Experiences of Children With Down Syndrome and Caregivers Using Contactless Sleep Monitoring as Polysomnography Alternative

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is more prevalent in children with Down syndrome (DS), and polysomnography (PSG) is routinely performed by 4 years of age. However, application of sensors to the scalp and midface is often poorly tolerated in this population because of behavioral and sensory sensitivities, resulting in failed studies and incomplete data. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore caregiver experiences and perspectives of contactless sleep monitoring using Sonomat as an alternative to PSG. METHODS: This was a cohort study of children with DS undergoing PSG for evaluation of SDB. Caregivers completed study-specific questionnaires on their child's experiences with PSG and Sonomat (in-hospital, home). Descriptive statistics of responses are reported. RESULTS: Fifty-six children underwent simultaneous Sonomat and PSG monitoring, with 28 continuing home monitoring. Airflow sensors were poorly tolerated during PSG, with 30% of children unable to tolerate both nasal prongs and oronasal thermistor. All caregivers who used the Sonomat at home rated the experience positively; however, only 56% preferred it over in-lab PSG, indicating mixed preferences. Most caregivers found Sonomat easy to use, and a majority reported typical sleep patterns during home monitoring. CONCLUSION: The Sonomat represents a promising contactless tool for screening sleep disordered breathing in children with Down syndrome, particularly in cases where standard PSG is not tolerated. Its ease of use and acceptability suggest value in complementing traditional diagnostics, especially in home settings.