Researchers say there's no link between sleep apnea and SIDS, so these monitors can't necessarily prevent SIDS, but they can alert you to potential problems or underlying issues if your infant stops breathing for too long.
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends against using breathing monitors as a method for preventing SIDS. Other solutions that can prevent SIDS include making sure the crib is free of loose blankets and objects and always keeping the baby on their back while sleeping.