[New Service] Sleep apnea syndrome test

Francebed Medical Service Co., a welfare equipment rental and sales company, is offering an SAS (sleep apnea syndrome) home screening test service at the Health Sleep Medical shop in Roppongi, Tokyo.

SAS is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep that induce drowsiness during the day, and also increases the risk of complications such as high blood pressure, circulatory disease and stroke. It is said that there are an estimated 2 million SAS patient exist in Japan as people with sleep apnea are rarely aware of having difficulty breathing.

The test is conducted by wearing a pulse oximeter overnight that measures the oxygen saturation of your blood. The pulse oximeter is rented out at the Roppongi store and after the equipment is returned, results are checked by a Francebed Medical Service cooperating physician and sent to your home.

Depending on the level of SAS, the company will introduce snoring-relief bedding or a Medical institute that offers in-depth work-ups.

The test cost 5,250 yen, including tax.

For more details, visit Francebed Medical Service's Japanese Web site at www.homecare.ne.jp or contact (03)5575-2180

by Minami Iijima staff writer
The article appeared in May 27 issue of The Japan Times.