Sleep Apnea Testing
Sleep Apnea Testing
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, you should try and investigate. Traditionally, you would have needed to schedule an appointment with a sleep lab, which can take several weeks, and then spend a night in that lab hooked up to wires in front of strangers. Today, we offer at-home testing in the comfort of your own home with easy-to-use testing.
In-lab sleep study is highly effective at diagnosing sleep disorders, but they might be more than you need if obstructive sleep apnea is your main concern. Luna Wellness Centre can arrange for you to undergo the same type of test in your own bed.
The Stress-Free Path to Identifying Sleep Apnea at Home
The idea of trying to fall asleep in an unfamiliar place, attached to machines and under the watchful eyes of others, doesn’t exactly sound appealing. For some, just thinking about it may be enough to induce anxiety. Thankfully, there are other ways to get the answers you need. The test comes in a small, portable kit with a small device, no bigger than your hand, which you connect to a chest strap, a thin tube for your nose, and a clip for your finger. These three components help the device monitor several elements, including:
How hard you are working to breathe
The effort it takes for you to breathe
Your sleeping position
How you breathe
Your oxygen levels while you sleep
Your heart’s activity
In most cases, just one night with the device is sufficient to determine if you have sleep apnea and how serious it is. We send this data off to be reviewed. Our partner will check how often and for how long your breathing pauses occur, among other things. We will contact you with the findings, and if it turns out you have sleep apnea, we will explore the best way to treat it.
What is Included in a Home Sleep Test Kit?
Setting up the test is very simple, and it comes with everything you need:
Portable sleep data monitor
This monitor is attached to the chest strap, and you wear it on your chest to track vital sleep data such as oxygen levels, breathing patterns, heart activity, and more.
Chest strap
This comfortable, elastic strap connects to the monitor and adjusts up to 67-70 inches long, making it suitable for most people.
Heart rate sensor
This sensor clips onto your finger and links to the monitor to monitor your heart rate and blood oxygenation.
Nasal cannula
This flexible tube fits around your ears and under your chin to measure your breathing. It comes with medical tape to ensure a secure fit and connects directly to the monitor.
We also provide you with clear, step-by-step instructions for how to fit and wear each component correctly so your sleep test goes off without a hitch.
Benefits of an In-Home Sleep Apnea Test
Rapid Results
Unlike in-lab studies, where you wait weeks for a follow-up appointment to discuss your results, home tests are processed incredibly quickly. Once your test is complete, our partner professionals work diligently to analyze your data so we can share the results with you in less than a week. If you have any questions or need clarification on your results, our dedicated patient care team is on standby to provide the answers you need.
Cost-Effective Solution
Lab tests are understandably costlier because of the overhead costs associated with using medical facilities and equipment. In contrast, an at-home test is intentionally designed to offer substantial cost savings without compromising the accuracy of the diagnosis. This makes it accessible to a wider range of patients who need sleep apnea testing.
User-Friendly Setup
From the moment you receive your kit, you’ll find easy-to-follow instructions that guide you through the setup process. You don’t need to deal with multiple wires or unfamiliar equipment; you don’t need someone to help. The process is so intuitive that anyone can prepare for the test without feeling overwhelmed.
In-Home Comfort
If you think spending the night in a sleep lab is scary, the home test has got you covered. All you need to do is sleep as you normally would, and the test sensors will take care of the rest.
Luna Wellness Centre: Your Trusted Partner in Sleep Apnea Management
We are on a mission to simplify diagnosing and treating obstructive sleep apnea for everyone in Grande Prairie and surrounding areas in Northwestern Alberta. Contact us to book a 15-minute call to discuss your symptoms, and then we can guide you toward the right type of home test. If you’re wondering what the test entails or have any other questions, please contact us today.
