Home Sleep Test (HST)
Home Sleep Apnea Testing
What's A Home Sleep Apnea Test (HST)?
An HST is easy, convenient, and done at home. Unlike an overnight sleep study, which provides a more thorough assessment of sleep issues, an HST is used to diagnose only sleep apnea. It records your breathing, blood oxygen levels, and breathing effort.
It can either be picked up from one of our locations or mailed to you.
Cleaning
Several parts of the HST unit that come into direct contact with the patient (such as the cannula/sensor around the nose and mouth) are disposable, one-time use only items. Any reusable parts like the belt, oximeter, and HST unit are thoroughly disinfected between uses.
Note: Home sleep tests are primarily used to diagnose patients with obstructive sleep apnea. A sleep physician will recommend an HST only if it is believed that the patient has a very likely chance that they have moderate to severe sleep apnea. This is because HST's tend to under-diagnosed breathing disorders. If a patient has mild to low-moderate sleep apnea, the test may falsely conclude that the patient doesn't have sleep apnea, or conclude that the patient's sleep apnea is not as prevalent as it really is.
It's EASY to take our sleep apnea test from the comforts of your own home, in your own bed.
When you pick up the home apnea testing device, you will meet with a licensed polysomnographic technician or respiratory therapist who will explain everything and answer any question you might have. We also have technicians available all night long if you have any difficulty or questions or concerns!
When you bring it back the following day, the data will be reviewed and interpreted by Dr. Clerk.
This is a self-administered test. Please watch the ApneaLink Air user video and read all directions before beginning your test.
If you experience an emergency during your home sleep test, do not call or return to SleepMS. Please call 911 immediately.
How to use the ApneaLink™ Air Home Sleep Testing Device
Step 1: Watch Instructional Video
Important Note about Optional Tape: The ResMed ApneaLink Air video shows usage of hospital tape with your home sleep test. Use of hospital tape is optional with your home sleep test. Our clinical staff is unable to respond to unknown allergic reactions.
Important Note about Finger Sensor: The ResMed ApneaLink Air device may provide a red, blinking light on your pulse oximeter finger sensor. This often occurs due to excess humidity, sweating, or finger swelling (such as due to a salty dinner). As long as your finger sensor has a visible red light within the finger sensor itself, your device is correctly recording data.
Step 2: Set Up Device As Directed
Setup the ResMed ApneaLink Air on your person on the outside of your sleep attire following the manufacturer's directions and video. For both male and female patients, we advise that there is no bare-chested or nude sleeping with the device. Please wear at least a t-shirt or pajama top and bottom to sleep with the device.
Step 3: Sleep & Wake Up
Sleep in a position that is most comfortable for you. If you are able to sleep supine (on your back), you may be encouraged to do so as sleep apnea and snoring tend to be more prominent when sleeping on your back. However, follow your physician or healthcare provider's directions (if any) regarding sleep position.
If you awaken at any point during the night to change sleep position or use the restroom, we recommend you reconfirm correct sensor placement with (3) green lights and troubleshoot as needed.
NOTE: Please remove the ResMed ApneaLink Air from your person before smoking, eating, drinking, or bathing.
Step 4: Pack & Return Home Test Kit to SleepMS
After the test is over, pack all items back into the travel case (including the disposable nasal cannula) and return to SleepSomatics at the scheduled return date/time window. There is a $250.00 daily charge for devices not returned fully and operable. The replacement cost is $2,900.00 for broken, inoperable, damaged devices or those that are not returned in usable condition to SleepMS
Troubleshooting Tips & General Info
-
Unless your provider has recommended differently, you can take all of your medications per your usual routine
-
Leave the equipment on at all times, including when you go to the restroom for a consistent flow of data
-
The equipment should be completely powered down in the morning
-
If the light changes from GREEN to RED, this typically indicates a piece of equipment has come loose. Please check the placement of the following items and adjust them until the light turns back to green.
-
Oximeter – monitor on your finger
-
Cannula – the plastic tubing that sits under your nose
-
Belt – the strap around your chest
-
-
If the light switches to RED and this cannot be resolved, in most instances the test will need to be repeated. Please bring the device back to the office and we can analyze the data and let you know if it needs to be repeated.
-
If the batteries are depleted, please replace the batteries.
-
ResMed ApneaLink Air (Gray device bag) – 2 AAA batteries.
-
-
If you are having difficulty with your home sleep test, please contact our support staff before 11pm at (408) 295-4532.