Diagnostics - RemHealth

In-Lab Sleep Study or Home Sleep Test?

In some cases, you may need an in-lab sleep study (polysomnogram) to thoroughly evaluate complex sleep issues. If we determine an in-lab study is the best option for you, we’ll arrange it and review the results with you.

However, if sleep apnea is the main concern and you are a good candidate for home sleep apnea testing, it’s important to know that not all home sleep tests are the same. Below, we’ll show you the key differences and why it matters.

We use the Gold Standard in Sleep Diagnostics

To accurately detect breathing pauses (apneas), the gold standard according to the AASM (American Academy of Sleep Medicine) is to measure both:

Airflow

via a nasal cannula (also called a nasal pressure transducer)

Breathing Effort

via an effort belt

By seeing both airflow and effort, you can distinguish between obstructive apnea (trying to breathe but no airflow due to airway blockage) and central apnea (no effort at all, common at elevation). This is the same method used in hospital-based sleep labs.

Our Choice

SleepView

We use the SleepView device fromCleveMed because it uses the same gold-standard technology used during an in-lab study:

Nasal Cannula: Tracks your actual airflow.
Effort belt: Monitors your breathing pattern.

This combination allows us to capture direct measurements of your breathing pauses (apneas), leading to a more accurate diagnosis—all from the comfort of your home.

Indirect Methods

Some home sleep tests skip direct airflow and effort measurements and instead use substitute signals like:

Peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT)
Cardiopulmonary coupling
Sound or microphone-based analysis
Actigraphy / motion sensors

These methods rely on inferred changes rather than directly measuring airflow and breathing effort, making them more prone to inaccuracies.

Examples of Indirect Devices

DREEM HEALTH (SUNRISE)

Uses mandibular movements (no cannula or effort belt)

VIVOS (AKA SLEEPIMAGE)

Uses cardiopulmonary coupling (no cannula or effort belt)

WATCHPAT (ITAMAR/ZOLL)

Uses peripheral arterial tonometry (no cannula or effort belt)

NIGHTOWL (ECTOSENSE)

Uses oximetry & movement (no cannula or effort belt)

WESPER

Uses oximetry & optical sensors (no cannula or effort belt)

Key Takeaways

Choose the Right Test

If a comprehensive in-lab study is needed, we’ll arrange that for you. Otherwise, for home testing, consider the accuracy of the measurement method.

Gold Standard vs. Indirect

Gold Standard: Nasal cannula + effort belt
Indirect: PAT, cardiopulmonary coupling, actigraphy, audio, etc.

SleepView Replicates In-Lab Accuracy

We’ve chosen CleveMed SleepView precisely because it uses the proven approach of measuring airflow and breathing effort simultaneously, just like a hospital-based test.

Better Data = Better Diagnosis

Reliable identification of apneas ensures you get the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment for your sleep-related issues.