A method of positioning electrodes on a patient for detecting a cardiac waveform and/or a respiratory waveform includes providing a plurality of electrodes having an upper and lower surface, the lower surface having electrically conductive properties suitable to detecting a cardiac and/or respiratory waveform and substantially no adhesive properties, and the upper surface being covered in part with a material having adhesive or affixative properties. A first electrode is placed under a garment worn by the patient in the region of the left lower abdomen/inguinal region, such that the adhesive surface thereof affixes to the underside of the garment. A second electrode is placed under a garment in the region of the right lower abdomen/inguinal region, such that the adhesive surface thereof affixes to the underside of the garment.