AI-Driven Detection of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Using Dual-Branch CNN and Machine Learning Models

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> The purpose of this research is to compare and contrast the application of machine learning and deep learning methodologies such as a dual-branch convolutional neural network (CNN) model for detecting obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) from electrocardiogram (ECG) data. <b>Methods:</b> This approach solves the limitations of conventional polysomnography (PSG) and presents a non-invasive method for detecting OSA in its early stages with the help of AI. <b>Results:</b> The research shows that both CNN and dual-branch CNN models can identify OSA from ECG signals. The CNN model achieves validation and test accuracy of about 93% and 94%, respectively, whereas the dual-branch CNN model achieves 93% validation and 94% test accuracy. Furthermore, the dual-branch CNN obtains a ROC AUC score of 0.99, meaning that it is better at distinguishing between apnea and non-apnea cases. <b>Conclusions:</b> The results show that CNN models, especially the dual-branch CNN, are effective in apnea classification and better than traditional methods. In addition, our proposed model has the potential to be used as a reliable, non-invasive method for accurate OSA detection that is even better than the current state-of-the-art advanced methods.