FDA approves Apple's sleep apnea detection feature. How it really works

The US Food and Drug Administration on Monday deleted AppleThe latest sleep apnea detection feature has been approved to be used and is now available via a software update for Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10 and Ultra 2 users.

Sleep apnea is a sleep problem during which an individual's respiration repeatedly stops and starts in the course of the night. The condition affects greater than 30 million people within the United States, but only about 6 million are diagnosed, in keeping with the American Medical AssociationIf left untreated, sleep apnea may cause fatigue and result in more serious health problems reminiscent of heart problems, hypertension and kind 2 diabetes.

“We are so excited about the incredible impact this feature can have for the millions of people living with undiagnosed sleep apnea,” said Dr. Sumbul Desai, Apple’s vp of health, within the feature’s launch video.

Apple's sleep apnea detection feature is the corporate's latest try and position its wearables as a less expensive, simpler alternative to many existing health tests and devices. And the sleep problem market could prove lucrative.

To be screened for sleep apnea, for instance, patients typically take a house test or a lab test where they’re monitored overnight. Prices vary depending on insurance coverage, but the common lab test costs $3,000, in keeping with one study. Study 2022 within the Journal of Primary Care & Community Health.

Home tests are sometimes cheaper, but can still cost a whole lot of dollars. The home sleep apnea test from Sleep doctor For example, the Apple Watch Series 10 costs $189. Apple's latest watch, the Series 10, starts at $399.

Apple's sleep apnea detection feature is “potentially a game changer” for patients who’ve previously been hesitant to get tested, said Dr. David Kuhlmann, a physician who has treated sleep disorders in Missouri for nearly 20 years. Kuhlmann can also be a board member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, knowledgeable association for sleep medicine specialists.

Kuhlmann said the feature could possibly be especially helpful for patients who sleep alone, and he believes many individuals might be surprised to search out they’re experiencing signs of sleep apnea.

Still, users should view Apple's sleep apnea data with caution since the readings could possibly be inaccurate, Kuhlmann said. He said it's unlikely that insurance firms would start paying for sleep apnea therapies like CPAP machines based on Apple Watch data alone, so it's vital that patients contact their doctor for an official diagnosis.

“People need to be diagnosed to be treated,” Kuhlmann said in an interview with CNBC.

Kuhlmann said the feature will likely result in a rise in doctor visits, which could ultimately reduce costs for the U.S. health care system overall. Ideally, patients who detect sleep apnea earlier can avoid later treatments for more serious conditions.

“By finding out if these sleep disorders exist and getting them treated, we may actually be able to save costs and improve quality of life.”

How it really works

Apple's sleep apnea detection feature works by analyzing a brand new metric the corporate calls “disordered breathing.” Apple Watch detects disordered respiration through the use of an accelerometer to measure wrist movements that indicate disruptions to the traditional respiration pattern.

Users can view their nightly readings within the Health app, where they’re classified as “elevated” or “not elevated,” which is normal. Apple analyzes this respiration disorder data once a month and notifies users in the event that they have “consistent signs” of severe or moderate sleep apnea. Users can view their data over a period of 1 month, six months, or one yr.

The Apple Watch Series 10 supports 18 hours of battery life, so individuals who need to use this feature will likely have to charge their device in the course of the day.

Apple may create a report that users can take to their doctor to debate next steps. The report will include three months of knowledge on respiration symptoms, in addition to some additional information, the corporate said. Users can even access educational materials throughout the Health app.

Apple said the notification algorithm was developed using “an extensive dataset of clinical sleep apnea tests” and the feature was validated in a clinical study.

“Now I actually need an Apple [Watch] so I can try it out myself,” said Kuhlmann.