Development of an inexpensive chest belt for measuring Respiratory Effort

Sleep has a major impact on general health and wellbeing. Sleep apnea and other breathing issues during sleep, however, continue to be a significant issue. Polysomnography (PSG), the traditional diagnostic method, is usually carried out in specialised sleep labs, which can be costly and uncomfortable for patients. The respiratory-induced plethysmography (RIP) sensor is the gold standard for measuring respiratory effort, which is a crucial biofactor in sleep diagnosis. However, because RIP sensors are expensive, it is necessary to look at other affordable options. The creation of an inexpensive chest strap that gauges chest movement as a sign of breathing exertion is the main goal of this project. The belt measures the chest’s expansion using a strain gauge that is included into an elasticated band. This study’s main goal is to include the technology into a home PSG device that uses machine learning algorithms in conjunction with various sensors to detect sleep apnea in a comfortable setting. The sleeping position is also measured, as it is hypothesised that it may have a potential impact on apoea. The chest strap is designed to record respiratory activity during both sleep. The recorded data is processed and prepared for further analysis with the aim of providing an accessible and effective alternative to conventional sleep diagnostics.