What is Houston Snoring Relief?

A high-conversion marketing funnel and lead capture engine for sleep dentistry practices to identify and acquire sleep apnea patients.

Can sleep apnea be diagnosed at home?

Yes. Many patients qualify for a home sleep test (HST), which uses a portable monitoring device worn overnight in the patient's own bed. The device measures airflow, respiratory effort, oxygen saturation, and heart rate. A physician reviews the data to calculate the apnea-hypopnea index and confirm a diagnosis. Home sleep testing is appropriate for most patients with suspected uncomplicated obstructive sleep apnea.

Do I need a referral for a sleep apnea test?

No referral is required to schedule a consultation with Houston Sleep Associates. A physician-ordered sleep study is required for the diagnosis itself, but your provider can coordinate this as part of the evaluation process. If your insurance requires a primary care referral for the sleep study, Houston Sleep Associates can guide you through obtaining it.

Does insurance cover sleep apnea testing?

Most major medical insurance plans cover sleep apnea testing when it is medically indicated. Coverage typically includes both home sleep tests and in-lab polysomnography, subject to deductibles and copays. Houston Sleep Associates can verify your specific benefits before any testing is ordered.

What is a normal AHI score?

The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) measures the number of breathing events per hour of sleep. An AHI below 5 is considered normal. An AHI of 5–14 indicates mild sleep apnea, 15–29 is moderate, and 30 or above is classified as severe. The AHI drives both the diagnosis and the treatment protocol — mild and moderate disease are commonly treated with oral appliance therapy.

Can a dentist be involved in sleep apnea diagnosis or treatment?

Dentists trained in dental sleep medicine cannot independently diagnose sleep apnea — that requires a physician-ordered sleep study. However, they play a central role in the treatment pathway: fabricating and managing custom oral appliances, monitoring dental and jaw health during treatment, and coordinating with physicians on follow-up sleep testing. Houston Sleep Associates works within this collaborative model.

Is a home sleep test accurate?

Home sleep tests are clinically validated for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea in appropriate patient populations and are endorsed by major sleep medicine societies. Because they do not monitor brain waves, they may underestimate AHI compared to full polysomnography in some patients. When a home test is inconclusive or when complex sleep disorders are suspected, an in-lab study may be recommended.

How long does it take to get sleep apnea test results?

Home sleep test results are typically available within three to five business days after the device is returned. In-lab polysomnography results are usually available within one to two weeks. Houston Sleep Associates coordinates test scheduling and follow-up review of results as part of the evaluation process.

281.378.4999|Ready to sleep better?

← Houston Snoring Relief Free Sleep Assessment →

Patient Education Resource · Houston Sleep Associates

Wondering If You Need a Sleep Apnea Test?

Many people live with sleep apnea for years before receiving a diagnosis. Understanding the testing process can be the first step toward better sleep and improved health.

Take Sleep Apnea Assessment

Quick Answer

A sleep apnea test measures your breathing, oxygen levels, and sleep patterns overnight to determine whether obstructive sleep apnea is present and how severe it is. Many patients qualify for a convenient home sleep test rather than an overnight lab stay.

What Is a Sleep Apnea Test?

A sleep apnea test — also called a sleep study or polysomnography — is a diagnostic evaluation that monitors your body's activity during sleep to identify breathing disturbances, oxygen level changes, and sleep stage disruptions associated with obstructive sleep apnea.

The test generates an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) — a measure of the number of breathing events per hour of sleep — which is used to determine whether sleep apnea is present and classify its severity as mild, moderate, or severe. This diagnosis is the required foundation for beginning treatment.

Signs You May Need Testing

A sleep apnea evaluation is appropriate if you experience one or more of the following:

Loud or chronic snoring reported by a partner
Excessive daytime fatigue that does not resolve with rest
Morning headaches that improve through the day
Waking up gasping or choking during the night
Witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep
Difficulty concentrating or unexplained brain fog
High blood pressure that is difficult to control

Types of Sleep Testing

Home Sleep Test (HST)

A portable monitoring device worn at home overnight. Measures airflow, respiratory effort, oxygen levels, and heart rate. Convenient, cost-effective, and appropriate for many patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea.

In-Lab Polysomnography

A comprehensive overnight study conducted at a sleep center. Monitors brain waves, eye movements, muscle activity, and breathing in addition to respiratory parameters. Recommended for complex cases or when home testing is inconclusive.

What Happens After Diagnosis?

A sleep apnea diagnosis is the starting point — not the end point. Once your results are reviewed by a physician, the next step is discussing treatment options appropriate for your severity level, anatomy, and lifestyle.

Treatment options include CPAP therapy, oral appliance therapy, positional therapy, and in select cases surgical intervention. Many patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea — or those who cannot tolerate CPAP — are excellent candidates for oral appliance therapy.

Treatment Options Available

Following a diagnosis, Houston Sleep Associates can discuss treatment options including:

Oral appliance therapy — a custom-fitted device worn during sleep, no mask or machine required
CPAP therapy — pressurized air delivered through a mask to keep the airway open
Combination therapy — oral appliance used alongside CPAP for improved outcomes
Lifestyle modifications — positional therapy and weight management where applicable

Explore CPAP alternatives and dental sleep medicine options on our dedicated pages.

Take the First Step Toward a Diagnosis

Take the sleep apnea assessment or schedule a consultation with Houston Sleep Associates today.

Take Sleep Apnea Assessment

Questions about sleep testing? We can help.

Take Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about your treatment options after diagnosis.

Oral Appliance Therapy CPAP Alternatives

Related Resources

Home Sleep Test Houston Do I Need a Sleep Study?How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?Signs of Sleep Apnea Sleep Apnea Dentist Houston CPAP Alternative Houston Sleep Apnea Assessment

Find Out If Sleep Apnea Testing Is Right for You

Houston Sleep Associates serves patients throughout Houston, River Oaks, West University, Bellaire, Upper Kirby, and surrounding communities.

Take Sleep Apnea Assessment

Backed by Established Houston Providers

Houston Snoring Relief is powered by Houston Sleep Associates and Tamborello Dental Associates, led by Dr. Holly Boone.

Schedule Consultation

Call Now Free Assessment