FAQs About Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HST)

HST is a type of diagnostic polysomnography which is self-administered by the patient in his/her home,  making it a convenient option for many adult patients whose schedules prevent them from taking an overnight in-center sleep test, or are homebound due to illness.

It is used to diagnose or rule out sleep apnea by recording breathing effort, heart rate, oxygen saturation, nasal flow and snoring. HST is a cost-effective alternative to in-center sleep testing for many patients if it is highly likely that the patient has moderate to severe sleep apnea, and if the patient has no other significant medical issues such as pulmonary diseases, neuromuscular disease or congestive heart failure. 

HST cannot be performed on children and cannot diagnose other sleep disorders such as restless leg syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder or narcolepsy. These patients should be tested in a sleep center.

If your doctor refers you to us for a home sleep test, you can expect to be contacted by our customer service team once we have processed your referral and have all of the appropriate information (insurance details, contact information and progress notes).Please be sure that your physician’s office has your most up-to-date contact information, such as a cell phone, work number and email (if any), so that we can reach you.

You can also contact us directly by calling (877) 775-3377 Monday through Friday 8am to 6pm.

There are two options for receiving your HST device: in-person pick-up from one of our sleep center locations or mail delivery.

If you receive the device in person, you will pick up the HST device on the day that you plan to take the test. You will meet with a sleep technician who will show you how to use the device. 

If it is sent by mail, the machine will be shipped to you directly. Once you are finished with the machine, you will ship it back to us. You never even have to leave your home!

If you have any questions on the night of your home test, you can reach our after-hours patient support line 7 nights a week from 7pm-11pm at (877) 775-3377 ext. 180.

The HST device is fairly simple to set up. This video explains how to set up and operate the device.

If you pick up your device at one of our sleep center, the technician will show you how to use the device and answer your questions.

If you have any questions on the night of your home test, you can reach our after-hours patient support line 7 nights a week from 7pm-11pm at (877) 775-3377 ext. 180.

Please use the test on the night you received it. It is very important that you keep your return appointment or ship the device back to us as soon as possible as we may have other patients scheduled to use the testing equipment.

If for any reason you cannot test on the first night, please contact customer service at (877) 775-3377. 

Stick to your normal bedtime routine so that you can get a full night’s sleep. We will have live technical support available from 7-11PM on the night of your study (call 877-117-3377 ext. 180). If your normal bedtime is outside of this timeframe, you may want to try setting up the device beforehand so that you can call us if you have any questions.

You can turn on the device when you get into bed, even if you don’t fall asleep right away. If you get up in the night, it’s OK to leave the device on until you get back into bed.

The results of your sleep study will  be compiled and interpreted by an ASMS sleep specialist, or forwarded to your own physician for interpretation if that option is chosen, about 10 business days from the completion of your study. Your physician will contact you once  the results are ready.

Depending on the results of your home sleep apnea test, you may require follow up services.

If you test positive for sleep apnea, your physician may recommend an in-center CPAP titration to administer CPAP therapy and find a treating pressure. Alternatively, you may be provided an auto-titrating CPAP device to use at home. This depends upon the recommendations in your sleep study, your physicians referral and your insurance coverage.

Because the home sleep apnea test can only diagnose or rule out sleep apnea, you may require an in-center sleep test if the results from your home test are inconclusive or if you test negative for sleep apnea, but still have symptoms, such as excessive daytime sleepiness. For more information, please speak to your referring physician.