Alice PDx Thermistor

Overview of Alice PDx Thermistor Airflow Sensor

The Alice PDx thermistor is a clinical-grade thermal airflow sensor designed specifically for the Philips Respironics Alice PDx portable sleep diagnostic recorder. Engineered with rapid-response heat-sensing prongs positioned directly below the patient’s nose and mouth, this sensor detects temperature fluctuations between warm exhaled air and cooler inhaled air to produce stable respiratory airflow traces during clinical polysomnography (PSG) and home sleep testing (HST).

Table of Contents

• AASM Compliance & Apnea Detection
• Key Features & Sensor Architecture
• Technical Specifications
• Patient Fitting & Placement Instructions
• Cleaning, Disinfection & Care
• Frequently Asked Questions

AASM Compliance & Apnea Detection

American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) diagnostic guidelines designate thermal airflow sensors as the primary standard for identifying and scoring respiratory cessation during sleep studies. The Alice PDx thermistor produces clear analog electrical voltages that correlate directly with oral and nasal respiration. This rapid thermal response enables sleep technologists to differentiate between complete obstructive sleep apnea episodes, mixed apneas, and hypopneas without signal drift.

Key Features & Sensor Architecture

• Multi-Element Oral/Nasal Detection: Equipped with dual nasal prongs and an oral excursion element to capture both nasal breathing and mouth-breathing patterns accurately.
• Malleable Contoured Arms: Flexible sensor wire arms allow custom bending to fit patient facial profiles without blocking natural ventilation or touching mucosal tissue.
• Low-Noise Shielded Cable: Heavy-duty, shielded lead cable suppresses baseline artifact, EMI interference, and movement distortion during overnight sleep recordings.
• Standard Touch-Proof Connection: Precision-molded connector plug interfaces directly with the thermal flow channel on the Alice PDx base unit.
• Category: Alice PDx Accessories and Alice 6 Accessories.

Technical Specifications

• Product Name: Alice PDx Thermal Airflow Sensor / Thermistor Flow Probe
• Compatibility: Philips Respironics Alice PDx Sleep Diagnostic System
• Sensor Elements: Multiple thermal-sensitive resistive elements (Nasal & Oral)
• Cable Length: Clinical standard flexible length with molded strain relief
• Patient Sizing: Adult diagnostic use
• Reusability: Fully reusable and surface-disinfectable
• Origin & Import: Distributed by Medicorama
• Global Delivery: Express international dispatch via FedEx and DHL Express with online tracking

Patient Fitting & Placement Instructions

To ensure high waveform fidelity and eliminate baseline sway with your Alice PDx thermistor:

1. Position the sensor harness across the patient’s upper lip, aligning the dual nasal elements directly underneath the nares (nostrils).
2. Ensure the extended oral prong curves gently down in front of the mouth opening without contacting the lips.
3. Loop the flexible side leads over the patient’s ears and tighten the adjustable sliding cinch under the chin for a secure, comfortable fit.
4. Plug the sensor termination securely into the dedicated thermal flow input port on the Alice PDx unit.
5. Verify that clear respiratory baseline oscillations appear in Sleepware G3 prior to initiating the recording.

Cleaning, Disinfection & Care

Proper maintenance of each Alice PDx thermistor protects sensitive thermal beads and extends product life:

• Wipe the sensor body, prongs, and lead cable with 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes or hospital-grade surface disinfectant between patient studies.
• Do not submerge the sensor connector in liquid baths or place the unit inside an autoclave.
• Allow all surfaces to air dry thoroughly before storage in a protective pouch.
• Store the lead wire loosely coiled to avoid kinking internal conductor strands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can this thermistor be used together with a nasal pressure cannula?
Yes, sleep scoring guidelines often combine thermal sensors (for apnea detection) with nasal pressure cannulas (for hypopnea detection).

Is this sensor suitable for mouth breathers?
Yes, the integrated oral sensing prong captures respiratory airflow even when patients switch completely from nasal to mouth breathing.

How fast is dispatch for international orders?
Orders are packaged in protective materials and dispatched within 24 to 48 hours via FedEx and DHL Express with full end-to-end tracking.

Explore our complete catalog of sleep diagnostic equipment accessories or contact our technical team for institutional bulk orders. Order your Alice PDx thermistor today for reliable overnight respiratory airflow detection.