CompletedObservational

Testing a home sleep monitoring system for sleep apnoea

This study is looking for adults suspected of having sleep apnoea to test a new, easier way to monitor their sleep at home. Sleep apnoea is a common condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep, affecting sleep quality and health. Currently, home sleep tests use many sensors and can be hard to access. This new system uses only a small chest patch and a wrist-worn device. Participants will use both the new system and the standard test on one night, then the new system for a few more nights. The aim is to see if this simpler method can accurately detect sleep apnoea, potentially making it much easier for people to get tested in the future.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

Start

13 Nov 2025

Estimated completion

20 Feb 2026

Obstructive sleep apnoea

What is this study about?

This study is about making it simpler and easier for people to get tested for a common sleep problem called sleep apnoea. Sleep apnoea is when your breathing repeatedly pauses or gets very shallow while you're asleep. This can stop you from getting proper rest and has been linked to other health issues like high blood pressure and heart problems. At the moment, the main way to check for sleep apnoea at home involves using several different sensors, which can be a bit complicated and sometimes hard to get.

Researchers at the University of Oxford are testing a new device that's much simpler. It involves just a small patch you wear on your chest and a device on your wrist. The goal is to see if this new, simpler system can spot sleep apnoea as accurately as the current tests. If it does, it could mean more people can get tested quickly and easily, which is a big step towards better care for sleep apnoea.

Taking part won't directly benefit you, but your contribution is really important. It will help doctors understand if this new system is good enough to be used more widely. This could eventually improve how sleep apnoea is diagnosed for many people in the future.

Key takeaways

Testing a new, simpler gadget for sleep apnoea at home.
Compares a small chest patch/wrist device to standard tests.
Aims to make sleep apnoea diagnosis easier for everyone.
Involves using devices at home and a few short clinic visits.
Very low risk; potential for mild skin irritation.
Your input helps improve future sleep apnoea testing.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to take part if you are an adult, aged 18 or older. You should have been referred to the Oxford Sleep Unit because your doctor thinks you might have sleep apnoea.

However, you won't be able to join the study if you have an allergy to the sticky material (medical adhesive) used in the chest patch for the new monitoring system. This is important for your safety and comfort during the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Has your doctor referred you to the Oxford Sleep Unit because they think you might have sleep apnoea?
Are you comfortable using home monitoring equipment?
Do you have any allergies or bad reactions to sticky plasters or medical adhesives?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join, you'll need to use two different sleep monitoring systems on the same night at home: the new system being tested, and the standard sleep apnoea test your doctor would normally recommend. After that, you'll use only the new system for up to five more nights, all at home during your normal sleep.

You will also attend up to three short appointments at the Oxford Sleep Unit. These visits are for picking up and returning the equipment. During these visits, you'll be asked to fill out short questionnaires about how comfortable the devices were and how easy they were to use. All the monitoring is done from your home and doesn't involve any needles or invasive procedures. The study is expected to run between September 2025 and March 2026.

Potential risks and benefits

There isn't a direct health benefit for you by taking part in this study. However, your involvement is incredibly valuable as it helps test a new, simpler way to diagnose sleep apnoea. If successful, this could make it easier for many more people to get tested in the future. The risks are very low; the devices used are safe and widely approved. A very small number of people might notice mild skin irritation from the sticky patch. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Oxford, England

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to see if a new, simpler sleep monitoring system can accurately detect sleep apnoea, potentially making it easier for more people to get tested.

Will I get my sleep apnoea diagnosis from this study?

This study doesn't aim to give you a diagnosis but to test the new equipment. Your involvement helps improve future testing methods.

How many times do I need to visit the hospital?

You will need to attend up to three short visits to the Oxford Sleep Unit to pick up and return equipment.

What happens if I feel uncomfortable with the equipment?

You can stop using the equipment at any time and withdraw from the study without affecting your medical care.

Is there any cost for me to participate?

No, there is no cost for you to participate in this study. It is funded by research organisations.

How to find out more

Chris Turnbull

christopher.turnbull@ouh.nhs.uk +44 (0)1865225789 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.