The use of ENT-prescribed home sleep studies for patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea

Sleep disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea, is a common and morbid health problem. Traditionally, sleep disordered breathing is diagnosed by complex sleep studies. However, newer, easy-to-use, highly sensitive, and highly specific home sleep study equipment is now available. The present study was undertaken to determine whether an otolaryngologist could easily and effectively dispense home sleep equipment from the office. We used a portable AutoSet home sleep machine. Our experience with the first 100 consecutively presenting patients was recorded and analyzed under institutional review board approval. Ninety-nine of the 100 tests were completed successfully on the first attempt; the one failure was successful on the second attempt. Our results were consistent with those reported from in-house polysomnogram sleep studies; 71% of our patients had an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 15 or higher, and 93% had an AHI at least 5. We conclude that an otolaryngologist, using state-of-the-art home sleep testing equipment, can accurately and cost-effectively prescribe home sleep studies.