Nassau Standard

Michelle Sands, Registered Dental Hygienist and Silent Night Therapy’s Sleep Apnea Director, said that a recent update to the WatchPAT ONE, an at-home sleep apnea test, is a "total game changer" for individuals wanting to undergo sleep apnea testing at home.

"The WatchPAT ONE test update is a total game changer for comfortable sleep apnea testing," said Sands. "The WatchPAT ONE test includes a wrist, chest, and fingertip sensor, which measures blood oxygen level and heart rate."

Recognizing the barriers posed by traditional lab-based diagnosis, At Home Sleep Apnea Testing has introduced an update to its WatchPAT One device. According to their website, this advanced at-home diagnostic tool simplifies the process, enabling quicker and more convenient testing, reducing the wait time for a diagnosis from several months to just a few days. The device serves as a cost-effective alternative to conventional sleep studies, encouraging more individuals to take the first step toward managing their sleep apnea.

"A home test provides essential information, including oxygen desaturation, apnea episodes, and pulse rates, all within the comfort of the patient's own bed. This often results in a more efficient sleep quality compared to lab tests," said Sands. She explained the urgency for early diagnosis cannot be overstated. Untreated sleep apnea not only disrupts sleep but also elevates the risk of severe health issues like heart attacks and strokes. "With approximately 70% of people with sleep apnea remaining undiagnosed, devices like WatchPAT One offer a practical solution for increasing diagnosis rates and facilitating timely intervention."

As the prevalence of sleep apnea continues to rise, innovative tools for home testing become increasingly used. By offering a convenient and accessible diagnostic option, Silent Night Therapy aims to bridge the gap in sleep apnea care, ensuring that more individuals can receive the treatment they need to prevent the long-term consequences of this chronic condition. "It's important to note that not every patient automatically receives a diagnosis of sleep apnea or a recommendation for an oral appliance upon entering our practice. We prioritize obtaining an accurate diagnosis based on the information provided by the sleep test," said Sands.

According to the Silent Night Therapy website, Sands entered the practice in 2011, bringing with her over 25 years of experience as a Registered Dental Hygienist. Currently, she holds the position of Sleep Apnea Director.