Monitoring Your Child's Sleep Oxygen Level With An Oximeter

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To assess your child's breathing during sleeping hours, the amount of oxygen in the blood can be measured with an oximetry test. To measure the sleep oxygen level of your child, there are a number of products that can be used.

First things first, however. What is oximetry? It is a painless and simple test that is used to measure blood oxygen levels. A pulse oximeter is a machine that is used for this process. Onto the earlobe, toe, or finger of your child, a sensor is placed. The amount of oxygen in the blood of your child is measured through a sensor which utilizes light. Their heart rate is also monitored. These devices are very easy to use, simple to put on, and do not hurt the child.

There are a couple of ways in which your child's blood oxygen level can be measured through oximetry. They are as follows:

  • At either a hospital or at home, over a slightly lengthy period of time.
  • Spot oximetry – an easy and quick method accomplished in several minutes.

Types of Oximetry Tests

The following are types of oximetry tests and some instances in which they may be used:

Overnight pulse oximetry:

  • This is an assessment to determine whether oxygen levels are dipping/dropping or changing briefly while your child sleeps.
  • Due to low or poor lung function, this test checks for hypoxia (low oxygen levels). Example: In a baby who may need oxygen because they were premature.

Continuous pulse oximetry:

  • This test can be done over days or over hours when a child is sick in the hospital. The need for oxygen therapy can be better determined through this test.
  • To make sure that a treatment is properly functioning/working, continuous oximetry may be executed if a child is using respiratory equipment for their breathing at night.

Spot oximetry:

  • In newborn babies with heart problems, to check for hypoxia (low oxygen levels), spot oximetry can be used.
  • More information can be gleaned, in this case, from a neonatal doctor. These tests take just a few minutes.

Key Considerations

When it comes to measuring overnight oximetry, there are some key things to remember. These are as follows:

  • If an overnight oximetry test is arranged by a doctor, they are responsible for arranging follow-up tests or treatments and informing you of the results.
  • Your child may still have sleep-occurring breathing problems, even if you receive normal results as a result of an overnight oximetry.
  • To assess your child's breathing during sleep, many doctors go with an overnight oximetry test. Difficulties breathing could be due to an airway obstruction, a narrowing of the airway, etc.
  • Oximetry tests are painless, simple, and safe.

Note: The key to peace of mind when it comes to whether or not your child is exchanging enough oxygen to be at safe levels is consulting a physician. Simple oximetry tests can be done in the home, but referring your child's case to a doctor is the safest idea for the best results. This is particularly true if you go ahead and test your child's blood oxygen on your own, with a home device, and discover abnormalities or irregularities.

LOOKEE Health-Technology Provides Better Sleep For Children

Are you concerned that your child isn't getting enough oxygen while they sleep? At LOOKEE Health-Technology, we offer a couple of different oximeters:

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To monitor sleep patterns, provide real-time data with one of our LOOKEE Sleep Monitors. This device allows you to track oxygen levels with a free mobile app.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions. Check us out today!