By Jordan Stern, MD
Founder and CEO, BlueSleep
Apple’s Brand Power Can Help Millions.
Kudos to Apple for investing in public health and specifically Sleep Apnea, a potentially serious medical disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It affects close to a billion people worldwide and leads to serious health risks such as hypertension and heart disease. Let’s take a closer look at what Apple’s smartwatch means for the diagnosis and treatment of Sleep Apnea.
What’s the Meaning of “Possible Sleep Apnea?
Your watch is simply telling you that you have the risk of Sleep Apnea. It’s not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis. Risk assessments for Sleep Apnea are pretty common. BlueSleep offers a free, simplified version of the STOP-BANG questionnaire screening for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, yet the Apple Watch is convenient and sufficient for identifying risk.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave Apple’s new feature limited approval. The Product Classification states that Apple Watch can identify the risk of sleep apnea, clearly stating: “It is not intended to provide a standalone diagnosis, replace traditional methods of diagnosis (e.g., polysomnography), assist clinicians in diagnosing sleep disorders, or be used as an apnea monitor.”
What Does Apple Watch Measure to Identify the Risk of Sleep Apnea?
The FDA approved Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10 and Ultra 2 for detecting “Breathing Disturbances” while users are sleeping. Users can view their nightly Breathing Disturbances in the Health app, where they are classified as elevated or not elevated.
The Watch has an “Accelerometer” which monitors small movements at the wrist during sleep that are associated with interruptions in normal respiratory patterns. Apple’s clinical testing showed that the notifications achieved a 66.6% Sensitivity rate, the percentage of participants with moderate to severe sleep apnea who are correctly identified by the algorithm.
Apple sees value in being the “Intelligent Guardian for Users’ Health”. The algorithm sends Users a notification update every 30 days, and users can track their results over a one-month, six-month, or one-year period.
We recommend you should take these notifications seriously and seek treatment ASAP.
Does the Apple Watch Measure Blood Oxygen Levels?
The Apple Watch used to be even more intelligent for detecting sleep apnea. The Apple Series 6 and later, including the Ultra 2, had a Blood Oxygen App that measured the key indicator of Sleep Apnea–blood oxygen levels.
Apple discontinued selling Watches with this feature on January 18, 2024 due to a patent dispute with Masimo, after the U.S. International Trade Commission ruled that some Apple Watches violated Masimo’s patents. Users prior to January 18, 2024 can still access their blood oxygen levels, but the new phones don’t have this feature until the dispute is settled.
Will Medical Insurance Accept Apple Watch Data to Pay for Treatment?
No. You still need an FDA-approved Home Sleep Test (or in-clinic polysomnography) for the detection of Sleep Apnea. Assuming you’ve met your deductible, medical insurance will pay for the sleep test, which is REQUIRED to pay for the treatment of Sleep Apnea. While Apple Watch users prior to January 18, 2024 can still access the Blood Oxygen App, they still need an approved Home Sleep Test or equivalent for insurance coverage.
How Do You Medically Diagnose and Treat Sleep Apnea?
If you receive the notification of “Possible Sleep Apnea”, the Watch instructs users “to discuss this notification with your doctor at your next appointment.” This notification, likely written by a team of well-paid lawyers to prevent lawsuits, soft pedals the seriousness of the problem. Sleep Apnea causes hypertension, heart problems, and lots of other medical issues that cause premature death. Don’t wait for your next appointment with your primary care doctor. Take action now!
- Make an appointment with a Sleep Specialist like BlueSleep
- Your provider will order a Home Sleep Test (more affordable and convenient than an in-lab test) which will indicate if you have mild, moderate, severe or no Sleep Apnea.
- Discuss the results with your provider and get treatment – a custom Oral Appliance or CPAP. Be wary of gimmicks like nose plugs, mouth tape, jaw closers, and over-the-counter mouthguards. They are clinically unproven.
The Future of Wearable Health Tech
The introduction of sleep apnea detection in the Apple Watch is just the beginning. As wearable technology continues to advance, we can expect even more sophisticated health monitoring capabilities. From early detection of atrial fibrillation to potential future applications in diabetes management, the line between consumer electronics and medical devices is increasingly blurring.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch's sleep apnea detection feature represents a significant step forward in proactive health management. By putting this powerful tool on our wrists, Apple is empowering users to take control of their sleep.
Remember, while technology can provide valuable insights, it's always best to consult with healthcare professionals for proper diagnosis and treatment of any medical conditions. The Apple Watch is a tool to empower and inform, working alongside traditional medical care to help us lead healthier, more aware lives.
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