Apnea monitor for home use - infants
InformationA home apnea monitor is a portable machine used to monitor a baby's heart beat and breathing after coming home from the hospital.
When the baby has a heart rate or breathing rate that is below the limits set on the monitor, an alarm goes off. The monitor is smaller and less complex than those used in the hospital.
WHY IS A HOME MONITOR USED?
A home monitor can be used to monitor babies who still have minor problems with breathing and heart rate. However, studies have not been able to show any benefit for babies on home monitors, so the monitors are not commonly used anymore. There may be special situations where one may be necessary, but most babies do not use home apnea monitors.
Those who may be sent home with such a machine include infants who have persistent apnea or severe reflux, a family history of SIDS, or who need home oxygen or a breathing machine.
HOW IS A MONITOR PLACED?
Stick-on patches (electrodes) or a belt will be attached to the baby's chest or stomach. A home nursing company usually teaches parents how to use the monitor, and provides support for the monitor as well. The length of time the monitor is needed depends on how many real alarms go off. The average length of home monitoring is about 2-3 months.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF A MONITOR?
Monitors are electrical instruments that can fail when the power is out, or if there is some electrical problem. There is no risk to the baby in these cases. There may be some skin irritation from the stick-on electrodes, but this is usually mild.
ReferencesSilvestri JM. Indications for Home Apnea Monitoring (or Not).Clin Perinatol. 2009;36(1):87-99(Rev).SIDS is not the same as apnea. Many people have apnea and apnea has killed infants. Infants with apnea can be resuscitated. An apnea monitor (AKA cot monitor) can detect when a SIDS victim stops breathing � but remember, a SIDS victim is already dead when that happens. Note: Infants with apnea usually are placed on apnea monitors for apnea, not to prevent the unpreventable. And many SIDS parents do use apnea monitors on subsequent children � this has mainly a placebo effect on the parents. No, they are not. You can revive a baby that has apnea if it is not too late. A SIDS baby you can't revive. SIDS is undetectable and you never know when it will hit. With apnea a baby can stop breathing and start again. SIDS is totally different.
Infants with serious apnea may need medications to stimulate breathing or oxygen through a tube inserted in the nose. Some infants may be placed on a ventilator.
Infant Apnea Monitor, is the most common treatment
An apnea monitor is used to measure the amount time that person ceases breathing while sleeping. The information is then studied and a plan is made for improvement in the disorder. Very often a prescription for a CPAP device is suggested.
The recommended guidelines for using an apnea monitor for an infant include placing the monitor on a flat surface near the baby, ensuring the sensors are securely attached to the baby's chest, setting appropriate alarm limits, regularly checking the monitor's function, and seeking medical advice if alarms are triggered frequently.
Common health risks in premature infants are jaundice, apnea, inability to breast or bottle feed, under-developed lungs, digestive system and nervous system.
The apnea detection device was developed by Dr. Benjamin Gilmartin, an anesthesiologist. He created the device to monitor apnea (temporary cessation of breathing) in patients undergoing anesthesia or in critical care settings.
Infant apnea monitoring is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of newborns. Apnea, or pauses in breathing, can be a serious issue in infants and monitoring allows for early detection and intervention, reducing the risk of complications and ensuring timely medical attention when needed.
Alternative NamesCardiorespiratory monitor - infants; Apnea monitor - infants; Heart rate monitor - infantsInformationA heart-respiratory monitor can measure a baby's or child's:Breathing rateHeart beatOxygen levelCaregivers can use these measurements to determine how the baby or child is doing, and help make decisions regarding treatments and medicines.The monitor often uses stick-on electrodes, or patches, that detect chest movement and the heart beat. The patches are attached to the baby in several places on the chest or the stomach, and connect to the monitor using an electric cable.Electrodes may cause mild skin irritation. Extremely premature babies with very sensitive skin may need special gel-like electrodes to reduce skin damage.Blood pressure is rarely monitored. If it is, a cuff will be placed on the baby's arm or leg.Oxygen levels are monitored using a pulse oximeter, which is a small red light device placed on the baby's finger or toe. It does not harm the skin.It's important to note that monitors are electrical instruments and they may not work if there is power loss or an electrical problem. Although monitoring capabilities are lost, there is no risk to the baby.Infants and children may occasionally be sent home from the hospital with these monitors.See also: Home apnea monitoring
Check with your doctor. Mine arranged for my home test.
There are several tactics that you can try at home to treat sleep apnea. First, make sure that you get plenty of sleep, apnea tends to be worse when you're not getting enough rest. You may also want try sleeping on your side, losing weight, and avoiding drugs and alcohol. All these things can help to reduce sleep apnea.
The possessive pronoun for infant is his theirs. Example sentence:The infants gift packs are theirs to take home with you.