What is a common device used for home sleep apnea testing (HSAT)?

A portable monitoring device is commonly used for home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) because it is specifically designed to assess sleep-related breathing disorders in a convenient, non-laboratory setting. These devices are typically compact and easy to use, allowing patients to monitor their sleep patterns and breathing without the need for an overnight stay at a sleep clinic.

The functionality of these devices generally includes measuring parameters such as airflow, respiratory effort, and oxygen levels, which are crucial indicators of apneic events. The design of portable monitoring devices emphasizes simplicity and patient comfort, facilitating easier uptake of testing among individuals suspected of having sleep apnea.

While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are instrumental for treating sleep apnea, they do not test for the condition; similarly, a full polysomnography system captures comprehensive sleep data but is generally used in clinical settings rather than at home. An electroencephalogram (EEG) is primarily focused on measuring brain waves and is not typically employed for diagnosing sleep apnea directly.