On September 16, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Apple's sleep apnea detection feature. The Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 will be able to use this feature through a software update.

q24ndr4s.png
Apple Watch can detect symptoms of sleep apnea. Photo: ZDN

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which people stop breathing completely while sleeping, repeatedly each night. The condition affects more than 30 million Americans, but only about 6 million are diagnosed, according to the American Medical Association. If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause fatigue and lead to more serious health problems, such as heart problems, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.

The sleep apnea detection feature, announced by Apple at its September 10 event, marks the company’s latest effort to position its wearable as a cheaper, simpler alternative to many of the devices and health tests available today. The sleep disorder market has proven to be very lucrative.

To get a diagnosis, patients typically have to take a test at home or in a lab, where they are monitored overnight. Prices vary by insurance, but the average lab test costs $3,000, according to a 2022 study in a medical journal. At-home tests are less expensive, but still cost hundreds of dollars. Meanwhile, the latest Apple Watch — the Series 10 — starts at $399.

Dr. David Kuhlmann, who has been treating sleep disorders for nearly 20 years, said Apple’s new feature could be a “game changer” for patients who are hesitant to get tested. He said it would be especially useful for patients who sleep alone, and he believes many will be surprised to discover they have signs of sleep apnea.

However, he recommends that users be cautious when using Apple's sleep apnea detection feature because the recordings may be inaccurate. Patients should visit medical facilities for an official diagnosis. The doctor shared that if the syndrome is identified early and treated promptly, patients will avoid expensive treatments when facing serious health problems, as well as improve their quality of life.

Mechanism of action

Apple's sleep apnea detection feature works by analyzing “breathing disturbances,” using the accelerometer on the Apple Watch to measure wrist movements that indicate disruptions in normal breathing patterns.

83r0jkkl.png
Apple says its sleep apnea detection feature will be available in more than 150 countries and territories. Photo: Apple

Users can track their nightly readings in the Health app, where they’re categorized as normal or not. Apple analyzes breathing data once a month and notifies users if they have “consistent signs” of moderate or severe sleep apnea. Data is broken down by month, six months, or one year.

Apple also creates a report for users to take to their doctor, including three months of respiratory distress data as well as some additional information. The Health app also provides related educational material.

According to the iPhone maker, the notification algorithm was developed using “an extensive dataset of clinical-grade sleep apnea tests.” Dr. Kuhlmann said he was interested in buying an Apple Watch to try it out.

The FDA also cleared software that turns Apple's AirPods into over-the-counter hearing aids a few days ago. The hearing aid feature will be available on eligible devices via a software update in the coming weeks. According to Apple, the feature works by amplifying some sounds, like speech, while reducing the volume of others, like noise. Users can take a hearing test in the Apple Health app, and the AirPods will automatically adjust based on the results.

Apple is expected to create a breakthrough for the global hearing aid market.

(According to CNBC, Wired)