Working in Sleep Medicine is a rewarding career, and
providing the best clinical care for every patient is the hallmark of an
exceptional Sleep Center and an excellent Sleep Technologist. As a Sleep
Technologist myself, nothing could be
more frustrating than to witness a patient arousing throughout the night;
whether it be a complete awakening or frequent micro-arousals,
only to realize these arousals could not be qualified. I was having difficulty associating these arousals with an event,
such as snoring or upper airway resistance. In such instances when a patient is
obviously demonstrating symptoms of fragmented sleep and has indicated they are
fatigued, alignment with this type of arousals and a scorable event may not always
be possible.
The Dymedix line of sensors are
manufactured in the United States using a film called Polyvinylidene Fluoride
(PVDF). This technology uses not only
temperature to obtain flow, but also pressure and vibration. The result is a
crisp, superior signal. The real value
of using these sensors, embedded with
this technology, is a more linear flow pattern and faster response time in
comparison to a traditional thermocouple or thermistor technologies. The
response time of a traditional sensor is generally
2-3 seconds, while the Dymedix airflow sensor has a response time of 5
milliseconds.
The faster response time of Dymedix PVDF airflow sensors
allows for the detection of events that
would generally be missed with the slower response of a traditional airflow sensor;
therefore, the technologist can often
qualify or associate the arousals to a scorable event. Dymedix airflow sensors can
also eliminate the need for a nasal pressure transducer, as PVDF obtains flow
using the slightest change in not only temperature
but also pressure and motion. Therefor only one sensor is required making the
testing experience much more comfortable for the patient.
As Sleep Technologists, our goal is to assist our patients
in getting a better night’s sleep. We can get them on a pathway to the appropriate
treatment and improve their health by learning about and utilizing the newest diagnostic
technologies available to the Sleep Medicine Industry. Dymedix Diagnostics has
made this technology available.
Tammy Hannahs RRT, RPSGT