Home Sleep Test vs In-Lab Test
There are many individuals who suffer from sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, but with the rising cost of healthcare and insurance co-pays, the idea of going into a sleep lab for a diagnosis is often considered undesirable. Luckily, the alternative to a sleep lab isn’t just learning to live with a sleep disorder.
By working with ApneaMed, you can have your sleep apnea tested for at home when you use a home sleep test.
Differences Between Home Sleep Test And In-Lab Test
It is common for people to wonder why sleep labs are often encouraged if something as convenient as home sleep apnea testing exists. Why there are these two types of sleep testing comes down to their differences.
In-Lab Sleep Test
With in-lab sleep testing, you will sign up for a sleep study usually months in advance, as they are often are solidly booked. Once you can actually go in for your in-lab sleep test, you will likely be at a sleep clinic or hospital that has access to the trained technicians and necessary diagnostic machines.
Once at the sleep lab, you will go through your regular nighttime routine as best as possible in a private room until it is time for the setup for the sleep test. During the in-lab sleep test, equipment will be arranged to start testing for various sleep disorders such as circadian rhythm disorders, insomnia, breathing disorders, hypersomnia, periodic limb movement disorder, and many others.
Home Sleep Test
When you opt for a home sleep test, there are far fewer steps. All you need to do is order one from ApneaMed, and once it arrives, you can set up the home test unit for overnight recording of your sleep.
After reading through the instructions on how to use the home sleep test, you will put on the chest sensor unit, finger clip, and nasal cannula. These simple tools will work together to measure your breathing, heart rate, and overall cardiovascular effort. All you need to do once the home sleep test unit is in place is fall asleep like you normally would then mail the test back to ApneaMed for data analysis.
Benefits Of In-Lab Testing
Aside from the differences in how the two tests are conducted, there are clear benefits to choosing an in-lab sleep test. Some of the key benefits are:
- Comprehensive - With in-lab tests, all ages of patients can be studied, from young children to adults. Along with that benefit, with a sleep technician present, accommodations can be made depending on the needs of the person undergoing the test.
- Detailed - As there is more equipment used during an in-lab sleep test, you can expect a more detailed report on your sleep disorders, should you struggle with more than just sleep apnea.
- Accurate - By having a sleep technician there set up your sleep test equipment, you can be assured of a high degree of accuracy.
Benefits Of Home Sleep Testing
As with the in-lab testing, there are specific benefits which apply to choosing an at-home sleep test for your sleep apnea. A few of the main benefits are:
- Accessible - Depending on where you live, you may not be anywhere near an in-lab sleep testing clinic. Rather than driving or even flying to undergo a sleep test, a home sleep test can be delivered directly to your door when you order yours through ApneaMed. After your test is done, all you need to do is mail the sleep test unit back to us here at ApneaMed, and a sleep physician will review your test and email you the results.
- Cost - Choosing a home sleep test means you can drastically reduce the price of your sleep apnea testing, as in-lab sleep testing is far more expensive. So, if all you need to test for is sleep apnea, a home sleep test makes the most sense cost-wise.
- Speed - Rather than waiting weeks to months to undergo an in-lab test, you can order, receive, use, send back, and receive results of your sleep apnea test all while others are still on an in-lab sleep test waiting list.
- Comfort - Having the sleep test within your own home can allow you a greater degree of comfort than can be expected when in a lab and hooked up to multiple machines. You can also set up the home sleep test unit yourself and not have someone else arranging the device.
Which Type Of Sleep Test Should You Take
As for whether you should an in-lab sleep study or an at-home sleep test, it depends on whether you have certain issues. According to the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, people with these conditions should go in for in-lab sleep studies:
- Under 18 years old
- Moderate-to-severe pulmonary disease, i.e., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Has congestive heart failure
- Has potential other sleep disorders rather than just sleep apnea
- Neuromuscular disease is present, i.e., ALS, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or muscular dystrophy
Those who don’t have these conditions can opt to have a home apnea sleep test rather go into a sleep study clinic.
Find Your Home Sleep Test At ApneaMed
If you have considered your options and decided that a home sleep apnea test is right for your needs, you don’t have to worry about hunting for a good sleep apnea test provider.
To bring a home sleep test to your house, you can either opt to order directly here on ApneaMed, or you can contact us and work with one of our patient care representatives to bring fast, accurate, and affordable sleep apnea testing to your home.