If you snore loudly, wake up feeling tired, or struggle with daytime sleepiness, your doctor may recommend a sleep study to check for sleep apnea. While these tests are important for diagnosing this common and potentially serious condition, many people hesitate to get tested due to concerns about cost. Let’s break down the average cost of a sleep apnea test and what you can expect when budgeting for it.
Types of Sleep Apnea Tests
There are two main types of sleep studies used to diagnose sleep apnea, and their costs vary significantly.
Polysomnography (In-Lab Sleep Study)
This is the most comprehensive type of sleep study, conducted overnight in a specialized sleep lab or hospital setting. During the test, technicians monitor your brain waves, heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels, eye movement, and muscle activity while you sleep.
- Average cost: $1,000 to $3,500.
- With insurance: If medically necessary and approved, insurance may cover a large portion, reducing your out-of-pocket cost to $300 to $1,000 or even less, depending on your plan and deductible.
Polysomnography is usually recommended if you have additional health conditions or if a home sleep test yields inconclusive results.
Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT)
This is a more convenient and affordable option for many people. With a home test, you receive a portable monitoring device to use overnight in your own bed. It typically measures breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and heart rate.
- Average cost: $150 to $600
- With insurance: Many insurance plans cover HSAT when prescribed by a physician, and your out-of-pocket cost may be as low as $50 to $150.
Home sleep tests are best suited for diagnosing moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in otherwise healthy individuals.
Factors That Affect the Cost
Several variables can influence the final price of your sleep apnea test:
- Insurance coverage: Whether you have insurance, and how your plan handles sleep studies, greatly impacts cost. Some plans require prior authorization or a referral.
- Location: Costs may vary depending on where you live. Urban areas and private clinics often charge more than rural or hospital-based facilities.
- Type of facility: Tests done in hospitals typically cost more than those performed in independent sleep clinics or at home.
- Additional services: Interpretation of results by a sleep specialist or follow-up consultations may be billed separately.
Is It Worth the Cost?
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cognitive problems. It also severely affects your quality of life. A proper diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment, whether that’s oral appliances or lifestyle changes.
The cost of a sleep apnea test can range widely, from a few hundred dollars for a home test to several thousand for an in-lab study. But with insurance, the out-of-pocket expenses are often manageable. If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, don’t let cost stop you from getting the help you need. Early diagnosis and treatment can dramatically improve your sleep and your health.
About the Author
Dr. David J. Drummond graduated in 1982 from Northwestern University Dental School before entering the U.S. Army Dental Corps, where he received advanced training in extractions, root canals, and other treatments. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, Dr. Drummond and our team of experts offer convenient, at-home sleep tests to help determine your diagnosis. Give us a call at our Lawton office to schedule your appointment at (580) 355-0344 or visit us online.