Sleep Apnea Diagnosis at home, and professionally.
Whether it's the loud snoring or the constant daytime fogginess, are all the symptoms pointing in the direction of a sleep apnea diagnosis for you or a loved one?
An individual with sleep apnea experiences interruptions in their breathing while sleeping. When sleep apnea goes untreated, people stop breathing repeatedly during sleep, sometimes hundreds of times a night. In the absence of treatment, sleep apnea can cause several health problems.
With plenty of information available online about the different signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, it isn't difficult to hedge your bets on a self-diagnosis – however, in order to get started with treatment, you will likely want to confirm your theory with a professional. The good news is you don't have to participate in an expensive sleep study at a faraway clinic. Instead, you can test for sleep apnea from your own bedroom. A diagnosis can be made while you sleep from the comfort of your bed with this simple at-home monitoring device.
How does the at-home sleep test work?
What does this test entail? You simply place it on your fingertip. The TGA has approved this device, and a qualified Sleep and Respiratory Physician will review the results. The process is simple, and no doctor's recommendation is required. This device is wire-free and does not require any restrictive equipment. Testing over three nights will provide more accurate results.
So what are you waiting for? Here is a link to order the at-home sleep test. Upon receiving the test kit, you'll receive the at-home sensor, finger wraps, and an activation code for the companion app. You can use the app to record your sleep by opening it before bed and following simple instructions. One of our sleep experts will send you a detailed sleep report within 3-5 days of completing three nights of testing. A sleep expert can help you decide what's the next step for you via a phone consultation, which has been factored into the original cost of the home test.
Treatment options will depend upon the results of the test, however, CPAP treatment (continuous positive airway pressure) is the most effective and commonly prescribed treatment plan. While you sleep, CPAP machines supply humidified air through your nose, creating air pressure to keep your throat open. As a result of the open upper airway, this treatment prevents pauses in breathing caused by sleep apnea.
What are the pros of opting for an at-home sleep test?
Convenience
It is more convenient to perform tests at home than in a laboratory. By following your nightly routine, you'll be able to get a more accurate picture of how you normally breathe when you sleep. If you took a test in the lab, perhaps the change of environment would alter your standard nightly routine.
Cost
Healthline reports that at-home test kits are 21% less expensive than lab tests. It is also more likely that insurance will cover the at-home test.
Faster Diagnosis
You can do the test as soon as you have your portable breathing monitor. As a result, you may get faster results than if you conducted the test in a lab with wait times and availability to consider.
What should you do to prepare for an at-home sleep test?
During the test night, you can follow your regular bedtime routine, don't overthink it! Be sure to follow the instructions provided with the kit to connect the monitoring sensors correctly. For just $149, getting on top of your health and finding suitable treatment options has never been easier.
What if I would prefer to speak to somebody in person?
If you would prefer to speak to somebody in person about your symptoms, we also offer the option of coming into our store to meet with a sleep specialist. Sometimes the person-to-person connection is important for finding the right treatment for you. In-store, we offer CPAP trials to see if CPAP treatment is right for you. If you are interested, you can find more information here. Schedule an appointment today and be speaking with one of our experts in no time. Before purchasing a CPAP machine, a trial is a great way to ensure your personal needs and requirements are met. Please get in touch with us on 1300 414 190 to book a CPAP trial.
We hope this article has shown you how easy it is to participate in an at-home sleep test and get a diagnosis for OSA. Sleep Apnea is a very treatable sleep disorder; combining a CPAP device and healthy lifestyle changes is essential for avoiding future health problems that are otherwise associated with obstructive sleep apnea. But first, a diagnosis! Book in your test today and say goodbye to daytime sleepiness and complaints of snoring from your bed partner, all the while looking after your long-term health.