A review of preventing central sleep apnea by inspired CO2.

Although almost completely unknown half a century ago, sleep disorders are gaining recognition as major issues to public health due to their growing prevalence and dire societal consequences. Despite being linked to several infamous catastrophic events such as Chernobyl, it is estimated that 90% of sufferers fail to get diagnosed and receive treatment, and a significant portion of the ones that do are often non-compliant due to the side effects of current treatments. This article presents a review of the current standard treatment for central sleep apnea, and investigates the advantages and possible consequences of using inspired carbon dioxide (CO2) as an alternative treatment option.

Simultaneous comparison of 1 gel with 4 dry electrode types for electrocardiography.

We designed a spandex tank top with dry electrodes for continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) recording. This pilot study determined the best fabric, the best electrode types, sizes, and locations. Optimal electrodes provide high signal to artifact ratio (SAR) and reliability by meeting the following criteria: 1) low baseline shift, 2) high adhesion, 3) good physical stability, 4) large effective area, 5) thin with high flexibility (Luo et al 1992). We compared electrodes from three main groups: Ag/AgCl gel electrode, commercial conductive rubber and foam-metal based electrodes. Ag/AgCl gel electrodes are easy to apply, make good body contact and do not slip during the course of an experiment. We found that higher SARs are obtained when electrode area is increased (40 mm diameter) and the two dry measurement electrodes are located on convex areas (over chest muscle) rather than concave areas (over sternum), so the spandex will apply light pressure to the dry electrode to yield good electrode to skin contact. We experimentally validated findings with 24 subjects: 12 men and 12 women wearing the tank top with gel and dry electrodes, by monitoring movements imitating daily life while continuously recording their ECGs.