What type of device is commonly used to measure airflow during a sleep study?

The pneumotachograph is a device utilized in sleep studies to accurately measure airflow. It functions by detecting the rate and volume of air flowing in and out of the lungs, providing critical data on a patient's breathing patterns during sleep. This measurement is essential for diagnosing various sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, where monitoring airflow can help determine the severity and nature of the condition.

In contrast, although a thermistor can also be used to assess airflow, it primarily measures temperature changes rather than directly quantifying airflow, which makes it less precise for this specific purpose. The pulsometer is typically associated with measuring pulse rate and does not evaluate airflow, while the electromyograph is used to assess muscle activity and does not have relevance to airflow measurement in the context of sleep studies.