Diagnosing sleep apnea and available tests
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to stop breathing during your sleep. Its most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is estimated to affect 35% of men and 20% of women aged between 30 and 70, yet 80% are undiagnosed.1,2
If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to snoring, fatigue and daytime sleepiness. It can also have serious long-term effects on your health and well-being. 3,4
If you suspect that you may be suffering from any of these symptoms, take our free online sleep assessment to learn more about your sleep and your risk factors for having sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea can be diagnosed through a number of different sleep tests.
There are four types or levels of sleep apnea testing, including ‘home sleep tests’ that you can take in bed at home, and conversely, there are ‘sleep lab tests’ that require you to stay overnight in a hospital or sleep lab.
Completed at home.
Multi-night test.
Records data such as your oxygen levels and heart rate.
Doesn't require a GP referral.
No waiting times and results can be provided within 3-5 working days.
Costs can be up to $149.
OUT OF STOCK
Completed at home.
Single night test.
Records data such as your oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing, airflow and snoring.
Doesn’t require a GP referral.
No waiting times and results can be provided within 3-10 working days.
Costs can be up to $149.
Level 4 and 3 sleep tests measure fewer parameters than level 2 and 1 sleep tests, which are described below. We recommend you consult with your GP or specialist to determine the right sleep test for you.
ResMed offers a level 4 home sleep test, the onesleeptest (currently out of stock), which can be completed at home. It’s a simple, multi-night test that’s easy to set up and use. An Australian sleep physician evaluates your data and provides you with a personalised sleep report withing 3-5 working days.
Completed at home.
Single night test.
Records data such as oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing, airflow, snoring, brain activity and muscle activity.
Can be Medicare-rebated (eligibility qualifications apply).
Referral from your GP or specialist required.
Costs up to $299 if not eligible for Medicare rebate.
Comprehensive sleep study known as a polysomnography (PSG). Currently considered as the gold standard in OSA diagnosis.
Monitored by a sleep technician overnight in a sleep lab.
Records data such as oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing, airflow, snoring, brain activity, muscle activity and eye movements.
Generally longer wait times apply (can take months).
Referral from your GP or specialist is required showing you’re at high risk of having sleep apnea.
Costs $500 and upwards. Costs may vary depending on Medicare rebate eligibility, accessibility to private health insurance rebates and additional hospital charges.
We recommend you consult with your GP or specialist to determine the right sleep test for you. You can also learn more about sleep tests by speaking to a ResMed Sleep Coach* by calling 1800 737 633 or booking an appointment now. If you do have a referral, please send it to referrals@resmed.com.au.
Peppard PE et al., “Increased prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing in adults”, Am J Epidemiol. 2013 (5.17).
Benjafield et al., “Estimation of the global prevalence and burden of obstructive sleep apnoea: a literature-based analysis”, Lancet Respir Med., vol. 7, no. 8, Aug 2019,:p 687-698.
Wolk R et al., “Sleep-disordered breathing and cardiovascular disease”, Circulation 2003; 108: 9-12.
Buchner NJ et al., “Continuous positive airway pressure treatment of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea reduces cardiovascular risk”, Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2007; 176(12): 1274-1280.
*ResMed Sleep Coaches are sales and customer service representatives who have received training in sleep health. They can give general information about sleep health, sleep disorders and products that may help improve your sleep. They are not qualified healthcare professionals and cannot provide medical advice. We recommend you continue to consult your GP.
Home sleep tests, such as the onesleeptest, are not recommended if you suffer from the following conditions: Neuromuscular disease, severe COPD, hypoxia and/or hypercapnia at rest, morbid obesity, significant cardiovascular disease and chronic narcotic use. You should speak to your doctor to discuss sleep test options and whether a home sleep test is right for you.
