Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the JAWAC a mandibular advancement device ?

  No. The JAWAC sensor is designed to measure the jaw activity. The JAWAC sensor is an investigation tool, not a therapeutic option.

• What does the JAWAC signal measure ?

  JAWAC comes from “Jaw Activity” and is measured by recording the distance between the two parts of the JAWAC sensor (one on the chin, the other on the forehead). Jaw activity is a powerful metrics that is made up of three components: Mouth opening, which measures oral breathing; Nervous Gnathic Twitch, which assess the activation of the central nervous system; and Mandibular Movement, which is correlated to Respiratory Effort.

• What is JAWAC?

  JAWAC comes from Jaw Activity and is measured by recording the distance between the two parts of the JAWAC sensor (one on the chin, the other on the forehead).

  Jaw activity is a powerful metrics that is made up of three components: Mouth opening, which measures oral breathing; Nervous Gnathic Twitch, which assess the activation of the central nervous system; and Mandibular Movement, which is correlated to Respiratory Effort.

• What is the difference between AHI and RDI ?

  Both the AHI and RDI are indexes used to diagnose sleep-related breathing disorders. AHI stands for Apnea Hypopnea Index, and RDI stands for Respiratory Disturbance Index. The AASM clearly defined both indexes in 2012.

  While the AHI is easier to measure and has thus become the main index for sleep-related breathing disorders, it is less exhaustive than the RDI. Here are both formulas.

  AHI = (Apnoea + hypopnea with desaturation events) / Total sleep time

  RDI = (Apnoea + hypopnea with desaturation + hypopnea with micro-arousal + RERAs*) / Total sleep time

  *RERAs: Respiratory Effort-Related Arousals

• What is the minimum age for the Brizzy / Brizzy+ / Somnolter ?

  There is no minimum age for any of the products. All products have been clinically validated for children and adults. The oximeter comes in three sizes, including one specifically for children. It remains the clinician’s responsibility to determine whether an HST is appropriate for each patient and whether a child is old enough for the size of sensors.

• What is the respiratory effort ?

  When the airways are partially or totally obstructed, the body responds by increasing the negative intrathoracic pressure to overcome the occlusion (i.e., increased respiratory effort). An esophageal sensor can measure this increased pressure. While esophageal pressure is the gold standard for respiratory effort, it is invasive and highly uncomfortable for the patient. The JAWAC sensor is an excellent surrogate of the esophageal pressure without any discomfort.

• Which patients could benefit from home sleep testing ?

  Many patients can benefit from home sleep testing. Some of the most common uses include:

  - Symptomatic patients (snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness…)

  - Patients with many risk factors (obesity, older patients, nasal obstruction, …)

  - Patients with comorbidity associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea - OSA (Stroke, cardiovascular disorders, …)

  - Patients already treated for OSA to improve the therapeutic response

   

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