Observations on the limitations of two apnea/respiration monitors commonly used in the home.

The performance of two types of respiration monitor was studied with regard to detection of central apnea and individual breaths. Each monitor detected central apnea more frequently than routine intermittent nursing observation. Both false alarms, when the monitor failed to detect breathing movements (false positive for apnea), and false respiration signals, when the monitor failed to detect the absence of breathing movements (false negative for apnea) were found. The latter sometimes prevented alarms. It was found that a trial period of monitoring under the controlled conditions described permitted adjustments to be made which eliminated or minimized these sources of error. This should be considered when the monitors are issued for use in the home. It is important that persons issuing the monitors be aware of their limitations.