A NEW NONINVASIVE APPROACH FOR MONITORING RESPIRATORY MOVEMENTS OF SLEEPING SUBJECTS

We have developed a minimally intrusive system to monitor respiratory movements of sleeping subjects. This system is based on a pressure tra nsducer which measures the changes in air pressure inside an inflatabl e mattress on which the subject sleeps. Using a mechanical filter to p rotect the transducer against the large pressure changes due to sudden movements and subject weight, we can detect the more subtle movements of the subject's chest. This paper discusses the design of the monito ring system, including the design and modelling of the mechanical filt er.