Pros and cons of Level 3 study/ at-home sleep test

Pros:

More convenient. At-home tests are more convenient than in-lab tests. You can follow your nightly routine, which might actually provide a more accurate reading of how you breathe when you’re sleeping than in-lab testing.

Much less costly.

More accessible. At-home tests may be a more realistic option for people who live far from a sleep centre.

Faster results.

Cons:

Doesn’t test for other sleep problems. At-home tests only measure breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels. Other common sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy, can’t be detected from this test.

Less accurate. Without a technician present, test errors are more likely.

Pros and cons of an in-lab sleep study/Level 1 PSG at home/ Level 2 study:

Pros:

Most accurate test available. An in-lab sleep test is considered the gold standard of diagnostic testing for sleep apnea.

Best test for certain types of work. People who pose a serious risk to themselves or others if they fall asleep on the job should participate in an in-lab sleep study to ensure an accurate diagnosis. This includes people who work as taxi, bus, or ride-share drivers, as well as pilots and police officers.

PSG can also be used to study other conditions such as narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder, insomnia, sleepwalking and night terrors.

In-lab monitoring is more suitable for people with other health conditions, including sleep disorders and heart and lung diseases.

Cons:

Costlier than an at-home test.

Less accessible. Longer wait times.

Less convenient as more electrodes are attached so some people may find it difficult to sleep.

Which type of study is best for me?

Level 1 or Level 2 studies/ Polysomnography Level 3 study / Polygraphy
Use more attachments and measurements Are more comfortable due to the familiar settings, therefore can give better quality sleep
Give more reliable insight into what is happening to your body during sleep Still give reliable results, particularly if your symptoms are quite severe
More expensive Less expensive, more convenient
Can detect a wider variety of conditions Used mostly to diagnose OSA
Less chance of errors Can be prone to error if not fitted correctly

Often, your physician/ pulmonologist/ cardiologist/ specialist will recommend the most suitable type of study for you and will make you aware of the relative merits of each.