Electrode holder, headwear, and wire jacket adapted for use in sleep apnea testing

Abstract

An electrode holder is adapted for cooperating with a strap applied to a body part of a patient to hold a surface electrode to the skin. The electrode holder includes a base and a post projecting from the base. The post is adapted for extending through the strap and into a cavity formed with the electrode. The electrode holder is releasably attached to the strap by mating hook and loop fasteners. Once attached, the post of the holder secures the electrode in position thereby reducing motion artifacts caused by disturbance of the electrode after placement against the skin of the patient.

1 . In combination with a strap adapted for being applied to a body part of a patient, an electrode holder cooperating with said strap to hold a surface electrode to the skin of the patient, said electrode holder comprising: 
 (a) a base;    (b) a post projecting from said base, and extending through said strap for insertion into a cavity formed with the electrode; and    (c) a fastener located on said base and adapted for releasably mating with a complementary fastener located on the strap, whereby said post secures said electrode in position after placement against the skin of the patient.    
   
   
       2 . A combination holder according to  claim 1 , wherein said post comprises a reinforcing member formed with said base.  
   
   
       3 . A combination according to  claim 2 , wherein said reinforcing member has a generally x-shaped cross-section.  
   
   
       4 . A combination according to  claim 2 , wherein said post further comprises an electrode-penetrating tip extending from said reinforcing member.  
   
   
       5 . A combination according to  claim 4 , wherein said electrode-penetrating tip has a rounded end to facilitate entry into the cavity of the electrode.  
   
   
       6 . A combination according to  claim 1 , wherein said base comprises a substantially flat disk.  
   
   
       7 . A combination according to  claim 1 , wherein said base and said post are integrally formed together of a molded polymer.  
   
   
       8 . A combination according to  claim 7 , wherein said polymer comprises ABS plastic.  
   
   
       9 . A combination according to  claim 1 , wherein said strap defines a post-receiving slit accommodating passage of said post through said strap and into the cavity of the electrode.  
   
   
       10 . In combination with a strap adapted for being applied to a body part of a patient and at least one surface electrode, an electrode holder cooperating with said strap to hold said electrode to the skin of the patient, said electrode holder comprising: 
 (a) a base; and    (b) a post projecting from said base, and extending through said strap for insertion into a cavity formed with said electrode, whereby said post secures said electrode in position after placement against the skin of the patient.    
   
   
       11 . A combination holder according to  claim 10 , wherein said post comprises a reinforcing member formed with said base.  
   
   
       12 . A combination according to  claim 11 , wherein said reinforcing member has a generally x-shaped cross-section.  
   
   
       13 . A combination according to  claim 12 , wherein said post further comprises an electrode-penetrating tip extending from said reinforcing member.  
   
   
       14 . A combination according to  claim 13 , wherein said electrode-penetrating tip has a rounded end to facilitate entry into the cavity of the electrode.  
   
   
       15 . A combination according to  claim 10 , wherein said strap defines a post-receiving slit accommodating passage of said post through said strap and into the cavity of the electrode.  
   
   
       16 . A combination according to  claim 10 , wherein said base comprises a substantially flat disk.  
   
   
       17 . In combination with a strap adapted for being applied to a body part of a patient, a plurality of surface electrodes, and a plurality of lead wires extending from respective electrodes, the combination further comprising: 
 a plurality of electrode holders cooperating with said strap to hold respective electrodes to the skin of the patient, each electrode holder comprising:    (i) a base; and    (ii) a post projecting from said base, and extending through said strap for insertion into a cavity formed with said electrode, whereby said post secures said electrode in position after placement against the skin of the patient; and    an elongated wire jacket surrounding said plurality of lead wires.    
   
   
       18 . A combination according to  claim 17 , wherein said wire jacket comprises a longitudinal closure adapted for removably closing said wire jacket around said plurality of lead wires.  
   
   
       19 . A combination according to  claim 18 , longitudinal closure comprises a zipper closure.  
   
   
       20 . A combination according to  claim 17 , wherein said wire jacket is constructed of a flexible fabric.