Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A SLEEP TEST?
If you show some of the symptoms outlined in the ABOUT SLEEP APNEA section you may be a candidate for a sleep test. You can take the 8 question SCREENING QUIZ to find out. [TAKE THE QUIZ]
DO A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THEIR SLEEP?
You are not alone. Studies have shown that 75% of Americans are not satisfied with the quality of their sleep.
I HEARD THAT SLEEP APNEA CUTS OFF OXYGEN TO YOUR BRAIN... IS THAT TRUE?
Yes. "Sleep Apnea is a condition in which an individual stops breathing while they sleep. When you stop breathing, your oxygen levels drop, and the brain cannot take that, so it wakes you up. It doesn’t wake you up all the way, but it pushes you to a lighter stage of sleep and you go through that cycle repeatedly throughout the night. That’s what we call obstuctive sleep apnea. Some patients go through this cycle 60 or even 100 times an hour in severe cases. Because most people sleep through this disruptive sleeping cycle, they may not realize they have a treatable medical condition." Dr. Salah Aboubakr, Sleep Center at McLaren, MI
WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF SLEEP APNEA?
The word "apnea is Greek in orgin. The literal translation is "without breath"
IS THERE ANYTHING SPECIAL I HAVE TO DO FOR THE SLEEP TEST?
Nothing special. Just put on the watch-like sleep test unit before you go to sleep and it will record your sleep statistics. It's that easy. To see how easy it is, watch the video in the HOME TEST INSTRUCTIONS section.
DO I BUY THE SLEEP TEST EQUIPMENT?
No. That would be very expensive as it's high grade medical equipment. You only need to use it overnight. The fee that's charged includes the use of the equipment you need for the test as well as the scoring and interpretation from a Sleep Doctor.
CAN I USE THE BATHROOM WHILE I'M BEING TESTED?
No problem. You can use the restroom just as you would normally during the night... it will not affect the test results. Just use the bathroom and then go back to sleep as you normally would. The readings are used during the time you are asleep.
HOW LONG DOES A SLEEP TEST TAKE?
Your Home Sleep Test takes 1 night. After you wake up, place the unit back in the case and return it to us in the box provided. Your data will be processed and a report will be prepared within a few days of our receipt of the Home Sleep Test equipment. All information is HIPAA compliant for your privacy.
I THOUGHT YOU NEEDED TO SPEND A NIGHT IN A SLEEP LAB OR HOSPITAL TO GET TESTED?
Now technology allows you to perform an easy, reliable, and low cost test for Sleep Apnea in the privacy of your own home. Sleep labs still provide a valuable service when a patient has other health issues or more extensive testing is required.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR SLEEP APNEA?
A CPAP Machine is the most common treatment for Sleep Apnea. It eliminates snoring and is very effective. More and more patients are achieving excellent results and prefer the comfort and simplicity of a Dental Appliance... a device worn during sleep that fits like a sports mouth guard or orthodontic retainer. While these treatments are effective, The American College of Physicians' (ACP) current guidelines emphasizes lifestyle modifications - especially Weight Loss - for treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Weight Loss can have a significant effect on sleep apnea symptoms... and has the potential to cure the condition.
MY EMPLOYER IS OFFERING YOUR SLEEP APNEA SCREENING AND TESTING SERVICE. WILL THEY KNOW IF I HAVE SLEEP APNEA?
When a company cares enough about their employees to offer our SLEEP APNEA CORPORATE SCREENING & TESTING PROGRAM as a benefit of their CORPORATE WELLNESS PROGRAM the employer is not aware of the individual test results unless authorized by the employee. All employee information is HIPAA compliant and kept STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.
IS A CPAP MACHINE LOUD?
Years ago that was true. Machines were somewhat noisy with the sound of rushing air. Today, CPAP machines are super quiet. Users often can't tell if the machines are on unless they pull the mask away from their face for a second.
HOW DOES MY BED PARTNER BENEFIT FROM MY GETTING HELP FOR MY SLEEP APNEA?
Studies have shown that bed partners of those with untreated sleep apnea also suffer because their sleep is disturbed by their partner's snoring and restlessness. When sleep apnea is treated the bed partner also greatly benefits.
WHAT IS THE BEST REASON TO GET TREATED FOR SLEEP APNEA?
There are many reasons to treat sleep apnea. The immediate effect will be a better quality of life, whereby you will be more alert and less fatigued. You will sleep better and feel better. You will also improve your general health as you won't be taxing your body... lowering your risk of other serious debilitating diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?
No. In order to provide the best and most efficient service we do not participate with any insurance companies or Medicare. Most insurance companies will accept your submitted invoice to be applied to your policy as an Out of Network Provider.
CASH VS. INSURANCE?
We eliminate the red tape and waiting for insurance approvals that typically add months to your getting through the system. In addition to receiving your test results weeks or months faster, often patients have less out of pocket costs paying for their sleep test directly in cash due to high deductibles, co-pays, and possible additional doctor visits that insurance may require.
IS A PRESCRIPTION REQUIRED?
No. Since you are not going through insurance, no prescription is required for the Home Sleep Test. This will save you time and money.
CAN ANYONE TAKE THE HOME SLEEP TEST?
You must be 18 years of age or older. The Home Sleep Test is not effective for those who have a pacemaker. If you are using oxygen therapy or have other serious health concerns you should check with your primary care or sleep doctor to see if a Home Sleep Test is appropriate for you.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I ORDER THE TEST?
After you order the test and payment is made, our office will contact you to schedule a time that is convenient for you to take the test... and answer any questions you may have.
WHAT ARE THE SHIPPING AND RETURN POLICIES?
For Individuals:
Once the Home Sleep Test is ordered, payment is made and a date is scheduled for a Home Sleep Test. The equipment will be shipped prepaid via USPS Priority Mail with tracking by the US Postal Service. The box will include return instructions and a self-stick pre-paid return label to affix to the original box. Once the test is completed, the equipment and instructions must be returned by simply bringing the box to a nearby post office so you may obtain a receipt. Please ask for a receipt and retain it for your records. The receipt will have a tracking number as well as serving as your “proof of return date". Please return the box the day after you perform your sleep test, but no more than 2 days after it was received (not including Sunday or postal holidays), so your report can be completed and the equipment can be made available for others. If the box is not returned after 2 days, a late fee of $50/day will be charged up to a maximum of 5 days. After 5 days, if not returned to the post office, the equipment will be treated as lost or stolen while in your possession and the full replacement value of $4,500 will be charged.
For Companies:
For testing sponsored by a Company, the issuing of testing devices, pickup and return, may vary from the above procedure if it is determined to be more convenient for employees. Detailed procedures will be furnished.
TERMS & CONDITIONS:
The Solutions for Better Sleep, LLC (SFBS) website is not directed to people under the age of 18 or people who live outside of the United States. If you are under 18 years old or live outside of the United States you may browse our website; however, you may not purchase any products at this time. SFBS and its website do not provide any medical advice. For people who order the Home Sleep Test with Interpretation, the results are interpreted by a Board Certified Sleep Doctor and the results and interpretation will be provided to the person ordering the test as well as the referring doctor (if any) for follow up with appropriate health care professionals. It is not SFBS's responsibility to organize any follow up care, diagnosis or treatment. SFBS does not assume any responsibility or liability for any injury or other consequence from the Home Sleep Test or any treatment the person may or may not receive after the Home Sleep Test is completed.