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What To Expect at Your Sleep Study for Sleep Apnea in Philadelphia

man who underwent home sleep study for sleep apnea in PhiladelphiaFor some, the phrase “sleep study” might bring to mind an image of a person lying in an uncomfortable bed at a medical facility while being observed by a doctor or lab technician. While this less-than-cozy picture might not have been far from the truth in years past, today there’s a much better option for patients to get tested for obstructive sleep apnea. Thanks to a home sleep study for sleep apnea, a patient can now be evaluated and diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by performing a simple test from the comfort and convenience of their own bed.

In this blog, the sleep apnea specialist at eos dental sleep will explain how a home sleep study for sleep apnea works and describe its advantages over in-lab testing.


What is a home sleep study?

A home sleep study for sleep apnea is a specific type of polysomnography (PSG), also known as a sleep test, that monitors and records key data that can be used to make an accurate diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea. Unlike traditional sleep studies, which were performed either from a hospital or sleep laboratory setting, a home sleep study can be completed using a small device that a patient brings home in order to perform the test right from their bedroom.

It is important to note that a home sleep study will only be performed if you have consulted with a sleep apnea specialist who believes you have symptoms that indicate the potential presence of OSA, such as chronic snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness.


What can I expect during my home sleep study for sleep apnea?

Once you’ve been recommended for a home sleep study, your physician will equip you with a device and specific instructions on how to perform your sleep apnea test. The entire process is simple and straightforward and it is designed to ensure the most accurate results, while eliminating the bulky wires and foreign sleep environment.

During your home sleep study, you’ll be wearing a small device that’s attached to your body to record important data while you sleep comfortably. The compact instrument will be worn around your head like a headband. It will be measuring things like how you breathe (airflow), your blood oxygen saturation, your pulse and snoring levels. After the test, you’ll return the device to your Philadelphia sleep apnea specialist at eos dental sleep. Once your results have been interpreted, usually completed within a few days, a final diagnosis can be made and, if necessary, a treatment plan will be formulated.


What are the advantages of home sleep testing?

There are a number of benefits to performing a home sleep study for sleep apnea as opposed to a traditional in-lab test. Advantages include:

  • Performed from the comfort and convenience of your own bed
  • Easier for patients to sleep normally in their familiar sleeping environment
  • May provide a more accurate depiction of your natural sleep activity
  • No need to change your normal work schedule or make childcare arrangements in order to accommodate a night away from home
  • Less expensive than overnight in-lab sleep studies, which can translate to lower costs for insurance companies and less out-of-pocket costs for the patient
  • Receive test results with quick turnaround time, meaning you get an accurate diagnosis faster


Where can I undergo a home sleep study for sleep apnea in Philadelphia?

While home sleep testing is not for everyone, the first step to finding out whether you are a candidate is to schedule a consultation with a snoring and sleep apnea specialist in Philadelphia. Unless you have certain health issues such as heart or lung-related problems or other sleep disorders (such as restless legs syndrome) are suspected, you will likely be a good candidate.

While traditional sleep apnea testing offerings may have prevented many patients from seeking out a diagnosis in years past, getting to the root of your symptoms has never been easier. If you are looking for a doctor to evaluate you and recommend you for a home sleep study in Philadelphia, eos dental sleep is here to help. Contact our Center City office today or get started by filling out the request appointment form right on this page.