Detecting Sleep Apnea with Your Smartwatch: Withings vs. Apple

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As someone who’s owned a variety of smartwatches, I’ve found myself returning to analog-style watches. But recently, I switched back to my Withings ScanWatch, not for the aesthetics, but because of something far more important—my wife’s concern about my breathing at night.

Turns out, smartwatches can be more than fitness trackers; they’re also powerful tools for detecting conditions like sleep apnea.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea, occurs when the throat muscles relax too much, temporarily blocking your airway. Symptoms often include loud snoring, gasping for air, and feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Luckily, many smartwatches now include sensors that can help track your oxygen levels and breathing patterns, giving you insights into whether you’re experiencing disturbances while sleeping.

Withings vs. Apple Watch for Sleep Apnea Detection

When it comes to using smartwatches to monitor your health—especially sleep apnea—two of the most popular options are the Withings ScanWatch and the Apple Watch. But which one is better for detecting potential sleep issues?

Withings ScanWatch and ScanWatch 2

The Withings ScanWatch is a hybrid smartwatch that combines the look of an analog watch with modern health-tracking capabilities. One of its key features is its SpO2 sensor, which monitors your oxygen saturation levels during the night. Low oxygen levels are a common sign of sleep apnea, and the ScanWatch can alert you if it detects any issues.

The big advantage of the ScanWatch is its incredible battery life, which can last up to 30 days on a single charge. This makes it easy to wear it continuously without worrying about daily charging. It’s perfect for long-term health monitoring and sleep tracking, even if it doesn’t offer as many features as the Apple Watch.

Apple Watch

The Apple Watch, on the other hand, offers more advanced health features, including more precise sensors and an in-depth sleep analysis. Its blood oxygen sensor is highly accurate, and paired with its powerful apps, it can give you detailed insights into your sleep patterns, including potential breathing disturbances. The main downside is that the Apple Watch needs to be charged daily, which can be a hassle if you want to wear it overnight for continuous monitoring.

My Experience

After using both watches, I’m happy to report that my tests show minimal breathing disturbances, which is a relief. The Withings ScanWatch may not be as feature-packed as the Apple Watch, but for my needs—particularly monitoring my sleep and breathing—it’s a great fit, especially with its long battery life.

If you’re concerned about sleep apnea or want a reliable health tracker, the Withings ScanWatch is a solid choice. If you prefer deeper insights and don’t mind the frequent charging, the Apple Watch could be the better option for you.

For anyone looking to dive deeper into wearable tech and health tracking, I always recommend checking out The Quantified Scientist on YouTube. It’s a great resource for in-depth reviews and comparisons of health and fitness wearables.

In the end, both watches offer powerful tools to help you track your health, but your decision will likely come down to how you prioritize battery life, features, and convenience.

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