Have you ever wondered if you have sleep apnea, but you don’t want to spend the night in a lab, in a room, in a different bed with a bunch of wires hooked up to you?
I’m Dr. Joseph Houlik, a dentist in Wichita, KS, and member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Today, I’ll walk you through at-home sleep studies (HSAT) and how they compare to the in-lab polysomnogram (PSG).
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the repetitive closure or obstruction of the airway that’s associated with a drop in oxygen and/or an arousal.
Why does this matter?
Untreated OSA isn’t just about snoring or poor sleep. It can lead to:
- High blood pressure
- Arrhythmias
- Heart disease & stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Memory loss & cognitive decline
- Trouble focusing, mood disorders, and more
Left untreated, OSA takes a serious toll on quality of life and overall health.
Important note: Sleep apnea is a medical diagnosis. As dentists in Wichita, KS, we work with physicians to provide care, but we do not diagnose or treat it independently.
What is a Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT)?
A home sleep study is a test you can take from the comfort of your own home. It’s designed to detect obstructive sleep apnea or primary snoring.
These tests are best suited for patients who are relatively healthy, screened beforehand, and suspected to have OSA. They are not used for other disorders like narcolepsy.
What Do They Look Like?
A HSAT may include devices placed on your:
- Chest or abdomen
- Finger or wrist
- Nose
These measure:
- Breathing & airflow
- Heart rate & oxygen levels
- Respiratory effort
- Peripheral arterial tone
- Body position & some sleep staging (REM vs non-REM)
The results include an Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) that quantifies the severity of OSA.
All HSATs are uploaded and interpreted by a board-certified sleep physician.
HSAT vs In-Lab Polysomnography (PSG)
- Home Sleep Test Pros
- Comfortable & convenient
- More affordable
- Easier to schedule
- FDA-approved devices
- Sufficient for many mild–moderate OSA cases
- In-Lab Study Pros
- Measures more data (especially brainwaves)
- Essential for complex cases (central sleep apnea, narcolepsy, limb movement disorders, neurological conditions)
- Best if HSAT results are inconclusive
Takeaway: For most patients screened for OSA, a home sleep test is an excellent first step.
What to Expect from the Process
- Screening – Your dentist or physician prescribes the test.
- Receiving the Device – Delivered to your home or picked up at a provider’s office.
- Testing – Simple setup (pulse oximeter, watch, chest lead, etc.).
- Upload & Review – Results are read by a board-certified sleep physician.
- Diagnosis – Results typically return within a few days. OSA is classified as mild, moderate, or severe.
How to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Treatment options typically include:
- CPAP Therapy – Gold standard for OSA.
- Oral Appliance Therapy – Moves the jaw forward, opens the airway, and is proven effective for mild–moderate cases.
- Other Options – Surgeries, Inspire implant, positional therapy, weight loss, or combination therapies.
Common Questions About Home Sleep Tests
Will the device be comfortable?
Yes. For example, our office uses the WatchPAT One — patients often say they hardly notice it.
What if I sleep poorly that night?
It can happen. If results don’t reflect your normal sleep, ask about repeating the study.
How accurate are they?
HSATs are accurate for diagnosing OSA, though they sometimes underestimate severity compared to in-lab PSG.
What about cost?
Without insurance, expect $150–$300 depending on your location. Many insurances cover testing.
Will I need more than one test?
Yes. Follow-up tests are often recommended after treatment (CPAP, oral appliance, etc.) to confirm effectiveness.
In Summary
Home sleep apnea tests aren’t perfect, but they remove one of the biggest barriers to care: getting diagnosed in the first place.
With an estimated 30 million Americans undiagnosed, OSA remains a silent threat. Don’t ignore the signs — if you or your bed partner suspect sleep apnea, a home test may be the first step to better health.
📍 Local Note: If you live in Wichita, KS, our office is in West Wichita near New Market Square. Call us anytime — we’d love to help.
