ResMed has announced the nationwide U.S. availability of NightOwl, an FDA-cleared home sleep apnea test (HSAT) designed to simplify the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) from the comfort of patients' homes. The device features a small sensor worn on the fingertip and connects to digital platforms for both patients and healthcare providers.
Obstructive sleep apnea, characterized by repeated breathing interruptions during sleep due to blocked upper airways, affects nearly one billion people globally. Despite its prevalence, approximately 80% of cases remain undiagnosed and untreated. A recent study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine highlighted that treating OSA with CPAP therapy can significantly reduce mortality risk, underscoring the importance of accessible diagnostic solutions.
"Now more than ever, people want healthcare experiences that are easy, convenient, and accessible, however, navigating sleep apnea testing can be complex," said Carlos M. Nunez, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at ResMed. "With NightOwl, people can easily complete a sleep apnea test from the comfort of home using just a fingertip sensor and a smartphone. It also simplifies the process for providers. This is a meaningful step forward in ResMed's mission to deliver life-changing health technology that people love."
Key Features and Technology
NightOwl is a disposable device capable of recording up to 10 nights of sleep data for a single patient. This extended monitoring period captures night-to-night variability, providing clinicians with a comprehensive view of an individual's sleep patterns. The collected data is transmitted remotely to a cloud-based diagnostic platform for physician analysis, enabling quicker interpretation and more timely diagnoses.
The device employs peripheral arterial tonometry technology, a non-invasive method that measures changes in blood flow, oxygen saturation, and pulse rate to detect OSA. According to a multicenter validation study, NightOwl results showed close agreement with expert-scored polysomnography (PSG) in estimating sleep apnea severity and clinical performance, validating its diagnostic accuracy for both 3% and 4% hypopnea desaturation scoring rules.
Additional features of the NightOwl system include:
- Auto-Scored Results: Raw patient data is automatically scored using a clinically validated algorithm, saving time for sleep specialists and clinicians
- Seamless Integration: The system enhances diagnostic workflows by integrating with ResMed's Somnoware, a leading sleep lab management software
- Fully Disposable Design: Eliminates the need for device returns, cleaning, or reprocessing, reducing operational burdens for healthcare providers
- myAir App Integration: Pairs with ResMed's myAir app to provide individuals with step-by-step guidance throughout the testing process
Clinical Significance and Market Impact
The introduction of NightOwl addresses a significant gap in sleep apnea diagnosis. With the majority of OSA cases remaining undiagnosed, accessible home testing options could substantially increase detection rates and subsequent treatment. The device's ability to capture extended sleep data over multiple nights represents an advantage over traditional single-night studies, potentially improving diagnostic accuracy.
The technology aligns with the growing trend toward home-based healthcare and patient-centered diagnostic approaches. By simplifying the testing process and eliminating the need for in-lab studies, NightOwl may reduce barriers to diagnosis, particularly for patients in underserved or remote areas.
Availability and Access
NightOwl is now widely available throughout the United States. Individuals interested in the test should consult with their healthcare providers for more information. The device's integration with ResMed's existing ecosystem of sleep and respiratory care products positions it as part of a comprehensive approach to sleep disorder management.
As the healthcare industry continues to emphasize early diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders, technologies like NightOwl represent important advances in making specialized care more accessible to the millions of Americans affected by obstructive sleep apnea.
