Frequently Asked Questions

Your doctor has ordered a Home Sleep Test for you. We sent you a text message and/or email to schedule the Home Sleep Test that your doctor ordered.

If you don't know why your doctor ordered the Home Sleep Test, please contact your doctor to get the background. If you need more information or think it may be an error, please call us at (877) 775-3377.

The process is: (1) Your doctor orders a Home Sleep Test and sends the referral to us. (2) We contact you by text message and/or email with a link to our online scheduler. (3) You use the scheduler to complete paperwork, review training information, and select a shipping date. (4) We ship the device to you. You use it overnight at home and return it using the prepaid shipping envelope. (5) We analyze the data and the interpreting physician creates a final report. (6) We send the report to your doctor, who discusses the results with you and plans next steps.

Advanced Sleep Medicine Services (ASMS) is a California-based medical practice specializing in the diagnosis of sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. We have been providing home sleep testing services since 1994 — making us one of the most experienced sleep medicine groups in the state.

Our board-certified sleep physicians review every study personally. We ship FDA-approved devices directly to patients throughout California, making professional sleep testing accessible without the need for an overnight lab visit.

Our flagship office is located in Riverside, California. However, because we specialize in home sleep testing, we serve patients throughout the entire state of California — from Los Angeles and San Diego to the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, Fresno, and beyond.

We ship sleep test devices directly to your home anywhere in California, so there is no need to travel to a clinic. You can call us at (877) 775-3377 or visit our Locations page for more information.

We specialize in diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) — the most common sleep disorder in adults. Our home sleep test devices measure breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, and airflow to detect apnea events throughout the night.

If your results indicate a more complex sleep disorder — such as central sleep apnea or another condition requiring an in-lab polysomnography — our physicians will guide you to the appropriate next step.

The most common signs of obstructive sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep (often reported by a partner), excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, and waking up feeling unrefreshed even after a full night of sleep.

Many people with sleep apnea do not know they have it. If you experience any of these symptoms, a home sleep test is a simple, affordable way to find out. Untreated sleep apnea is associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, so early diagnosis is important.

Sleep apnea is extremely common — it is estimated to affect over 30 million adults in the United States, though the majority remain undiagnosed. It affects men, women, and children of all ages and body types, though it is more prevalent in adults over 40 and those who are overweight.

Because many people are unaware they stop breathing at night, sleep apnea is sometimes called a "silent epidemic." A simple home sleep test can determine whether you are among the millions who have it.

Advanced Sleep Medicine Services has been California's trusted provider of home sleep testing since 1994. With over 30 years of experience, our board-certified sleep physicians have helped thousands of patients get accurate diagnoses from the comfort of their own homes.

We accept over 300 insurance plans, use FDA-approved diagnostic devices, and ship test kits directly to your door anywhere in California. Our physicians personally review every study, and most patients receive their results within days. No clinic visits, no long wait times — just convenient, accurate testing you can trust.

A Home Sleep Test screens for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a common sleep disorder. The primary reason is addressing excessive daytime sleepiness, which diminishes quality of life, affects relationships, and impairs work performance. Additional benefits include reducing snoring-related relationship issues and addressing associated health risks like heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes. Treatment can restore energy and alertness.

An HST is a screening test for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. We use the ApneaLink Air or NightOwl devices. The ApneaLink Air includes a central unit, chest belt, finger cap for oxygen measurement, and nasal cannula. Patients wear it overnight at home, then return it. For NightOwl devices, testing occurs over two nights without return shipping required.

You must obtain a physician's order. After the order reaches us (typically 7-10 days), we contact you to schedule device shipment. Our online scheduler simplifies address confirmation and paperwork completion. You take the test at home overnight, then return the device. Results reach the physician within approximately 10 business days, followed by physician consultation.

The device ships via Priority Mail from the US Postal Service. For ApneaLink Air devices, a prepaid return envelope is included. You use the device for one night and return it the next day. NightOwl devices require two consecutive nights of testing and don't need returning.

Detailed instructions are provided for both ApneaLink Air and NightOwl devices via our device instructions pages. Customer service at (877) 775-3377 supports patients with questions before or after testing during business hours.

Testing should occur the night the device arrives. Early return helps accommodate other scheduled patients. If testing cannot occur immediately, contact customer service at (877) 775-3377 for assistance.

Maintain your normal sleep routines to ensure complete rest. Activate the device upon getting into bed, even if sleep doesn't occur immediately. Leaving the device on if you awaken during the night is acceptable.

Results reach the physician approximately 10 business days from the completion of your study, and sooner if possible. Prompt device return accelerates result delivery. After analysis and physician interpretation, reports are sent to the ordering physician for patient discussion.

The report goes to the physician for results discussion. Treatment options depend on findings. For OSA diagnosis, PAP devices (CPAP or APAP) are standard treatment. Mild cases may involve weight loss, positional devices, or dental appliances. Inconclusive results may warrant an in-center overnight sleep study.

For diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea in adults, home sleep tests are clinically validated and accepted by all major medical organizations including the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). They are highly accurate for detecting moderate-to-severe OSA.

In-lab polysomnography measures more data points and may be recommended if your symptoms suggest a more complex disorder (e.g., central sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, or narcolepsy). Your physician will recommend the right test for your situation.

Preparation is simple. On the night of your test: avoid napping, avoid alcohol and sedatives, follow your normal bedtime routine, and sleep in the position you normally would. Do not apply lotion, oils, or nail polish to the area where sensors are attached, as this can affect signal quality.

Each device comes with step-by-step printed instructions and a setup guide. You can also visit our Device Instructions page for detailed guidance, or call (877) 775-3377 if you have any questions before testing.

Most patients receive their results within 2–3 business days after returning the device. A board-certified sleep physician personally reviews your data and prepares a detailed diagnostic report.

Your results and physician letter are sent to you and, if applicable, to your referring physician. If your test is positive for sleep apnea, your physician will discuss treatment options with you and coordinate next steps.

A negative result means the data did not show significant apnea events. This is good news, though it does not necessarily rule out all sleep disorders. If you still have symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring, or morning headaches, your physician may recommend an in-lab sleep study to investigate further.

Occasionally, a test may produce inconclusive results (e.g., the device was dislodged during sleep). In that case, we may ask you to repeat the test at no additional charge.

For most insurance plans, a physician order is required to perform a home sleep test. If your primary care doctor or a specialist has recommended sleep testing, they can fax a referral to us at (951) 300-1111, or we can often coordinate directly with your physician.

If you do not have a referring physician, our team can help connect you with a sleep medicine physician for an initial consultation. Call us at (877) 775-3377 to discuss your options.

We use FDA-approved, clinically validated home sleep test devices including the ResMed ApneaLink Air, the Nox Medical Dream, and the Itamar WatchPAT (NightOwl). The specific device sent to you depends on your clinical needs and availability.

All devices are compact, comfortable, and easy to use. Full setup instructions are included with each device, and our support team is available by phone if you have questions.

Your test kit will include a prepaid return shipping label. Simply place the device back in the original packaging, affix the label, and drop it off at any UPS or FedEx location. There is no additional cost for returning the device.

If you are near our Riverside office, you may also return the device in person. Please return the device within 3 days of completing your test to avoid any delay in processing your results.

Yes. Home sleep tests are non-invasive and completely safe. The sensors simply monitor your body signals during sleep — they do not emit radiation or deliver any stimulation. The devices are FDA-cleared and used by millions of patients each year.

Some patients find wearing the device slightly unfamiliar at first, but most fall asleep without difficulty. If you have specific concerns, please speak with your physician or call our team before your test night.

Getting a home sleep test in California is simple. You can request a test online at sleepdr.com/schedule-here or call us at (877) 775-3377. Our team will verify your insurance coverage and coordinate with your physician if needed.

Once approved, we ship an FDA-approved sleep test device directly to your home. You wear it for one night in your own bed, then return it in the prepaid envelope. A board-certified sleep physician reviews your data and provides a detailed diagnosis, typically within a few days. We serve all of California — from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Sacramento, San Diego, and everywhere in between.

Yes. We accept over 300 insurance plans, and home sleep testing is covered by the vast majority of commercial insurance plans, Medicare, and Medi-Cal when medically necessary. Coverage typically requires a physician order and documented symptoms.

Before we ship your device, our team verifies your insurance benefits so you know what to expect. Most patients owe little to nothing out of pocket. Call (877) 775-3377 to confirm coverage with your specific plan.

Yes. We are a Medicare-approved provider. Medicare Part B covers home sleep testing for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea when ordered by a physician and medically necessary. Coverage is subject to your Medicare deductible and coinsurance.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, coverage may vary. Our insurance team will verify your specific benefits before scheduling your test.

We offer self-pay options for patients without insurance coverage. Home sleep testing is one of the most affordable ways to get diagnosed for sleep apnea, and our self-pay rates are competitive.

Contact our office at (877) 775-3377 to discuss self-pay pricing and payment options. We believe that everyone deserves quality sleep care, regardless of insurance status.

You can pay your bill online at sleepdr.com/customer-service/pay-my-bill, or call our billing department at (877) 775-3377. We accept all major credit cards, checks, and HSA/FSA payments.

If you have a question about your bill or believe there is an error, please do not hesitate to reach out. Our billing team is happy to review your account and work with you on a resolution.

PAP (Positive Airway Pressure) therapy is the most effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. A PAP device delivers a continuous stream of pressurized air through a mask worn during sleep, keeping the airway open and preventing the breathing interruptions that characterize sleep apnea.

The most common types are CPAP (Continuous PAP, fixed pressure), APAP (Auto-adjusting PAP, varies pressure based on need), and BiPAP (Bilevel PAP, different pressures for inhale and exhale). Most patients are started on APAP, which automatically adjusts throughout the night for maximum comfort and effectiveness.

PAP therapy is prescribed by your physician after a diagnosis of sleep apnea. Advanced Sleep Medicine Services can help coordinate PAP device setup and ongoing supply replacement. Call us at (877) 775-3377 or ask your doctor for a referral.

Every home sleep test is reviewed and interpreted by one of our board-certified sleep medicine physicians. Board certification in sleep medicine requires completion of an accredited fellowship program and passage of a national examination — ensuring the highest standard of diagnostic care.

Unlike automated scoring systems, our physicians personally review each recording to ensure accuracy and clinical relevance. You receive a physician-signed report with a clear diagnosis and recommended next steps.

Yes. We work with primary care physicians, ENTs, cardiologists, pulmonologists, and other specialists throughout California who refer patients to us for home sleep testing. Referring a patient is simple — visit our Service Request Form or call (877) 775-3377.

Physicians can also request medical records and detailed diagnostic reports through our secure physician portal. We pride ourselves on fast turnaround times and clear communication with referring physicians.