Sleep Apnea Test: Sleep Clinic Study vs. Home Sleep Testing – Which is better?

If you are suffering from sleep disorders for a long time, you might need professional help. The first step of your therapy is a sleep apnea test. But there are two options available when it comes to the test. Do you go for a sleep clinic study or a home sleep testing? A sleep clinic study is more comprehensive and detailed, whereas nothing beats the comfort level of the home testing.

So, before choosing a sleep clinic in Singapore, it is vital to understand both options’ advantages. Here are the facts.

Advantages of the Sleep Clinic study option

Detailed study

The overnight test at a sleep clinic can better determine the root causes of the problem simply because of the procedure’s thoroughness. Several studies, including obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and periodic limb movement disorders, can better perform at the clinic.

Accurate results

Your test procedure will be handled by a credentialed and licensed technician during the process. You don’t have to administer the test by yourself, and that leads to accurate results.

Comprehensive study

Sleep clinics are ideal for patients of all age groups, including infants and older adults. Technicians can administer the CPAP treatment and demonstrate different styles of masks to experiment with the airflow in a single night.

Advantages of home sleep testing option

Comfort

A home environment is always the best environment when it comes to comfort and relaxation. Yes, you will need to go through the training required to operate the device, but it is the comfort factor that makes the home testing option very popular.

Accessible option

Since you do not need to check-in to a sleep testing clinic and spend the night there, the home testing option becomes a very accessible one even if you have a tight working schedule. All you need to do is pick up the device from the center.

Cost

The cost of home testing is quite obviously lower than a sleep apnea test at a clinic. Home testing is more likely to be covered through medical insurance as well. Remember that several companies and insurance service providers deny the requests for sleep apnea testing centers and clinics.

Choosing the right option

Now comes the vital question of which one should you go for – and we have a few cases where the sleep apnea clinic is critical. These are the following conditions for you to visit a sleep apnea clinic or a test-in center.

  • When the individual is under the age of 18.
  • If you have the following associated conditions
  1. Narcolepsy
  2. Periodic limb movement
  3. Insomnia
  4. Circadian rhythm disorder
  5. Sleepwalking disorder
  6. REM disorder
  • Moderate to a severe pulmonary disorder like COPD.
  • Neuromuscular conditions like Parkinson’s, ALS, muscular dystrophy, and multiple sclerosis.
  • Congestive heart conditions.

If you are suffering from any of the above-associated conditions, it is better to get your sleep apnea test done at a reputed clinic. All the best!