Skip the Sleep Lab: How At-Home Sleep Apnea Tests Are Changing Diagnosis

At-home sleep apnea testing is now available as a faster, cheaper alternative to traditional overnight sleep studies. The WatchPAT One device uses finger, wrist, and chest sensors to measure seven key metrics associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in a single night at home, delivering results for $189 instead of the $500 to $10,000 cost of in-lab testing.

What Exactly Is Sleep Apnea and Why Does It Matter?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the muscles in your throat relax too much, blocking your airway. If left untreated, it can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Many people don't realize they have it because the interruptions happen while they're asleep—they just wake up exhausted or gasping for air.

The problem is that getting diagnosed traditionally meant scheduling an appointment at a sleep clinic, waiting weeks or even months for an opening, and spending a night hooked up to machines in an unfamiliar lab. For many people, that barrier was enough to skip testing altogether, even if they suspected they had the condition.

How Does the At-Home Test Work?

The at-home sleep test is designed to be simple enough that you can do it yourself without leaving your house. Here's what the process looks like:

• Schedule a virtual appointment: You submit assessment forms and meet with a licensed physician online to confirm you meet the diagnostic criteria for OSA testing.
• Receive the device at your door: The disposable test kit arrives with sensors that attach to your finger, wrist, and chest, all connected to a smartphone app.
• Sleep normally: You wear the device for one night in your own bed, and it automatically records your breathing patterns and sends the data to your doctor.
• Get your results: After your doctor reviews the data, you receive a personalized sleep report with an AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index) score that indicates whether you have OSA.

The sensors measure peripheral arterial tone, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, body position, snoring, and chest motion—essentially everything a sleep specialist needs to know to diagnose the condition.

Why the Speed and Cost Matter

The time difference is striking. An at-home test ships in 1 to 2 business days and delivers results after one night of sleep. Traditional in-lab sleep studies require waiting 3 to 6 weeks for an appointment—and in some cases, over 6 months. For someone who's been waking up exhausted or whose partner is complaining about loud snoring, that delay can feel endless.

The cost difference is equally significant. The at-home test costs $189, while in-lab polysomnography (the traditional method) averaged $3,075 in 2022, with some facilities charging as much as $10,000. Even if your insurance covers part of the lab test, the out-of-pocket costs and time off work add up quickly.

Who Should Consider This Test?

The at-home test is designed for people who fit specific criteria. You're a good candidate if you frequently snore, wake up gasping for air, suspect you have sleep apnea but want to avoid traditional polysomnography, or have been putting off testing because of the hassle and expense. The test is available to anyone 18 years or older.

If the test confirms you have OSA, your next step is meeting with a sleep coach to discuss treatment options. The most common treatment is PAP (positive airway pressure) therapy, which uses a machine to keep your airway open while you sleep. You can purchase a CPAP machine through the same service if needed.

What Happens If You Change Your Mind?

The test is disposable, so you won't be reusing equipment. If you order the test but decide not to use it, unopened tests can be returned within 60 days for a refund. Shipping is included for orders over $50, and expedited options are available if you need results faster.

For people who've been avoiding a sleep apnea diagnosis because of the traditional lab experience, this at-home option removes a major barrier. You get the same diagnostic information in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost—all without leaving your bedroom.