Frequently Asked Questions

A Home Sleep Test screens for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a common sleep disorder. The primary reason is addressing excessive daytime sleepiness, which diminishes quality of life, affects relationships, and impairs work performance. Additional benefits include reducing snoring-related relationship issues and addressing associated health risks like heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes. Treatment can restore energy and alertness.

An HST is a screening test for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. We use the ApneaLink Air or NightOwl devices. The ApneaLink Air includes a central unit, chest belt, finger cap for oxygen measurement, and nasal cannula. Patients wear it overnight at home, then return it. For NightOwl devices, testing occurs over two nights without return shipping required.

You must obtain a physician's order. After the order reaches us (typically 7-10 days), we contact you to schedule device shipment. Our online scheduler simplifies address confirmation and paperwork completion. You take the test at home overnight, then return the device. Results reach the physician within approximately 10 business days, followed by physician consultation.

The device ships via Priority Mail from the US Postal Service. For ApneaLink Air devices, a prepaid return envelope is included. You use the device for one night and return it the next day. NightOwl devices require two consecutive nights of testing and don't need returning.

Detailed instructions are provided for both ApneaLink Air and NightOwl devices via our device instructions pages. Customer service at (877) 775-3377 supports patients with questions before or after testing during business hours.

Testing should occur the night the device arrives. Early return helps accommodate other scheduled patients. If testing cannot occur immediately, contact customer service at (877) 775-3377 for assistance.

Maintain your normal sleep routines to ensure complete rest. Activate the device upon getting into bed, even if sleep doesn't occur immediately. Leaving the device on if you awaken during the night is acceptable.

Results reach the physician approximately 10 business days from the completion of your study, and sooner if possible. Prompt device return accelerates result delivery. After analysis and physician interpretation, reports are sent to the ordering physician for patient discussion.

The report goes to the physician for results discussion. Treatment options depend on findings. For OSA diagnosis, PAP devices (CPAP or APAP) are standard treatment. Mild cases may involve weight loss, positional devices, or dental appliances. Inconclusive results may warrant an in-center overnight sleep study.

The PAP machine is a therapeutic device for better sleep. You'll likely continue using it as long as your condition remains the same. Some patients reduce or stop therapy after significant weight loss, but should consult their doctor first. A sleep study may help determine lower pressure settings or evaluate condition severity.

Use the device as ordered by your physician. Nightly use is generally recommended. If experiencing difficulty sleeping initially, use it every night for as long as possible, then gradually add 30 minutes to 1 hour nightly until fully adapted.

Masks have exhalation ports where pressurized air releases — minor air from these is normal. However, avoid air blowing around your face into your eyes. Contact your provider if experiencing excessive air leakage or discomfort with your mask for guidance.

Disposable filters (typically white and thin) should be changed twice monthly, though frequency depends on air quality in your room.

A heated humidifier designed for PAP devices may reduce dryness. Refer to the user manual for operation instructions, or contact your provider if you lack a humidifier or have questions.

Fill the water chamber only to the maximum level mark. Use distilled water exclusively and change it daily. Consult your user manual for specific details.

Air pressure is based on sleep diagnostic test results. Adaptation can take up to eight weeks. If pressure causes excessive difficulty, contact your provider for assistance.

The technical support team is available to answer equipment questions. Contact them as soon as a problem is detected.

Replace masks and supplies regularly for comfort and health, similar to replacing toothbrushes or razors. Most insurance companies authorize replacement supplies every 90 days. Regular replacement ensures optimal component function.

Daily: Wash mask cushion in warm, soapy water; rinse and air dry. Change distilled water in humidifier. Weekly: Wash humidifier tank and tubing in warm, soapy water; rinse and air dry. Monthly: Change mask cushion and filter (up to twice monthly).

PAP equipment deteriorates and becomes unsanitary over time, similar to a toothbrush or razor. There are three main reasons: (1) Hygiene — equipment can get germy and needs regular replacement to keep the machine sanitary; (2) Effectiveness — regular replacement ensures proper function, as masks can crack or stretch with age, causing irritation and leaks; (3) Comfort — old equipment, especially masks and cushions, can irritate your face and reduce compliance with therapy.

Supplies need replacement anywhere from every two weeks to every six months following Medicare guidelines. Generally, PAP supplies should be ordered every 90 days. We send automated reminders approximately every 90 days. Insurance coverage varies, so we verify coverage before processing orders and send the maximum supplies allowed by your plan unless you request otherwise.

Replacement frequency is every 3 months. Replace your mask if you experience excessive leaks or significant discomfort. Improved comfort from a new mask design can make the difference between compliance and non-use of the machine.

Nasal cushions and pillows should be replaced twice a month or every two weeks; full face cushions should be replaced once a month. Replace cushions when they become stiff, cracked around edges, or turn opaque or change color.

Replacement frequency is every 6 months. Replace your headgear if it has stretched and requires tightening to achieve an effective seal.

Replacement frequency is twice a month. Replace filters when they show signs of wear and discoloration. In particularly humid or dusty environments, disposable filters won't last as long.

Replacement frequency is every 3 months. Replace tubing when it turns opaque or if you notice small tears, particularly between the coils, as tears result in lower pressure delivery than prescribed.

Replacement frequency is every 6 months. Replace the chamber when it develops cracks, pitted areas, or discoloration from minerals and buildup. Always use distilled water and change daily.

Replace the actual CPAP device every 3-7 years; most insurance companies authorize replacement every 5 years. Newer devices may offer technological advantages like wireless modems for usage monitoring. Contact your provider immediately if your device stops working, as most CPAPs have one-year warranty coverage.

The MSLT (Multiple Sleep Latency Test) measures daytime sleepiness and helps physicians rule out narcolepsy. It follows an overnight sleep study and consists of up to 5 short naps throughout the day to measure sleep latency (time to fall asleep). Patients arrive in the evening for the overnight study and remain until 5pm the next day for the daytime MSLT portion, totaling approximately 20 hours at the sleep center.

Yes. The overnight sleep study runs from approximately 9pm-10:30pm until 6am. The MSLT begins immediately after, typically starting at 8am and continuing until 5pm (in some cases as early as 3pm).

Patients should bring their own food or arrange delivery, as the facility does not provide meals. Caffeine should be avoided the day before and during testing. Free Wi-Fi and cable TV are available for entertainment.

Two-piece pajamas (separate top and bottom) are required for both the overnight study and MSLT. Undergarments and single-piece nightgowns are not acceptable due to electrode placement needs.

Patients can use the online scheduler (scheduling the overnight study and MSLT at the same location on consecutive days) or call (877) 775-3377 for assistance.

Your doctor has ordered a Home Sleep Test for you. We sent you a text message and/or email to schedule the Home Sleep Test that your doctor ordered.

If you don't know why your doctor ordered the Home Sleep Test, please contact your doctor to get the background. If you need more information or think it may be an error, please call us at (877) 775-3377.

The process is: (1) Your doctor orders a Home Sleep Test and sends the referral to us. (2) We contact you by text message and/or email with a link to our online scheduler. (3) You use the scheduler to complete paperwork, review training information, and select a shipping date. (4) We ship the device to you. You use it overnight at home and return it using the prepaid shipping envelope. (5) We analyze the data and the interpreting physician creates a final report. (6) We send the report to your doctor, who discusses the results with you and plans next steps.