Longmont Sleep Studies
If you suffer from symptoms of sleep apnea, we recommend getting a sleep study. To properly treat sleep apnea, you will first need a diagnosis. The results will not only indicate if you have sleep apnea but also what type of condition you have.
Our doctors are professionally trained to perform at-home sleep studies. Having your sleep test done through a dentist offers unique advantages, including greater comfort, convenience, and a more personalized experience. Continue reading to learn why many patients prefer this approach.
Why See a Dentist for a Sleep Apnea Test?
A dentist provides the following advantages:
- Sleep at home: Not only is sleeping at home more comfortable, but the test results are also more accurate because you’re in a familiar setting.
- Cost: Traditional sleep centers have a huge overhead because they have large, complex equipment that is expensive to purchase. But technological advances have made testing equipment much smaller and more cost-effective, and it’s what dentists use.
How Much Does a Home Sleep Study Cost?
Insurance typically doesn’t pay for sleep studies, but the good news is that they’re far more affordable than they used to be. A home sleep study ordered from our office is $300.
Home Sleep Study Process
Testing Equipment
Your at-home sleep test is simple and comfortable with the WatchPAT device. It has just three small parts: a wrist sensor, a finger probe, and a chest sensor, so there are no nasal tubes or bulky headgear to worry about. Most patients only need to wear the device for one night, and the test automatically records your sleep data while you rest in your own bed.
Sleep Apnea Test
Your sleep test is simple and comfortable, completed in the privacy of your own home. The WatchPAT device records your sleep data while you rest naturally. Most patients only need to wear the device for one night to gather accurate results.
Test Results
When you wake up the next morning, simply press the “End Recording” button on the WatchPAT device. Within a few minutes, you’ll see a thank-you message confirming your test is complete. Shortly after, our team will receive your results for review.
Although we’re trained to administer the tests and treat sleep apnea, only a physician can make the official diagnosis. Your results will include an Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), which measures the number of breathing interruptions during sleep and helps determine the severity of your sleep apnea.
Your Sleep Study Device
This compact device, the WatchPAT One, is what you’ll use for your at-home sleep study. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and designed to make the process as easy as possible. Each kit is single-use for your safety and convenience.
Results
After your sleep study is performed, we’ll score it and give you an AHI number, which will determine if you have sleep apnea as well as the severity of it. According to Harvard Sleep Medicine, the AHI ranges are categorized as ¹:
- 0-4: None/Minimal Severity
- 5-14: Mild
- 15-29: Moderate
- 30+: Severe
No Need to Return the Device
When your sleep study is complete, there’s no need to return the device to our office. The WatchPAT device is single-use, so you can safely dispose of it after your test. If you’d prefer to recycle it, the manufacturer provides an option to request a prepaid return label. Full details are included in the product instructions that come with your kit.
Treatment
If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, our doctors will recommend a treatment. If you have a mild to moderate form, we’ll be able to provide sleep apnea treatment directly from our office.
Why Get a Sleep Study With Longmont Dental Loft?
Our doctors are well trained in performing sleep studies and they have helped many patients treat sleep apnea. Dr. Hedrick has even fitted herself with a sleep device with successful results.
As previously mentioned, having a dentist perform a sleep study enables you to do it in the comfort of your home and at a much more affordable price than if you went to a sleep center.
Finally, if you are diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea, our doctors can order a custom sleep appliance that will treat your condition and help you feel better. Contact our office at 303-772-6333 to learn more about how we can help you.
References
- Harvard Medical School Department of Sleep Medicine. Understanding the Results. Harvard.edu. Retrieved November 7, 2023 from https://sleep.hms.harvard.edu/education-training/public-education/sleep-and-health-education-program/sleep-health-education-34.