OtwoFellow: Oxymetry par excellence

Randersacker 2024: With the market launch of the O_twoFellow, SOMNOmedics AG is expanding its portfolio in the field of innovative diagnostics. Approved as a medical device, the O_twoFellow is used as an oximetry screener for both step-by-step diagnostics and therapy monitoring and control. In addition, the O_twoFellow can be combined with other systems such as the HomeSleepTest and thus fits perfectly into the existing diagnostics portfolio.

The O_twoFellow is easy to use: it is worn as a ring on the finger and measures heart rate, finger plethysmography, actigraphy, snoring and position in addition to oxygen saturation (SpO₂).

The parameters and events derived from this, such as desaturations, basal SpO₂, ODI (Oxygen Desaturation Index) and Hypoxic Burden (predictor of cardiovascular risk with associated obstructive sleep apnea) have a high diagnostic value with regard to the presence of sleep-related breathing disorders, diffusion disorders or alveolar hypoventilation. Abnormalities in these parameters are a clear indication for further diagnostics, e.g. polygraphy. The O_twoFellow thus offers a cost-effective and user-friendly way of initiating the staged diagnosis of sleep-related (respiratory) disorders for a broad patient group with oximetry screening.

However, if the patient shows a high level of nocturnal activity or increased autonomic arousals, this may indicate sleep disorders such as insomnia. Further clarification can be carried out in combination with the HomeSleepTest from SOMNOmedics.

In addition to providing diagnostic information regarding the presence of sleep-disordered breathing, the O_twoFellow can also be utilized to draw differential diagnostic conclusions about cardiovascular diseases. The parameters derived from the heart rate, such as NHRF (nocturnal heart rate fluctuations) and dipping, serve as a clear indicator of cardiac stress.

NHRF is characterised by nocturnal heart rate fluctuations of at least 10 beats per minute (bpm) lasting 5-30 seconds. Dipping is defined as a drop in heart rate of at least 10 % during sleep (analogous to blood pressure).

These parameters are complemented by extrasystoles and pauses depicted and marked in the finger plethysmogram. Abnormalities of these parameters indicate the necessity for further diagnostics, which may include a long-term ECG and blood pressure measurements.

If treatment has already been initiated, the O_twoFellow can also be used to monitor and evaluate the success of the treatment with a mandibular advancement splint or PAP therapy. The use of the O_twoFellow is flexible and independent of the actual duration of use and type of therapy.  Additionally, the O_twoFellow is utilized in clinical settings where it is advantageous to document the temporal course of oxymetry, such as in long-term oxygen therapy.

The integrated rechargeable battery has a runtime of 11 hours and thus ensures recording over the entire night or sleep time. The data is continuously recorded and stored throughout the entire measurement period. Once the recording is complete, the data is transferred to a cloud application where it is automatically pre-evaluated. Manual evaluation is possible at any time via the cloud interface. An overview report and a detailed report are made available to the attending physician in the cloud.

The O_twoFellow is now available in three ring sizes in the SOMNOmedics webshop.