I can't figure out if this is a good idea, or if it's something created to capitalize on hyper safety-conscious new parents. A South African company has recently developed the RespiSense - a small device that when put in a baby's diaper monitors breathing patterns. Then, if the monitor detects a 15 second pause in breathing, it will vibrate to stimulate the baby back into breathing. The claim is it will help to prevent "cot death" or as we call it, SIDS.
Their web site doesn't have any data on it's efficacy, or even a single testimonial from anyone in the medical field. Apparently they are beginning real testing now, but I'm surprised that they can sell it at all (I guess the rules in South Africa are different than here in the US). It will be interesting to see the results.
RespiSense Buzz for SIDS [Medgadget.com via transporttrends.com]
As the inventor of the Respisense monitor I hope to be able to address the questions raised.
>I can't figure out if this is a good idea, or if it's something created to capitalize on hyper safety-conscious new parents.
When our triplets were born 6 weeks prematurely and the girl, Kirsten, had to be treated for apnea we realised the value of home monitoring. We searched for a monitor that would work with three babies sharing a cot, but none were available. So I set about designing one to serve a real need. Fortunately our triplets grew up healthy, and at over 2 years old now are past the dangerous periods for apnea of prematurity and SIDS.
Moreover, judging by the responses we've had from paediatricians, academics, gynaecologists, general practitioners, nurses and parents here and in the UK, the Respisense monitor does seem to be a good idea. It is the first monitor of its kind that is perfectly portable, inherently safe in design and can gently stimulate a baby that has stopped breathing. More info at www.respisense.com.
>Apparently they are beginning real testing now...
The design has been extensively tested over many months on a number of babies ranging from neonates (of as young as 26 weeks gestational age) to 2 years old, with excellent results. What was referred to in the article was general electronic and further clinical testing under the guidance of a world-renowned paediatrician, to conclude our development phase.
>..., but I'm surprised that they can sell it at all...
The monitors are not yet for sale, although they should be available in South Africa and the UK by November 2005.
>... (I guess the rules in South Africa are different than here in the US).
South Africa has adopted European standards, and when the monitor reaches the shelves it will carry the CE mark of conformity accepted by the 25 states (and 450 million inhabitants) that make up the EU.
I trust the above addressed your concerns.
Kind regards
Hans Pietersen
Managing Director,
Infantrust Parenting Solutions (Pty) Ltd.,
South Africa
www.infantrust.com
Posted by: Hans Pietersen | October 04, 2005 at 12:07 PM
Hi,
When our first baby was born, we ran out and got a baby breathing monitor that is really popular here called BabySense. It is easy to use, very reliable, and helps calm new parents as it clearly indicates when everything is OK, and sounds a loud alarm if the baby has any problems breathing.
I was so impressed that I started selling the product online !!!
After a few weeks, I received an amazing email from a father in New Zealand describing how BabySense had saved his sons lfe.
(see http://www.babysafetymonitor.com/pd2-83.htm for the original email)
After some encouragement, the manufacturer finally released a version which has FDA approval for sales in the US - the BabySense V.
BabySense V is a huge success. Many parents write to me days after they start using it, telling me how they couldn't imagine being without it.
As a new parent, SIDS is a real concern. How often do you go over to the baby when they are sleeping, just to check that they are OK ?
Why not provide an extra level of protection for your child, and extra calm for yourselves. BabySense costs less than most baby equipment, and may turn out to be the best investment you make.
By the way, BabySense is approved and recommended by a range of doctors, is even used in hospitals, and has European certification as a medical device.
More info is available at www.BabySafetyMonitor.com - or feel free to email me with an questions - jonathan@innovation-world.com
Enjoy parenting...!!
Jonathan
Posted by: Jonathan | November 27, 2005 at 11:37 PM
Hi,
When our first baby was born, we ran out and got a baby breathing monitor that is really popular here called BabySense. It is easy to use, very reliable, and helps calm new parents as it clearly indicates when everything is OK, and sounds a loud alarm if the baby has any problems breathing.
I was so impressed that I started selling the product online !!!
After a few weeks, I received an amazing email from a father in New Zealand describing how BabySense had saved his sons lfe.
(see http://www.babysafetymonitor.com/pd2-83.htm for the original email)
After some encouragement, the manufacturer finally released a version which has FDA approval for sales in the US - the BabySense V.
BabySense V is a huge success. Many parents write to me days after they start using it, telling me how they couldn't imagine being without it.
As a new parent, SIDS is a real concern. How often do you go over to the baby when they are sleeping, just to check that they are OK ?
Why not provide an extra level of protection for your child, and extra calm for yourselves. BabySense costs less than most baby equipment, and may turn out to be the best investment you make.
By the way, BabySense is approved and recommended by a range of doctors, is even used in hospitals, and has European certification as a medical device.
More info is available at www.BabySafetyMonitor.com - or feel free to email me with an questions - jonathan@innovation-world.com
Enjoy parenting...!!
Jonathan
Posted by: Jonathan | November 27, 2005 at 11:38 PM
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Posted by: Doctor Norman Blumenthal | February 03, 2009 at 05:42 AM