BelSU researchers patent a device preventing sleep apnea

The patented device developed by the scientists at Belgorod State University is the first Russian development of its kind to surpass all known peer devices in terms of simplicity, usability and data processing speed. The problem of developing a device that would detect and monitor apnea condition has been addressed by many scientists. The experts point out that apnea syndrome, or a respiratory arrest, is characterised by failure of lung ventilation during sleep for over ten seconds, leading to decrease of blood oxygen level, increase of carbon dioxide and shift towards acidity in the acid-base balance. Apnea can be a factor leading to a stroke, a heart attack, heart rhythm disturbances and sudden death during sleep.

A team of the scientists from Medical Institute, the Student Design Bureau for Robotics and Mechatronics and the Open Engineering School at Belgorod State University conducted the research and developed the first domestic device of this type, which is significantly superior in performance if compared to all known world peers.

According to Andrei Aleynikov, the Head of Student Design Bureau for Robotics and Mechatronics, the device is designed as a small and flexible ear patch, which makes it comfortable to apply and avoid interfering with sleep.

As noted by Lyudmila Kamyshnikova, an Associate Professor at the Department of Intermediate Level Therapy, the important feature of the innovative development consists in its ability to monitor breathing through nasal and oral respiratory ducts simultaneously.