PIONEERING wireless technology is helping North Yorkshire patients with breathing problems enjoy better sleep and take more control of their own treatment.

The new technology remotely monitors patients on home therapy who suffer from obstructive sleep apnoea - which can result in restless nights and tiredness and has long term health implications.

To treat the condition patients wear a mask at night that gently blows air into the throat to keep the airway open. It ensures they get the correct levels of oxygen for an uninterrupted night’s sleep.

Now the Sleep Service at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton - which looks after more than 800 people with the condition - has introduced the new monitoring technology.

Around 60 patients in Hambleton and Richmondshire are currently using the system, which is also being developed for people living further away and in rural areas.

The innovative Airview equipment – developed by Resmed – is modern, quiet and easy for patients to use. It monitors patients’ sleep and saves their data securely on a cloud based system which hospital staff can then view online.

Respiratory specialist nurse Mandy Brough said the service would be much more convenient for patients.

“Remote monitoring enables us to deliver a better service. We know immediately if there is a problem so we can adjust treatment levels and spot issues as they develop,” she said.

Once a patient is set up they don’t have to attend routine appointments as frequently as they once did as the hospital can monitor the therapy and remotely trouble-shoot any problems - making it easier for all patients, but especially those who live in rural areas and have to travel a long way to hospital.

One patient now benefitting from the system is Ann Bradford, 70, from Middleham, who is undergoing treatment due to difficulty sleeping which makes her tired all the time.

“Being monitored in my own home is much more convenient for me. It gives me peace of mind knowing I can talk to someone if there are any problems and I don’t have to worry and am more confident about my treatment,” she said.

“Travelling is reduced as I don’t have to come into hospital so often, a huge benefit living in Wensleydale as it’s a long way to the hospital.

“Thanks to the treatment my quality of life has improved, I sleep much better now and am more comfortable. I’m not as tired, can do more and live life to the full.”