At Home Sleep Apnea Study.
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Sometimes sleep studies cause just enough anxiety that it makes proper sleep feel hard for the participant.

That said, in most cases, the home sleep test device can get enough information for conclusive results, even if your sleep feels “bothered”.

If you really can’t sleep (less than 2.5 hours of sleep), you may need to retake the sleep test.

Home sleep studies use a collection of sensors to track key metrics related to how your body functions during sleep, airflow, breathing, heart rate, and body position.

The Itamar WatchPAT™ One uses a wrist sensor, pulse oximeter, and chest sensor to track data in 7 areas related to sleep wellness: Apnea events (central and obstructive), true sleep time, snoring and breathing patterns, oxygen saturation, heart rate, sleep stages, and body position.

This gives a total view of your sleep health and what may be disrupting it.

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, you have two basic options for testing.

Traditionally, studies were conducted in a sleep lab over one to two nights. However, technology has provided a simpler alternative: the at-home sleep study. Either test to detect sleep apnea requires a prescription from a physician before you can take it.

Sleep apnea can be diagnosed through a home sleep test. These tests can provide sufficient data for a positive diagnosis in just one night of sleep.

The sensor data is sent directly to a sleep physician from your cell phone’s Bluetooth. Home sleep tests will help to diagnose sleep apnea, but may not provide enough data for other sleep order diagnoses such as restless leg syndrome or narcolepsy.

A sleep study is performed to diagnose sleep apnea, and other breathing conditions that can disrupt someone’s sleep and overall health.

You cannot get a CPAP without a prescription. In the United States, a CPAP machine is a federally regulated medical device that requires a prescription. The way to obtain one is to complete a sleep study, which can be done at home or at a sleep lab.

The accuracy of home sleep apnea tests ranges widely, between 68% and 91%. The accuracy depends on the type of device used and whether you are at high or low risk for having sleep apnea. The tests are significantly more accurate for people at a higher risk.

Experts recommend that home sleep apnea tests be taken only once. If the results are inconclusive or negative, your doctor may instruct you to do a polysomnography in a sleep lab to ensure accurate results.

Currently, at-home sleep tests (like the one Lofta uses) are capable of testing for obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. These tests are recommended only for people with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea symptoms. Those with a history of cardiorespiratory diseases, stroke, insomnia, or hypoventilation should do their sleep study in a lab and not conduct an at-home sleep test.

Many insurance companies cover at least a portion of a home sleep apnea study. With Medicare, you pay 20% of the sleep study cost after meeting your Part B deductible. If your doctor refers you for a sleep study, be sure to consult your insurance provider for the most accurate information regarding your coverage.

Home sleep tests measure important factors of sleep wellness, such as breathing patterns, body position, and heart rate. Data collected from a home sleep test is analyzed by a doctor to diagnose OSA.

A home CPAP test is recommended for people who:

• suspect they have moderate to severe OSA
• are at higher risk for OSA
• prefer a cheaper, more comfortable alternative to in-lab testing

An in-lab test, the alternative to a home sleep test, is recommended for people who:

• suspect their sleep issues are related to sleep disorders other than OSA
• have a history of cardiorespiratory diseases, stroke, insomnia, or hypoventilation

During your home sleep apnea test, you will wear a portable device that tracks important metrics related to your sleep health. Your sleep study results will automatically be shared with your doctor through your cell phone’s Bluetooth. Once your doctor has reviewed your overnight sleep data, they will confirm a diagnosis and, if diagnosed, a treatment plan for OSA.

Follow your normal day and sleep routine. In addition, follow the below guidelines on the day of your test:

• Don’t drink any alcoholic beverages
• Don’t use any sedatives
• Avoid coffee and caffeinated beverages after lunch
• Avoid taking a nap in the afternoon
• Inform your doctor if you take medication

Pros:

• Simple and convenient: sleep apnea home testing is more comfortable and easy compared to a traditional sleep lab.
• Affordable: a sleep study test at home is cheaper than an in-clinic sleep apnea test.
• More data collection: Sleep apnea testing at home is possible for longer periods, which is beneficial as the severity of sleep apnea may vary depending on the night. In-clinic studies are done in one night.

• Not recommended for everyone: the home sleep test isn’t for children, people with heart issues, or people with mild sleep apnea.
• Less Accurate: less information is captured as there are fewer sensors and recording devices compared to in-clinic sleep apnea tests.
• Potential set-up errors: no technologist observes the setup of the at home sleep study and potential problems with sensors may arise.

A clinician will review the test results of the sleep apnea test. The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and the respiratory disturbance or respiratory event index (RDI or REI) or the most important items to check. These metrics represent the sleep disruption per hour. An AHI over 5 with symptoms or an AHI over 15 gets diagnosed as OSA.

The Lofta home sleep test costs $189 USD, which is much cheaper than an in-lab sleep test. An in-clinic sleep study can range from $1,000 USD to $7,000 USD.