A unitary sensor is provided that includes a frame upon which electrical
and optical components may be disposed and a coating, such as an
overmolded coating provided about the frame. The unitary sensor includes
one or more diaphragm structures formed from thin regions of the coating
material and disposed generally about at least one of the optical
components. The diaphragm structure or structures allow the optical
components to be separated, such as by application of an opposing force
to the lateral sides of the sensor, such that the sensor may be placed on
a patient. The sensor may thereby be placed on a patient's finger, toe,
and so forth to obtain pulse oximetry or other physiological
measurements.