose and assess the severity of obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea.

NICE says the draft guidance, which applies to over-16s, could help the NHS more easily identify people with the condition.

The committee said more research was needed on home testing devices before they could be used in children.

Evidence also needs to be gathered on how accurately the devices assess obstructive sleep apnea in people with black or brown skin, NICE said.

In developing its recommendations, the committee said that little or no assistance from a health care professional was needed when using and connecting the devices, which may give a clearer picture by allowing for more natural sleep at night.

This is in contrast to current systems, which have multiple tubes and require a nasal cannula to be inserted, and may also require a visit to hospital so the person can be shown how to use them.

The committee noted that they may not be suitable for everyone, depending on a person’s comorbidities.

Clinical expert advice to NICE shows that hospital capacity for sleep testing has declined since the pandemic, resulting in greater reliance on home testing as the primary approach to sleep diagnosis.

About 5% of the population is thought to have undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, a shortness of breath that has been linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke and heart disease that can reduce life expectancy.

Two of these devices are attached to the wrist with sensors attached to the finger and chest, the other has a wireless sensor attached to the throat. One of the devices is worn as a belt around the waist, while the other uses a wireless sensor attached to the finger that detects symptoms based on oxygen saturation, body movement and heart rate.

Some devices require internet and smartphone compatibility, but others require data to be downloaded after a designated monitoring period.

Mark Chapman, director of the health technology program at NICE, said: “Obstructive sleep apnea can cause serious health problems which can be treated if diagnosed and treated.

“Many people don’t even know they have this disease, so it’s important to be able to make a diagnosis quickly and effectively.

“It is promising that some new devices have the potential to further improve the detection of sleep apnea in people with black or brown skin, but further evidence is needed to demonstrate this.”

He added: “Another additional advantage of these new devices is that they are less invasive, more comfortable to wear and can reduce waiting times because they are easier to use, thus speeding up diagnosis and saving doctor time.”

The recommendations are subject to consultation until June 5.