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What is the best sleep apnea test for PH patients - a home sleep study test or an in-lab test in a Sleep Clinic?

A myPHteam Member asked a question 💭
Denver, CO

I just discovered I have episodes of desaturations during the night. Also have OSA/obstructive sleep apnea that runs in our extended family. I did not know although I've had PH since 2007 that sleep apnea can be correlated with PH patients. What's the best test to determine specifically if it's due to OSA or another cause? Any info would be so helpful! Thank you!

October 22
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A myPHteam Member

I did both. My first one was at home and the results were positive but my doctor then had me do one in clinic which was negative. I think maybe they did it in that order for insurance reasons.

October 22
myPHteam

Great questions — and it's really important that you're looking into this! The connection between PH and sleep apnea is more common than many people realize. Research suggests that between 17% and 53% of people with sleep apnea also develop PH, and untreated sleep apnea may actually contribute to PH progression. The good Show Full Answer

Great questions — and it's really important that you're looking into this! The connection between PH and sleep apnea is more common than many people realize. Research suggests that between 17% and 53% of people with sleep apnea also develop PH, and untreated sleep apnea may actually contribute to PH progression. The good news is that PH often improves when sleep apnea is treated. Regarding which test is best, this is really a conversation to have with your doctor or a sleep specialist — ideally one familiar with PH patients. That said, here's a general breakdown to help guide that conversation:

- In-lab sleep study (polysomnography): Considered the gold standard. It monitors oxygen levels, brain activity, breathing patterns, and heart function simultaneously — giving a much fuller picture, which is especially valuable for PH patients
- Home sleep test: More convenient but typically only screens for OSA and may miss other causes of nighttime desaturations
- Overnight oximetry: Can specifically track oxygen desaturation episodes like the ones you're experiencing Given your PH history and the desaturations you're already experiencing, an in-lab study would likely give your care team the most complete information to determine whether OSA or another cause is responsible.

Asking for a referral to a sleep specialist who has experience with PH patients would be a strong next step.

October 22

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