A Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT), also known as a home sleep study or out-of-center sleep test (OCST), is a simplified diagnostic test that can be performed at home to detect obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Unlike traditional in-lab sleep studies, HSATs allow you to sleep in your own bed while wearing a portable monitoring device.
How Does an HSAT Work?
What the Device Measures
Breathing Patterns
Monitors airflow through your nose and mouth to detect pauses or reductions in breathing.
Blood Oxygen Levels
A pulse oximeter tracks oxygen saturation levels during sleep, identifying drops caused by apneas.
Heart Rate
Records heart rate changes that correlate with breathing disruptions.
Chest/Abdominal Movement
Sensors track respiratory effort to distinguish between obstructive and central apneas.
Body Position
Tracks sleeping position to identify positional sleep apnea.
The HSAT Process: Step by Step
Physician Referral
Your doctor prescribes an HSAT based on your symptoms and medical history.
Device Pickup or Delivery
You receive the portable monitoring device, either by mail or picked up from our office, along with detailed instructions.
Setup at Home
Before bed, you attach sensors according to the simple instructions provided. Most devices are designed for easy self-application.
Sleep Normally
Sleep in your own bed following your normal routine. The device records data throughout the night.
Return the Device
Ship back the device or drop it off at our office the next day.
Results & Analysis
A board-certified sleep physician reviews your data and provides a diagnosis, typically within 3-7 business days.
Treatment Discussion
You discuss results and treatment options (such as oral appliance therapy) with your healthcare provider.
Benefits of Home Sleep Testing
Sleep in Your Own Bed
Test in the comfort and familiarity of your home environment, which may provide more accurate results than a sleep lab.
More Affordable
HSATs typically cost significantly less than in-lab polysomnography studies and are covered by most insurance plans.
Convenient Scheduling
No need to schedule a specific night at a sleep lab. Test on your own schedule when it's convenient for you.
Quick Results
Get diagnosed faster with results typically available within days, allowing for quicker treatment initiation.
FDA Approved
All HSAT devices are FDA-cleared and provide clinically validated results for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea.
Less Intrusive
Fewer sensors and wires compared to in-lab studies, making it easier to sleep naturally.
HSAT vs. In-Lab Sleep Study
| Feature | Home Sleep Test (HSAT) | In-Lab Study (PSG) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Your own home | Sleep laboratory |
| Cost | $150-$500 | $1,000-$5,000 |
| Sensors | 4-7 sensors | 20+ sensors |
| Setup | Self-applied | Technician-applied |
| Monitoring | Unattended | Attended by technician |
| Data Collected | Breathing, oxygen, heart rate, position | All above + brain waves, eye movement, muscle activity |
| Best For | Suspected moderate to severe OSA | Complex sleep disorders, mild OSA, other sleep conditions |
Who is a Good Candidate for HSAT?
Good Candidates
- High probability of moderate to severe OSA based on symptoms
- No significant comorbid conditions
- No other suspected sleep disorders (narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome)
- Ability to sleep unassisted at home
- Preference for home-based testing
May Need In-Lab Study Instead
- Suspected central sleep apnea
- Significant heart or lung disease
- Neuromuscular disease
- Suspected narcolepsy, REM sleep behavior disorder, or restless leg syndrome
- Previous inconclusive HSAT results
Understanding Your HSAT Results
Your HSAT results will include an Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), which measures the number of breathing disruptions per hour of sleep:
No significant sleep apnea
Mild sleep apnea
Moderate sleep apnea
Severe sleep apnea
Note: Your sleep physician will review all data, not just the AHI, to make a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment recommendation.
Insurance Coverage
Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover home sleep apnea tests when ordered by a physician. HSATs are generally recognized as a cost-effective and clinically valid alternative to in-lab sleep studies for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea.
We Help with Insurance
Our office will verify your insurance benefits and handle the authorization process for your HSAT. We'll let you know your estimated out-of-pocket costs before proceeding.
Next Steps After Your HSAT
Review Results with Your Doctor
Your sleep physician will explain your results and what they mean for your health.
Discuss Treatment Options
If diagnosed with OSA, explore treatments like oral appliance therapy, CPAP, or lifestyle modifications.
Begin Treatment
Start your personalized treatment plan to improve your sleep quality and overall health.
Follow-Up Monitoring
Regular check-ins to ensure your treatment is working effectively and adjust as needed.