What is a Home Sleep Test (HST)?
HSTs are an easy and cost-effective way to help diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. These tests allow the patient to sleep in their own homes while wearing equipment that collects information about how they breathe at night. A HST uses a simple monitor that keeps track of a patient’s breathing and oxygen levels.
FDA approved Brabeon Medibyte home sleep test device for free with subscription.
How Do They Work?
Because these tests can be performed in the patient’s home, it is less expensive and less time consuming than a normal in-lab sleep study. Home sleep studies are convenient as your patient can pick the date that works best for them and there is no need to coordinate with a sleep lab. The patient will directly schedule the test with you, pick up the test at your office, where they will receive directions on how to use it. The patient will take the device home, hook it up, and simply fall to sleep in the comfort of their own home. All of the information collected will be uploaded to the cloud servers the next day, and will be interpreted by a board-certified sleep physician
Important Information
Benefits of a home sleep test:
Convenient testing in the comfort of one’s own home
Comprehensive sleep diagnosis and treatment suggestions by board-certified sleep physicians
No scheduling conflict as not having to coordinate with in-lab study availability
Cost effective/ affordable solution for patients
Device is user friendly and easy to wear
Faster results with a Home Sleep Test (HST) than with in-lab results
HST Contraindications
Home Sleep Test (HST) is a first-line diagnostic test for adult patients with a high pretest probability of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the absence of comorbid medical conditions or suspected concomitant sleep disorders, which could limit the predictive value of at-home testing. HST allows patients to be diagnosed with OSA from data obtained outside of the sleep laboratory.
Contraindications Include:
patients with comorbid medical conditions including, but not limited to:
- moderate to severe pulmonary disease
- neuromuscular disease
- congestive heart failure
patients suspected of having other sleep disorders, including:
- central obstructive sleep apnea
- periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD)
- insomnia
- parasomnias
- circadian rhythm disorders
- narcolepsy
also contraindicated for patients with medical or cognitive issues that impact the safety of a patient using the device unattended
not appropriate for general screening of asymptomatic populations
References:
Clinical Guidelines for the Use of Unattended Portable Monitors in the Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adult Patients, Portable Monitoring Task Force of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
Sleep Technology: Technical Guideline-Out of Center Sleep Testing, American Association of Sleep
Home Sleep Test (HST) Candidacy
When is a HST Indicated?
A HST is indicated for patients will a high probability of obstructive sleep apnea based on their signs and symptoms such as daytime fatigue, snoring with witnessed breathing pauses,
When is a HST NOT Indicated?
However, a HST is likely not indicated if the patient has other complicating medical problems such as neuromuscular diseases, pulmonary disorders, or congestive heart failure. Also, a HST is not indicated if there is a suspicion of a sleep disorder other than obstructive sleep apnea such as narcolepsy, REM disorders, sleep seizures, parasomnias, restless legs disorder, or others.
What is the Utility of a HST?
Per the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Position Statement on the Clinical Use of a Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT), "HSAT devices are diagnostic medical tools that help physicians to provide high quality, patient-centered care for select adult patients who are suspected to have OSA. A physician's diagnosis of OSA is based on a patient's medical history, symptoms from a medical evaluation, and findings from either polysomnography or an HSAT. Decisions to treat OSA, and assessment of treatment efficacy, require the medical judgment of a physician and must take into consideration the patient's symptoms, other medical conditions, and the severity of OSA determined by objective medical testing. The accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of OSA can improve individual health, promote public safety, and reduce overall health care expenses."
How Affordable is a HST?
In general, HST tests are much more affordable than polysomnograms. HSTs are often around a fourth or less of the cost of in-lab polysomnograms. There is usually much less out-of-pocket cost, and many insurance companies request HSTs as first-line sleep apnea diagnostic tools.
What does a HST Measure?
- Heart Rate
- Oxygen Saturation
- Breathing Effort (chest and abdominal movement)
- Airflow
- Snoring
- Sleeping position
What Defines a Type III Sleep Study?
It measures airflow, blood oxygen saturation, cardiac data, and respiratory effort.
What About HST Comfort?
It is much more convenient and usually more comfortable to test in your own home than staying overnight in a lab. Also, it can sometimes be difficult for someone to go to sleep when they are outside of their typical sleep environment for an in-lab sleep test.
Comprehensive Sleep Apnea Care:
Per the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the HST is only one component of a comprehensive sleep evaluation, and it is important for a board-certified sleep medicine physician to be involved in reviewing and interpreting the raw data from the device. We believe that this tool with a multidisciplinary team including a sleep physician can provide real value to patients and significantly positively impact their health.
It’s that small.
The MediByte is 2.5 x 2.25 x 0.75 inches (66 x 60 x 19mm) and weighs in at just 3.3 ounces (93g).
Designed for Ease of Use.
Unique Connectors
Each sensor connects differently, which simplifies the hook-up process.
Built Right In
Locked In Place
Sleep Study Interpretations
A board-certified sleep physician examines and interprets the biometric data obtained during a home sleep test, including the patient’s respiratory effort, breathing airflow, heart rate, snoring, oxygen saturation, and body position. From this data, the physician determines important measures such as sleep efficiency, the oxygen desaturation index, breathing statistics and flow limitation, the apnea/hypopnea index, the heart rate fluctuations, the amount and degree of snoring, and the positionality of sleep and respiration in those positions. The physician may then make recommendations regarding the diagnosis and possible treatment options of obstructive sleep apnea.
About Us
SleepLytics exists to improve the lives of those affected by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by using state-of-the art technology that helps doctors provide the most accurate diagnosis and best treatment options for their patients.
Contact Us
Phone: 479-957-3624
Email: Hello@Sleeplytics.com