At Home Sleep Testing – Here are the Pros and the Cons

Have you been told that you snore loudly or make gasping sounds while you sleep? If so, there is a chance that you have sleep apnea, a condition that affects over 22 million Americans. Before receiving treatment, though, it’s important to be properly diagnosed. One way to start the process is with at home sleep testing, but is this a reliable method? Read on to learn about its pros and cons.

What is Sleep Apnea?

A person suffering from sleep apnea will have frequent pauses in breathing while sleeping. There are two types of the condition – Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

The following explains the difference between the two types:

• CSA – A less-occurring form of apnea, CSA refers to a failure of the brain to consistently send the message to the respiratory system to maintain breathing.
• OSA – The most common form of apnea is OSA, which refers to a partial blockage of the airway that prevents the normal flow of oxygen.

A common denominator, though, is the need for an accurate diagnosis so that the correct treatment plan can be created by a sleep dentist.

How At Home Sleep Testing Works

When it comes to convenience and cost, the at home sleep testing method is an attractive option. The procedure utilizes pre-test parameters to determine whether you have sleep apnea. The specially-designed testing devices can measure the following vital signs:

• Heart rate
• Breathing effort
• Snoring vibrations
• Blood oxygen levels
• Airflow through the nose

When At Home Sleep Testing is Better

The at home sleep testing method has been found to work best for patients who have some of the more noticeable symptoms of sleep apnea, which include loud snoring, pauses in breathing, bruxism (teeth grinding), obesity and bouts of insomnia.

When an In-Lab Test is the Better Option

There are certain situations that are better suited for an in-lab test, which include:

• Pediatric cases
• Patients who have language barriers
• Pulmonary disease
• Neuromuscular disease
• Congestive heart failure
• Warning signs of CSA

The Pros and Cons of At Home Sleep Testing

As previously mentioned, the at home sleep testing method saves time and money, but some of its cons are that it can’t diagnose CSA, insomnia and other disorders. Furthermore, a negative result may not be definitive. Thus, it may be necessary to receive a follow-up test in-lab, conducted by a sleep specialist.

While the at home sleep testing method may not always be 100% accurate, in many cases, it can be an effective way of diagnosing OSA so that patients in the Woodlands can get the rest their bodies need. If you suspect you have a form of sleep apnea, first notify your doctor and then reach out to a sleep dentist so you can be properly diagnosed.

About the Author

Dr. Robert Dernick earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston. He has since gone on to provide nearly 40 years of expert care. A life-long learner, he has received extensive training in treating sleep disorders. Dr. Dernick helps patients rest better by treating sleep apnea at his private practice, and he can be reached for more information through his website.