How It Works

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a home sleep study?

  Our home sleep testing kit offers an affordable and convenient alternative to visiting a sleep clinic. Similar to an in-clinic sleep study (polysomnography), you'll wear a small portable monitoring device throughout one night of sleeping, and you'll need to have at least four consecutive hours of sleep. 

  Unlike an in-clinic sleep study, home sleep studies are less intrusive, offer faster results, and don't require observation while you sleep. Best of all, you get accurate results without ever leaving your home!

• Are at-home sleep apnea tests accurate?

  Yes, studies have shown home sleep test accuracy is comparable to the same results you would get in a sleep lab. Researchers also discovered patients were able to achieve deeper sleep periods during home studies. This suggests that sleeping in a familiar environment facilitates a more natural transition into REM sleep.

  Night Owl's Comprehensive report includes a detailed view of your Pulse Rate, AHI, SpO2, Total Sleep Time, Respiratory Events, and REM Time.

• How does a home sleep study work?

  The NightOwl App provides a guided walkthrough on how your home sleep apnea test device works and step-by-step setup instructions. To attach the sensor, you'll place the device on your pointer finger pad and attach it with the included fabric medical tape—As easy as 1, 2, ZzZ.

• Am I a candidate for a home sleep test?

  If you think you may have sleep apnea, are over 22 years of age, and have no pre-existing conditions, you may be the perfect candidate for our home sleep apnea test.

  Those who wake up tired from headaches, shortness of breath, occasional insomnia, snoring, or gasping during the night may be experiencing one of the three types of sleep apnea, such as obstructive sleep apnea. Certain factors, including obesity, genetics, a neck circumference greater than 16 inches, diabetes, or asthma, may put you at a higher risk for sleep apnea.

  While opting for a home sleep test has many advantages, some individuals are not candidates for home sleep testing. Those diagnosed with COPD, congestive heart failure, neuromuscular or neurodegenerative diseases, narcolepsy, REM behavior disorder, or those who use oxygen while sleeping are not candidates and will need to contact a board-certified sleep physician to partake in a clinical sleep study.

• Does CPAP.com's home sleep test meet the physical requirements for DOT and FAA standards?

  Yes, our home sleep test meets DOT and FAA requirements. However, we always recommend confirming with your employer that this test will meet their specific requirements.

• Will my insurance cover the home sleep study?

  CPAP.com does not partner with Medicare or any private or government-based insurers and will not file any claims for reimbursement; all purchases are private pay. Please note, Medicare and Medicaid will not reimburse you for any CPAP.com purchases. Read our full insurance policy here.

• What does a home sleep study cost?

  The cost of an at-home sleep study is $169. Our kit includes:

  • Telemed visit With a Board-Certified Sleep Physician
  • A Sleep Apnea Test Prescription
  • Home Sleep Test Device
  • Interpretation of the test results to determine a prescription.
  • An APAP Prescription as needed

• Does a home sleep study require a prescription?

  Yes, our home sleep apnea test requires a prescription; if you do not have a prescription, no need to panic (or make an appointment), the cost of our home sleep apnea test includes a prescription for it! 

  During your virtual visit, the doctor will determine your risk level and prescribe a home sleep test if they feel it is necessary. If they determine you are not a candidate, you'll only be charged $100 for the Telemed doctor consultation.

• How should I prepare for a home sleep apnea test?

  On the day of the test, you should not nap, consume caffeine, or drink alcohol. Doing so can make it harder to fall asleep. Consuming caffeine and alcohol can interfere with the data a sleep study collects.

• What happens after completing my home sleep study?

  The next morning you'll open the NightOwl Companion App and select end test; once selected, your sleep study results are sent to the doctor for review. 

  Within 1-2 business days, you will receive an email notification about the interpretation of your home sleep test results. You'll either receive a prescription for an APAP machine or a determination for further consultation with a sleep specialist. It could also be found that your results were normal, and no sleep apnea diagnosis can be made.

  Occasionally, some people who take the NightOwl home sleep study will need one or two extra nights of data collection to ensure the doctor can make accurate recommendations and prescriptions. When this occurs, you'll receive a push notification within an hour of ending your test, letting you know you'll need to sleep with the NightOwl device again.