How do you score on the snore-metre?

by ROGER DOBSON, Daily Mail

A hi-tech snore-meter could revolutionise life for thousands of men and women who suffer from sleep apnoea.

The device, which monitors sleeping patterns for up to three nights, means that many sufferers, whose condition would otherwise go undiagnosed, will be able to get treatment.

It is estimated that sleep apnoea - when the sufferer can stop breathing for at least ten seconds - may affect about four million people.

Snoring happens when the muscles in the tongue, throat and roof of the mouth relax, causing the loose tissue in the throat to sag and vibrate.

With sleep apnoea, there is a complete blockage of the airways, and it can be associated with heart failure, irregular heartbeat, and greater risk of heart attack or stroke.

The new device, Novasom, can be used at home. Three sensors are stuck on to the skin and attached to a bedside console, collecting information on snoring sound intensity, blood oxygen levels, pulse rate, airflow and breathing efforts.

The device is sent to makers Sleep Solutions who analyse the information and send a report to the sufferer's GP, who can recommend treatment if needed. It is expected to be available in the UK later this year, costing between £200 and £300.

Treatments for sleep apnoea include wearing a face mask through which air is pumped into the nose during sleep to keep air passages open, surgery, and laser and radio wave therapies.

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