Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT) is a very convenient way to test for Sleep Apnea. However, the convenience comes with some shortcomings. Because the devices used to perform HSAT are small and portable, they cannot study Sleep Apnea in as much detail as the test (Polysomnography) that is performed in a Sleep Lab Centre.
There are some diseases & conditions which make Sleep Apnea more harmful than usual. If a patient has any of those conditions along with Sleep Apnea, then a Home Test (HSAT) will not give accurate results. This is why it is important to meet with a Sleep Apnea Specialist before deciding to do a Home Test.
Home sleep apnea testing is contraindicated (not recommended) in:
Patients with significant cardiopulmonary disease and other significant sleep disorders.
Patients taking opioids.
Patients with uncontrolled psychiatric disorders.
Patients with any form of neuromuscular disease.
Patients with significant safety-related issues related to driving or work.
Patients with a noted lack of an appropriate living situation.
Pregnant patients.
Patients suffering with alcoholism or alcohol abuse.
Patients suspected of having Central Sleep Apnea or Cheyne-Stokes Breathing.
Patients with uncontrolled hypertension, or patients taking more than one hypertension medication.
Patients with Congestive Heart Failure.
Patients under the age of 17 (this may vary by state).
Patients with COPD and an FEV1 or less than 65%.
Patients with any form of cognitive dysfunction that cannot be assisted by another caregiver or family member.
Blind patients who cannot be assisted by another caregiver.
Patients who have suffered a history of stroke within the past 180 days.
Patients suspected of suffering with any significant sleep disorder other than OSA (e.g., CSA, parasomnia, narcolepsy, severe insomnia).
Patients within 180 days of discharge as an inpatient for recent Myocardial Infarction.
Patients receiving medication for an enlarged prostate.
Patients complaining of insomnia.
Patients with a BMI >35 and an associated complaint of excessive daytime sleepiness or hypertension.
Patients with suspected obesity hypoventilation.
Patients with known or documented severe hypoxemia.
Meet with a Sleep Apnea Specialist and discuss with them your situation. They will help you to come to a final conclusion that helps your patient the most.