Home Sleep Test: Is It Worth a Try?
What are the advantages of HSTs?
Cost-effective
HSTs are less expensive than the polysomnography. A quarter of the price of polysomnography is the cost of HST. The price of an HST is around $150 to $500. Therefore, patients and health insurance companies opt to try this mode of diagnosis of sleep apnea first because it is a lot cheaper.
Convenience and Comfort
Many people opt to sleep in their own bed, so taking a sleep test in the comfort of the home is always preferred. It is more convenient than sleeping in a laboratory. In addition, the quality of sleep might differ since the sleeping environment is different from normal. There are also fewer wires attached to the body for HST. Because it is lightweight and compact, it will not make the patient feel any discomfort in sleeping. The sensors also do not cause a distraction as well.
According to Dr. Segal of Lake Zurich Family Treatment Center, it is easier for patients to agree to this kind of diagnostic test since it can be conveniently and immediately performed at home.
