Traditionally, to be diagnosed with sleep apnea, you had to complete a sleep study called a polysomnography (PSG) in a lab, hospital, or clinic. While in-lab testing is still the standard, an at-home test is another option that you and your doctor may decide is a good fit for you.
At-home sleep apnea tests are best suited for people who are suspected of having moderate to severe sleep apnea that isn’t complicated by other disorders. Taking a sleep apnea test at home can be more convenient and comfortable than in a lab, but it may have limitations as well.
We cover the pros and cons of at-home sleep apnea tests, how these tests work, and tips for taking one.
What Are At-Home Sleep Apnea Tests?
Home sleep apnea tests (HSAT) are also called unattended sleep studies or out-of-center sleep testing. The test typically involves attaching sensors to your body, which are connected to a portable monitor that records and displays different types of information.
Home sleep apnea testing can be a good alternative for diagnosing sleep apnea if you meet the following criteria:
- You likely have moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea based on your symptoms.
- Your sleep apnea is not due to other medical conditions.
- You do not have another sleep disorder.
- You are under the care of a sleep specialist.
- You can make a follow-up visit with your sleep specialist to review your test results.
If you qualify for an at-home sleep apnea test, the equipment may be delivered to your home, or you may need to pick it up from a sleep center. There are three different types of home sleep apnea devices, though types 3 and 4 are the most common.
- Type 2: These tests measure the same data as an in-lab polysomnography, which may be called a type 1 test. A technician usually helps you set up the sensors or leads at a sleep center, or they may teach you how to do it at home. Type 2 tests are not often used, because they can be too complex for a home setting.
- Type 3: These portable monitoring devices can measure up to seven different variables including respiratory, cardiac, and blood oxygen measures. Unlike in-lab tests, type 3 tests can’t track sleep data because they don’t measure brain activity. But some type 3 devices can estimate sleep measures by detecting your movement.
- Type 4: Type 4 devices are also portable but only measure one to three variables, like airflow and blood oxygen level.
What Do At-Home Sleep Apnea Tests Measure?
At-home sleep apnea tests measure bodily metrics like respiratory effort, heart rate, blood oxygen, and snoring. These measures can demonstrate that your breathing is interrupted during sleep, which can help sleep specialists make a sleep apnea diagnosis.
While at-home devices differ, certain variables are commonly measured.
- Respiratory effort: This is a measure of how well you breathe in and out. Some at-home sleep apnea tests use a belt placed around the chest to measure how your chest rises and falls as you breathe.
- Airflow: With some tests, you place a device called a nasal cannula inside each nostril to measure the flow of air into and out of your nose.
- Snoring: Some tests can detect snoring by using a chest sensor.
- Oxygen saturation: A device known as a pulse oximeter measures how much oxygen is in your blood. The device is usually placed on the tip of your finger.
- Heart rate: The pulse oximeter you wear on your finger typically also measures your heart rate.
- Body position and movement: Certain test devices include sensors that can detect your body position and movement.
- Peripheral arterial tone (PAT): Some at-home tests measure PAT as a way to track breathing, rather than measuring airflow or respiratory effort. These devices don’t require a chest band or nasal cannula.
Unlike PSG, at-home tests can’t measure sleep activity like sleep stages because they don’t use electrodes that can detect brain activity. At-home tests focus on breathing and oxygen levels, though some rely on secondary measures, like body movement, to indicate sleep quality.
Your sleep specialist will interpret your results after your test. They will likely focus on one of two sleep apnea indices, depending on your specific device.
- Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI): The AHI is the number of breathing disruptions per hour of sleep.
- Respiratory event index (REI): The REI represents the number of breathing disruptions over the total testing time.
How At-Home Sleep Apnea Tests Work
If you are experiencing sleep apnea symptoms, there are several steps that can help you obtain an at-home test and take it successfully.
- Talk to your doctor: The first step is to talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Your doctor will likely ask questions about your personal health history and family history. Your doctor may also conduct a physical exam and assess factors such as your age, sex, and weight in order to determine your sleep apnea risk.
- Get a prescription: If your doctor finds you’re at risk for moderate to severe sleep apnea, they can submit an order for an at-home sleep apnea test.
- Get your test: The test may be delivered to you, or you may go to a sleep study center to get your device and instructions on how to use it.
- Place the sensors: When you’re ready to use the test, follow the instructions for your specific device to place the sensors on your body correctly.
- Turn on the device: Following the instructions, turn on the device when you’re ready to sleep. Some devices also pair to a phone app.
- Sleep normally: Try to go to sleep as you normally do each night with the appropriate lead and sensors attached to your body. Most studies require one full night of sleep, including at least four hours of uninterrupted monitoring data.
- Remove the sensors: When you wake up, turn off the device according to instructions and remove sensors. Return the device if required.
- Discuss results with your doctor: Your doctor might make treatment recommendations based on your sleep study results, or they may determine that you need additional tests.
Pros of At-Home Sleep Apnea Tests
At-home sleep apnea tests can be more convenient, more flexible, and less costly than in-lab tests.
- Easy access: It may be difficult for you to complete an in-lab sleep apnea test depending on where you live, scheduling constraints, and other responsibilities. Having the equipment brought to your home makes testing more accessible.
- Comfort: You may find the thought of sleeping in a lab unappealing and prefer familiar surroundings instead.
- Flexibility: Having the flexibility to complete the test at home when it works best for you may make you more likely to do it.
- Lower cost: At-home tests are usually more affordable than tests in labs because they don’t require technicians to be on hand. At-home tests also tend to be covered by insurance.
- Shorter wait: You can take the test at home when you’re ready instead of when there’s an appointment available at a sleep center. You might be able to get treatment more quickly if you’re diagnosed sooner.
Cons of At-Home Sleep Apnea Tests
Despite the advantages that HSATs may have, they also come with some disadvantages.
- No technicians: Leads or sensors may come off during sleep and fail to record important information. With an at-home test, there’s no technician available to place them again or check that the device is working properly.
- More limited data: At-home tests can’t truly track sleep or arousals because they don’t measure brain waves. This may lead to underestimating the impact that breathing events have on sleep during the study. For the same reason, these tests can’t be used to diagnose other sleep disorders.
- Less accurate AHI measurement: At-home devices use different methods of calculating the AHI than a lab sleep test does. As a result, the calculated AHI number may be lower than it should be. This can lead to a missed sleep apnea diagnosis or underdiagnosis.
- Equipment differences: There is no set standard regarding which sensors or algorithms to use across devices. Device manufacturers may have their own unique ways of obtaining data. This can cause a lack of uniform results.
Is an At-Home Sleep Apnea Test Right for You?
If you meet the criteria for moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea and do not have other medical conditions or sleep disorders, your doctor may recommend an at-home sleep apnea test for you. Taking a sleep apnea test at home might be a good option for you if you have a hectic schedule, want results right away, or simply don’t like the idea of sleeping in a sleep lab.
It’s worth noting that since different sleep disorders share common features, having a sleep study in a lab is the best way to distinguish sleep apnea from other sleep disorders.
The Best At-Home Sleep Apnea Tests
Several devices on the market may be used for at-home sleep studies. For adults over the age of 18, the WatchPAT is an FDA-approved home sleep test and one of the more advanced options on the market.
The WatchPAT works by measuring seven different physiological variables, including peripheral arterial tone (PAT), body position, heart rate, oxygen saturation, body movement, snoring, and chest motion.
Because it relies on PAT measurements, it doesn’t require a chest band or nasal tubes. All it consists of is a device that fits on your wrist like a watch, a finger sensor, and a chest sensor.
Your WatchPAT will be delivered to you in the mail, after which Lofta will schedule a video appointment with a physician. Once your exam is complete and you’ve received instructions on how to use the WatchPAT, you’re free to get started. Your physician will evaluate your results and create a personalized sleep report with a treatment plan and necessary prescriptions.
Users generally report that the WatchPAT is easy to use, affordable, and that Lofta has excellent customer service.
Before You Take Your At-Home Sleep Apnea Test
Once your doctor decides that you qualify for a home sleep study, you can take several measures to help make the study successful.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks before going to sleep.
- Don’t take a nap on the day of the test.
- Avoid using hair gels or lotions the day of your test, so the leads and sensors can better attach to your body.
- Go to sleep as you normally do each night.
Be sure to reach out to your doctor with any questions or concerns you may have.
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