Have you noticed signs that make you suspect you have sleep apnea, but want to be sure? The first step is to consult your doctor, who will evaluate whether a test is necessary. If needed, your doctor may prescribe a home sleep test to confirm a diagnosis of sleep apnea, especially if you experience symptoms such as snoring, breathing pauses, or daytime fatigue. Below, we outline the steps involved in completing the test.
Steps to Follow
- Obtain a prescription – Once you have your doctor’s prescription, contact us to schedule an appointment at your convenience.
- Pre-test consultation – During your appointment, a respiratory therapist will review your medical history and sleep habits through a detailed medical questionnaire.
- Receiving the equipment – You will be given all necessary equipment for the home test, along with clear instructions on how to install and use it properly.
- Sleeping with the device – Simply wear the monitoring equipment overnight while it records your sleep data.
- Returning the device – The next morning, bring the equipment back to the clinic for analysis. Our team of experts will review the data and send it to our pulmonologist for interpretation.
How Does the Home Sleep Test Work?
You will receive a compact kit called Alice Night One, which includes all the necessary devices to collect sleep data. The main monitor records key information throughout the night, including your sleep position at different times. To secure the device, an elastic fabric belt equipped with sensors will be used to monitor your breathing movements.
Additionally, an oxygen saturation sensor (pulse oximeter) will be attached to one of your fingers and connected to the main monitor. To ensure stability during sleep, medical-grade hypoallergenic tape will be provided. This sensor tracks your heart rate (pulse) and oxygen levels throughout the night.
Finally, a nasal cannula with an oral sensor will also be connected to the device. You will install it yourself by gently placing the cannula under your nose and securing it with medical tape.
To assist with setup, you will receive an instructional video via email, and clear step-by-step instructions will also be included in the kit for easy reference.
That’s it! Just one night of testing could make a life-changing difference.
