What does an apnea monitor detect?

Apnea monitors detect the cessation of breathing (apnea) in infants and adults who are at risk of respiratory failure and alert the parent or attendant to the condition.

When do you stop using an apnea monitor?

Once initiated, the AAP recommends that the use of home apnea monitoring in this population be discontinued after approximately 43 weeks postmenstrual age or after the cessation of extreme episodes, whichever comes last.

Do apnea monitors prevent SIDS?

Home apnea monitors give little or no protection from SIDS. Even full-term newborns in the first few weeks of life may have brief periods of apnea. But this is not linked to SIDS.

Are SIDS monitors worth it?

“There is no evidence that these monitors are useful in the reduction of SIDS in healthy infants,” says Dr. Robinson. “The infants who are at risk due to prematurity, oxygen requirements, or other serious breathing issues should follow the recommendation of their children’s doctors.

How does a paci help prevent SIDS?

Sucking on a pacifier requires forward positioning of the tongue, thus decreasing this risk of oropharyngeal obstruction. The influence of pacifier use on sleep position may also contribute to its apparent protective effect against SIDS.

Is SIDS a form of sleep apnea?

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) has been tentatively attributed to a variety of factors, including anomalies in respiratory control. A possible link was reported between SIDS and a family history of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (1). Anecdotal reports have also associated obstructive breathing events with SIDS.

Can a SIDS baby be revived?

If possible, the family needs to understand that SIDS deaths occur and there’s no way to either predict these deaths or prevent them. Further, they need to understand that the baby is beyond medical care and attempting resuscitation measures won’t bring back their child.