Device to Check Breathing

The following devices can be used to test the functioning of the respiratory system both in the doctor’s office and at home. Frequent tasting at home is highly recommended since a problem discovered early is easy to eliminate. Testing has been made possible through the invention of the following useful testing devices.

Wearable Respiratory Sensors

Technology has led to the discovery of very useful devices, wearable respiratory sensors. These wearable sensors include devices that can be easily be mounted on clothes or belts. Some are now attached directly into contact with your skin. There are different types of respiratory sensors which we are going to look at next.

Pressure sensors

This type of wearable respiratory sensor uses the mechanism of the contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm when one is breathing in and out. Researchers have come up with a wearable pressure sensor called electromechanical film (EMFif). These electromechanical films are designed to look like a normal belt that we wear. The pressure sensors are attached to the belt so that when a person breathes in and out the contraction of the diaphragm will exact pressure on the sensor attached to the belt. The application of the force during chest movement produces a change in voltage on the sensor that is directly proportional to the diaphragm movement. These electromechanical films have a high sensitivity that enables them to be very accurate even to a slight change in the chest movement will be detected.

Facemask Pressure Sensors

This type of wearable sensor is indirect with the person’s breath, both when the is being inhaled and when it is exhaled. A person has to wear a facemask so that the air force can be measured. The respiratory pressure is calculated and since the facemask is usually connected to your phone, the respiratory resistance can be determined easily. This type of sensor was designed to be applied in both clinical and in-home setup.

Acoustic Sensors

This device is used to monitor the sounds produced by the lungs during breathing. The signal can be placed on the following body parts; mouth, throat, and nose. This device was made to measure the respiratory rate during sleeping time. The device has a small microphone that is usually placed next to the nose. Just like facemask pressure sensors, acoustic sensors are connected to smartphones through Bluetooth communication and data can be sent to the phone directly.

Humidity Sensors

These other types of wearable devices can detect moisture. The sensors can sense human respiration, speaking, apnea, and whistle rhythm. They are highly useful in analyzing human breath. The only disadvantage is that it is not comfortable especially when the device has to be worn for a long time.

Oximeter

This device is important in measuring the concentration of oxygen in the blood (oxygen saturation). Oximeters have an infrared emitter that illuminates the skin. Oximeter receivers can measure the amount of absorbed light relative to the amount of both oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. This device is usually worn on the finger, wrist, thigh, ankle, and head.

Acceleration Sensors

These wearable sensors are used to measure and monitor the movement of the respiratory system during breathing in and out.