Breakthrough technology for next-generation wearables

Hospital costs can turn out to be a burden for both the patient and the public healthcare system. Still, a study shows that the rate of avoidable hospitalizations is growing (Xiao, Barber & Campbell, 2004). In particular, cases of dehydration have increased, which could easily be prevented with outpatient care.

Dehydration is a "a serious acute condition that occurs in frail patients and patients with other underlying illnesses following insufficient attention and support for fluid intake. Dehydration can, for the most part, be treated in an outpatient setting, but it is potentially fatal for the elderly, very young children, or patients with serious comorbid conditions." (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2001). It can also trigger other illnesses, such as infections, kidney stones and pneumonia. Monitoring dehydration and reacting early thus makes sense for both financial and health reasons. Could perspiration rate measurement be "the" technology for next-generation wearables?

Perspiration, i.e. the evaporation of water through the skin, produces an absolute moisture gradient that is proportional to the perspiration rate. When two SHTW2 humidity and temperature sensors are placed correctly, it is possible to measure this gradient accurately. Monitoring the perspiration rate not only helps to avoid dehydration, thereby saving more than a billion dollars, it also has advantages for other areas including physical activity, mood (stress and anxiety), and sleep monitoring, in addition to the measurement of skin moisture.

For many years, Sensirion has been involved in providing medical technology that helps patients to feel better and be more independent. Our tried and tested Sensirion sensor solutions play a part in this and are helping to transform the future of self-care. Find out more.