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Common Home Sleep Apnea Test Problems

Sleep · By Sleep Health Energy Team · 3 min read

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Contents

A home sleep apnea test (HSAT) is a convenient way to check for obstructive sleep apnea, but it has a few flaws. One of the biggest problems is that you must be comfortable enough to sleep through the night while wearing all the equipment. This can be difficult for some people, and a short or restless night can lead to inaccurate results.

Another problem is what the test measures. Most home devices track breathing effort, airflow, oxygen levels, and heart rate, and some also record snoring. Unlike an in-lab study, most don’t record brain waves, so they can’t tell how often you wake up. This article looks at common home sleep apnea test problems so you can talk with your doctor about the right test for you.

Other Medical Conditions

Some people that have sleep apnea stop breathing for short periods during sleep. This can cause low blood oxygen levels. In home sleep apnea testing can show if you have this condition. The test is done at home over one or more nights, depending on the device and your doctor’s order. The monitor records signals such as oxygen level, heart rate, and airflow as you sleep.

Home sleep apnea tests are considered accurate for many adults when ordered after a clinical evaluation. However, they aren’t right for everyone.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine guideline on diagnostic testing for sleep apnea recommends an in-lab study instead for people with significant heart or lung disease, such as COPD or congestive heart failure. The same applies to suspected neuromuscular weakness, long-term opioid use, a history of stroke, or severe insomnia.

Not Ideal for Mild Sleep Apnea

The AASM recommends home testing for uncomplicated adults who are likely to have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. Home tests are more likely to miss mild cases.

That matters because people with mild sleep apnea can still have snoring, fatigue, and daytime sleepiness. Home tests are also not the usual way to track how well treatment is improving sleep apnea.

If a single home test is negative, inconclusive, or technically inadequate, the AASM recommends an in-lab polysomnography study.

Cannot Determine if You’re Sleeping or Awake

Most home tests don’t record brain waves, so they can’t tell whether you were asleep or awake. They count breathing events per hour of recording time, not per hour of actual sleep.

If you lie awake for part of the night, those awake hours dilute the result. This can underestimate how severe your sleep apnea is, or miss it entirely.

Sensor Placement

Home sleep apnea tests can be an easy and convenient way to test for this condition, but it’s essential to be aware that they may not be completely accurate. One reason is that the sensors used in these tests can sometimes be placed incorrectly on the body. If the sensors are not correctly positioned, they may not be able to precisely detect when someone stops breathing. As a consequence, the results may be inaccurate, or the study may need to be repeated because too little data was recorded. If you’re considering a home sleep apnea test, be sure to discuss the potential risks and limitations with your doctor beforehand.

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Conclusion

If you have sleep apnea symptoms, ask your doctor whether a home test is right for you. For many adults, it is more affordable and convenient than an in-lab study, and it can speed up diagnosis and treatment.

Know its limits, though. If your home test is negative but your symptoms continue, ask about an in-lab sleep study.

Sources

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