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Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common but potentially serious condition characterised by interrupted breathing during sleep. Traditionally, sleep apnoea testing required an overnight stay in a sleep clinic, but modern technology has enabled home-based sleep apnoea testing that are more practical and cost-effective.
Why Polysomnography Isn’t Always Ideal
Polysomnography (PSG) is considered the clinical gold standard for sleep evaluation. However, it’s not always the most practical or necessary approach, especially for patients suspected of having uncomplicated OSA.
Here’s why:
- Complex setup: PSG requires overnight monitoring in a sleep laboratory, using multiple electrodes and sensors attached to the body.
- Sleep disruption: Being wired to monitors in an unfamiliar environment can affect sleep quality, known as the “first-night effect.”
- Broad-spectrum testing: PSG is designed to detect a wide range of sleep disorders, including central sleep apnoea, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, and others—not just OSA.
- High cost and limited access: Clinic-based PSG is expensive and often has long waiting times, making it less accessible to many patients.
For individuals with a high likelihood of OSA and no other major health complications, a simpler, more targeted test may be a better first step.
Introducing the Belun Personal Sleep Monitoring Device (HSAT)
The Belun Personal Sleep Monitoring Device offers an effective Home Sleep Apnoea Testing (HSAT) solution specifically designed to assess obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). This wearable device is often referred to as the Belun Ring and is:
- Non-invasive and worn comfortably on the finger during sleep
- Capable of measuring key metrics including oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and pulse rate
- Designed to identify the frequency of breathing disturbances during sleep (Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index or AHI equivalent)
Critically, the Belun HSAT is significantly more affordable and easier to perform compared to in-lab testing.
This makes it ideal for:
- Initial screening of patients with suspected OSA
- Ongoing monitoring of treatment response
- Patients with limited access to sleep laboratories
At Optima Sleep, we also use the Belun HSAT to calibrate and titrate the airway sleep device. The first test is performed prior to starting treatment, to establish a baseline measurement of sleep apnoea. Once the airway device is in place and the patient reports improvement in symptoms such as daytime fatigue, poor sleep quality, or morning headaches, a second Belun test is conducted.
This follow-up test helps us determine the therapeutic position, which is the optimal advancement setting that achieves the greatest reduction in apnoea and snoring.
HSAT is not intended to replace polysomnography in every situation. It does not measure brain activity, sleep stages, or leg movements. However, for focused, OSA-specific screening and treatment calibration, the Belun HSAT offers an accurate, practical, and patient-friendly approach.