The technology within Dymedix sensors is the first new concept in the sleep sensor market in the last 20 years. It is based on the science of Piezo and Pyro electric principles (not to be confused with piezo ceramic, a completely different concept) that were first discovered by the Currie Brothers over 100 years ago. However it wasn’t until 1969 that Dr. Tomoji Kuwai determined that processed polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) produced voltage in direct proportion to temperature change, pressure, noise and movement. PVDF is now used in many sophisticated applications such as rate responsive pacemakers, ultrasound, seismic accelerometers and advanced naval sonar to name a few. In 1998, our founder and Chairman, Peter Stasz, invented sleep sensors using PVDF to accurately measure airflow, snore and movement. Our PVDF sensors were introduced to the market in 2001 and we now have a formidable customer base and are developing new applications for the sleep market.

Before starting Dymedix, Peter Stasz, an electrical engineer by education and profession, had been an entrepreneur starting and growing several other medical product companies. When Peter took a sleep study he was amazed at how old the technology was. Very little was new in the last 2 or 3 decades in polysomnography. Peter was aware of PVDF and had used it in other applications. He knew he could adapt it to the needs of sleep and Dymedix was born.

Sleep Applications

As mentioned before PVDF is ideal for instantaneously measuring the slightest change in temperature, change in pressure or change in motion. That is a big part of what a sleep study is all about. We measure nasal and oral airflow, with either a pressure or a thermal signal, snoring and the effort expended to breath. Dymedix’ use of PVDF produces a better signal than any thermistor, thermocouple, standard air pressure transducer or RIP effort belt can.

Unfortunately many people have confused the piezo electric properties of PVDF and piezo crystals. They are completely different. However, because of many peoples’ dissatisfaction with piezo crystal belts and pressure sensors they have mistakenly believed piezo is piezo, which is simply incorrect. That’s like comparing a pizza pie and an apple pie.

To truly understand the advantages of this technology we encourage you to try it for yourself.