What are the primary limitations of home sleep apnea testing?

Home sleep apnea testing plays a vital role in diagnosing sleep-related disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnea. However, it does have certain limitations. One of the primary concerns is the reduced monitoring capabilities and limited data collection compared to in-lab polysomnography. Home tests typically measure fewer physiological parameters—usually focusing on airflow, oxygen saturation, and respiratory effort—rather than the more comprehensive data available in a sleep lab, which can include brain activity and muscle tone.

This limited scope can make it challenging to identify complex cases, such as those involving central sleep apnea or other sleep disorders that may mimic apnea but require different diagnostic criteria and intervention. Since the home testing devices often lack the ability to continuously monitor sleep stages and other critical metrics, the results can sometimes lead to inconclusive interpretations or missed diagnoses.

Therefore, while home sleep apnea tests are valuable for preliminary assessments, their limitations in monitoring capabilities and data depth can restrict their effectiveness in diagnosing the full spectrum of sleep disorders.