NightBalance Lunoa Review
When it comes to obstructive sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the gold standard and typically the first line of treatment. CPAP delivers pressurized air to the airway, which helps keep the airway open and reduces instances of disturbed breathing. When CPAP therapy works, the patient immediately feels relief. However, in some cases, the patient may struggle to adapt to CPAP therapy. For patients with positional obstructive sleep apnea (POSA)—roughly 36-47% of patients with OSA1—a new sleep position therapy device called NightBalance Lunoa may be the answer.
What is positional obstructive sleep apnea?
Positional obstructive sleep apnea (POSA) is different from other types of obstructive sleep apnea in that a vast majority of the symptoms occur when sleeping on your back. Therefore, if the position you are sleeping in can be managed, it can help decrease symptoms of POSA.
Introducing Philips NightBalance Lunoa
The NightBalance Lunoa is a palm-sized, ultra-thin device that is worn across the chest in a soft, adjustable belt. Over the course of the night, it delivers gentle vibrations to encourage a shift from sleeping on your back to sleeping on your side. The NightBalance Lunoa monitors your sleep positions and adjusts the intensity of the vibrations as needed, without disturbing your sleep. All the data is uploaded directly into an online dashboard and can be accessible by both patient and physician.
Patients with POSA who used NightBalance Lunoa for two years report 66% fewer episodes of waking during the night. Further, 70% felt less sleepy during the day and 72% noticed a decrease in fatigue during the day.2
NightBalance Lunoa Highlights:
- Continuously monitors sleep positions and adjusts vibration intensity based on individual needs
- Delays therapy for 15 minutes after start to allow patient to fall asleep comfortably in any position
- Offers pause mode if patient needs to get up in the middle of the night
- Prompts sleep position change without disturbing sleep
How does the NightBalance Lunoa work?
Simply place the device inside the device pocket of the chest strap with the buttons on the top and display facing away from the body. Move the strap so the device is in the middle of your chest. Once turned on, the device will wait 15 minutes to allow you to fall asleep comfortably in any position you prefer. The device works with any sleep position.
During an initial 9-day adaptation period, the Lunoa SPT device tracks individual sleep patterns and the intensity of the vibration needed to alter the sleeping position without disturbing sleep. For the first two nights, the device collects baseline data on sleep patterns and provides no vibrations. From night 3 to 9, the device gradually builds up the amount and intensity of vibrations to allow the user to get used to the therapy. The device comes with 10 levels of vibrations and 5 vibration patterns to stay effective and prevent habituation. After night 9, the device will provide full position therapy and you will see noticeable results immediately.
Who is the Lunoa SPT best suited for?
The Lunoa SPT device is indicated for patients with positional obstructive sleep apnea with a non-supine apnea-hypopnea index of <20. It cannot be used by patients with pacemakers, those who sleep upright, or require more than two pillows during sleep. It is not recommended for patients who are supposed to sleep in the supine position because of a medical condition, such as back or shoulder surgery.
What if I don’t like the Lunoa SPT?
There is a tremendous amount of confidence that the NightBalance Lunoa can be an effective solution for positional obstructive sleep apnea. In fact, there is 30-day no questions asked money-back guarantee.
Do I need a prescription for NightBalance Lunoa?
Yes, the NightBalance Lunoa is a prescription-only device.
Is the Lunoa SPT comfortable?
Patients with POSA feel like the NightBalance Lunoa is more comfortable than PAP therapy. This device only requires a lightweight chest strap, which is made of polyamide, polyester, and lyrca and tested to be biocompatible. The chest strap is easy to wear and adjustable.
What comes in the package?
NightBalance Lunoa comes with the Lunoa SPT device, a torso strap and strap extension, a recharging and docking station and charging cable, a travel case to easily store and transport the device, and a user manual.
The sensor device is lightweight and tiny, measuring 2.7 x 1.7 x 0.5 inches. The docking station, which recharges the Lunoa SPT device and sends data directly to the portal, measures 4 x 3.3 x 1.2 inches.
How often do I have to charge the device?
The NightBalance Lunoa should be charged every other day for optimal performance. It is recommended that the device is charged every morning after use by simply placing the device on the docking station. All the data will also be transferred to the patient portal once the device is placed on the docking station.
Can NightBalance Lunoa be used in conjunction with other sleep therapy?
The Lunoa SPT can be used in conjunction with any PAP or oral appliance.
Is NightBalance Lunoa FAA-approved?
The device can be taken on a plane but it is not FAA-approved to be worn while in-flight.
Is there a warranty?
The Lunoa SPT device and docking station come with a 2-year warranty. The chest strap and device batteries are not included in the warranty. The warranty does not cover damage or malfunction due to incorrect use, unauthorized alterations or repairs to the device or not storing the device as indicated.
The service life for the Lunoa SPT and its accessories are:
- Sensor device and docking station: 3 years
- Chest strap and extension strap: 1 year
- Travel case: 3 years
How do I clean the device?
The chest strap and extension piece can be washed regularly (once per week or when dirty) with a mild detergent in a washing machine. Do not use chlorine bleach or fabric softener. The straps should air dry. Do not place the device in a wet strap.
To clean the sensor device and docking station, turn the devices off and wipe clean with a dampened cloth with water or mild cleaning solution if dirty. Do not use bleach or aggressive cleaning solutions. Make sure that water does not get into any openings.
When asked, 88% of NightBalance Lunoa users said they would recommend the device.2 We want you to give the Lunoa SPT a chance, so we’re offering a 30-day risk-free, money back guarantee. What are you waiting for?
References:
- Cartwright RD. Effect of sleep position on sleep apnea severity. Sleep. 1984;7(2):110-14.
- Dutch Apnea Society. Dutch survey based on 75 NightBalance Lunoa users for an average of 2.2 years. 2017.
