Respiratory and Sleep Specialists now offer portable (home) sleep studies* using Compumedics Somte PSG monitoring devices. These specialised newly developed high-end devices permit recording of up to 27 channels of data, enabling full polysomnography (a sleep study) to be undertaken in an unattended setting. You can sleep in the comfort of your own bed!**

Quality Testing

You and your Doctor can rest assured that the Somte PSG device is robust, and data captured is quantitatively and qualitatively superior to 2 and 3 channel devices being used by other sleep diagnostic facilities throughout Australia. Sleep staging can be accurately performed in accordance with Medicare guidelines governing the test.   

Currently we offer portable services for patients at a number of locations including mine sites in the Bowen Basin and Central Highlands.  Please phone freecall 1800 155 225 for your nearest portable 'setup' location.

The Portable Sleep Study Process

After showering and changing into sleeping attire or loose clothing such as a T-shirt and shorts, patients are required to arrive at their nearest 'set-up' location between 4.00pm and 8.00pm for Somte PSG setup which (including paperwork) will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete.  

After recording a number of measurements (including your blood pressure, height, weight and neck circumference), a Sleep Technician, Nurse or Scientist will expertly apply a number of electrodes to your head and body. He or she will demonstrate how the equipment can be easily removed in the morning after your study has been completed.  The process is non-invasive (that is, no needles!). All electrodes are attached using water soluable glue or adhesive tape. During sleep, the device will monitor and record a number of signals detected by the electrodes including brain activity, breathing rate, body position, muscle effort, oxygen level and heart rate and rhythm.

You will be asked to return the Somte PSG device to the 'set-up' location the morning after your study. The data will be downloaded and your results will be analysed and reviewed by one of our Sleep Scientists and Sleep Physicians. Clinically severe results are noted immediately during analysis and a preliminary notice is forwarded to your Doctor to expedite treatment.  Usually it takes 10-14 business days for formal result delivery.

If you require any further assistance or information please contact us on 1800 155 225 (freecall) Monday-Friday 8:30am - 5 pm.

* Home sleep studies are not suitable for all persons and may not be suitable for you. At this time, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine guidelines on the use of Portable Monitoring Devices recommends that they should only be used in conjunction with a comprehensive sleep evaluation.  Due to some pre-existing medical conditions and depending on what sleep disorder your Doctor may suspect in your case, a home sleep study may not be suitable for you. Please consult with your Doctor before considering this option.

** Please be advised that current Medicare guidelines restrict billing of a portable sleep study to one portable study in a twelve month period. If an abnormality is discovered from your portable study and you require a second study for treatment, you will need to attend one of our sleep investigation units for the second study. 

 
Further Reading