Based on the results from your history, physical exam and your risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), your healthcare team may recommend that you have a Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT).

The HSAT is not appropriate for everyone. Some patients may be referred to a sleep specialist for further testing in a sleep laboratory. You may have mild, moderate, or severe OSA.

Talk with your healthcare provider so you know what your sleep test results mean for you.

A home sleep study involves using a small, portable device that measures things like how often you stop breathing while you sleep, how much oxygen is in your blood, and other factors that can help diagnose sleep apnea.

If you need this test, you may be referred to a CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure) provider in your community to have a home sleep study. CPAP providers may be homecare companies, CPAP vendors, or respiratory homecare companies. Your healthcare team may suggest a CPAP provider that they are familiar with, or they may ask you to find a CPAP provider that works best for you.

It is important to note that you may need to pay to complete the home sleep apnea test with the CPAP provider and the amount it may cost can vary.

A sleep lab study involves spending the night at a sleep center. This is usually done in a hospital setting and you will need a referral from your family doctor. This option is usually recommended if your healthcare provider needs more detailed information or if they believe your symptoms may be severe.