Home sleep apnea test (HSAT)
                     Home sleep apnea test 
(HSAT)
What is a home sleep apnea test (HSAT)?
A home sleep apnea test or HSAT is an alternative to polysomnography for diagnosing 
obstructive sleep apnea.  It involves wearing sensors on the body during rest that can 
identify if there are breathing disruptions during sleep.
Sensors may include electrodes placed on the face, adhesive strips placed across the 
chest and abdomen, and snoring microphones worn in the ear. The information gathered 
from these sensors will help determine how severe your obstructive sleep apnea is and 
what sort of treatment should be taken.
What training do I need to take a home sleep apnea test (HSAT)?
A trained medical professional such as a respiratory therapist or an EMT must set up and 
interpret the results of a home sleep apnea test.  It is important that you follow all 
instructions given to you by the professional so that the test is accurate.
How does a home sleep apnea test (HSAT) work?
During a home sleep apnea test (HSAT), you will be asked to wear sensors while you sleep. 
These sensors will track things such as your breathing patterns, heart rate, blood oxygen 
levels, and snoring volume. The information collected from these sensors will help your 
doctor determine if you have obstructive sleep apnea and how severe it may be.
What are the benefits of using a home sleep apnea test (HSAT)?
The main benefit of using a home sleep apnea test is that it is less expensive and less 
time-consuming than polysomnography.  It can also be used to diagnose obstructive sleep 
apnea in people who cannot undergo polysomnography for health reasons.  However, it is 
important to note that HSATs is not recommended for people with central sleep apnea.
Are there any risks associated with using a home sleep apnea test (HSAT)?
There are no known risks associated with using a home sleep apnea test. However, it is 
important to follow all instructions given to you by the professional who sets up the test.
If I have a home sleep apnea test (HSAT), what should I do next?
If your HSAT results show that you have obstructive sleep apnea, your doctor will likely 
recommend treatment options. This may include things such as lifestyle changes, the use 
of a CPAP machine, or surgery.
If you have any other questions about HSATs, talk with your doctor or schedule an 
appointment with a sleep specialist.