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Apnea Monitor General Information
Your physician has prescribed an apnea monitor for your child. The apnea monitor should be used only as your
physician prescribes. If your physician prescribes different settings (Heart Rate or Caffeine Level) or discontinues
your apnea monitor, it is your responsibility to notify Procare Home Medical at 1-877-274-0770. A written
physician order must be obtained by Procare Home Medical for any changes regarding your apnea monitor.
The
apnea monitor can be dangerous if misused.
What is the Purpose of the Apnea Monitor
An apnea Monitor is designed to monitor and record your baby’s breathing and heart activity. The monitor alerts
you if either of these activities exceeds the limit prescribed by your physician. Patient alarm limits are prescribed
by your physician and set by the Procare Home Medical before the Apnea monitor is delivered. During
monitoring, when the baby's breathing effort and heart activity are not within these set boundaries, an indicator
light comes on and an alarm sounds.
Generally, the monitor is used till the baby has gone two (2) full months without a “true alarm. Downloads are
required to confirm the type of event.
General Precautions
Read the Apnea Monitor instructions provided. If you have a question concerning the operation,
maintenance or safety of the apnea monitor, please call Procare Home Medical at 1-877-274-0770.
Use this product only for its intended purpose. Do
not
stop using the equipment until directed by your
physician.
Baby should be monitored every time they are in a vehicle, bus, train or airplane. Most events occur
during sleep.
Baby should not sleep with parents and/or siblings. The monitor may detect the body movements of the
parents and/or sibling and not alarm correctly.
The apnea monitor may not be able to detect all episodes of inadequate breathing. If a baby has apnea
due to choking (obstructive apnea) or seizures, the monitor could mistake movement caused by choking
for breathing.
The apnea monitor is a monitoring device only. It does not prevent the loss of breathing or heart activity,
nor will it restore breathing or heart activity.
It will not prevent death
.
Anyone using the apnea monitor should be trained in CPR.
Keep the apnea monitor at least three (3) feet away from oxygen and flammable gases to prevent a fire.
Do not place the apnea monitor in the crib.
Do not allow the patient cable, lead wires or power cords to become tangled, coiled, crossed, or wrapped
around the baby’s neck, arms or legs.
This could result in strangulation
.
Never use the apnea monitor when bathing you baby.
Be aware that signal interference can occur from external sources.
o
Keep the apnea monitor at least three (3) feet away from electronic devices i.e. TV, electric
blankets, microwave or cellular/cordless phones.
o
Avoid fabrics and rugs that may cause static electricity. Touching a grounded path (wall or crib)
will prevent static build up.
o
Avoid transmitter signals i.e. TV, radio police fire and ambulance stations. The monitor may pick
up the signal as a breath or heart signals.
o
If monitoring two or more infants in the same area, keep the monitor, patient, patient cables and
lead wires at least three (3) feet apart.
Use only supplies designed for your apnea monitor.
Keep power cord away from heated surfaces.
If you live in an area that has frequent power outages, it is recommended that you have a backup
generator on hand.
Never operate equipment if:
1.
It has a damaged cord.
