Doctors Answers (6)
Yes, you may get a sleep study at home. Screening for sleep apnea is fairly reliable but there is much variation in the results depending on which equipment is used. If the apnea I significant that variation is not usually a big issue. After you are diagnosed, it is recommended that you have you next study done in a sleep lab. There, you will be placed on a CPAP and the pressures will be increased until you stop having apnea and snoring. Sometimes, it will be best to switch to a BiPAP. This decision cannot be made without a sleep technician monitoring you. CPAP means "continuous positive airway pressure" and BiPAP is a machine which allows you to breath in with one pressure and exhale and a lower pressure. The other advantages to an attended versus a home study are such things as being able to reapply or adjust electrodes that fall off, usually measure leg movements which are an important aspect of sleep disorders, monitor any movements such as sleep walking or talking, correct artifact in the recording device, etc. You should feel much better after being treated for your sleep disordered breathing.
A home study can be ordered by any physician or a sleep specialist may order one over several nights to identify significant sleep disordered breathing. They are best used as screening tools and an in lab sleep study for CPAP titration if warranted.
Yes, you can arrange for a home sleep study, however, an in-lab study is more accurate. It picks up a lot more data such as restless leg syndrome, etc. Please call us and we can explore the options with you.
YES, however it is a very limited study and can only identify sleep apnea. If there are possible co-morbidities, i.e. restless leg syndrome, or other health issues involved it will not identify them and could lead to additional unidentified concerns. I would suggest a brief consult with a sleep staff specialist to identify and evaluate your personal needs and benefit.
Home sleep testing is an option and many times is covered by insurance policies. If it is not covered by your insurance, you would be able to pay cash for the home sleep study. Contact an Accredited Sleep Center and they can direct you to their home sleep study department.
First you would need an evaluation by a sleep specialist to assess whether you qualify for a home study. No question that a attended study in the lab has advantages as we can evaluate whether the apnea is positional or only on dream sleep.
