VCU Center for Sleep Medicine
2529 Professional Road
Richmond, Virginia 23235
804 323-2255
vcuhealth.org/sleep
In-Home Polysomnogram (Home Sleep Study)
What is an in-home polysomnogram?
Polysomnogram is another name for a sleep study. “Poly” refers to the many body systems monitored
overnight including the oxygen level in your blood, heart rate, as well as your breathing.
A polysomnogram is usually done at a sleep disorders unit within a hospital or at a sleep center. In this case,
you have been asked to take home a home sleep testing (HST) device that you will wear to record your normal
nighttime sleep patterns.
Why do I need a home polysomnogram?
An in-home polysomnogram or HST monitors your breathing cycles to identify if or when your breathing
patterns are disrupted and why.
Your doctor may recommend a HST for excessive sleepiness, to evaluate the effectiveness of non-PAP
therapies, or if he or she suspects you have a sleep-related breathing disorder, such as sleep apnea (your
breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep) in absence of other co-morbid conditions. Sometimes
a HST is recommended in the event that a request for an in-laboratory test has been denied by the patient’s
insurance company.
Are there any risks?
A polysomnogram is a non-invasive, painless test. Complications are rare. The most common side effect is
skin irritation caused the adhesive used to attach test sensors to your skin.
How do I get my test results?
If you are a VCU Medical Center patient, you will receive your results during your pre-scheduled follow-up
appointment. If you need to schedule a follow-up appointment, call our office at 804-323-2255. If you are not a
VCU Medical Center patient, please contact your referring physician for your test results.
Stardust II Patient Instructions
The Stardust in-home sleep testing device consists of five parts:
•
Pouch – During the sleep study, the pouch is worn on a cord that goes around the neck. The recorder
slides into the pouch.
•
Stardust II Recorder – The recorder is a small device that stores the information collected from the
sensors and slides into the pouch.
•
Respiratory Effort Belt – The belt senses chest movement that occurs during breathing. It is fitted
around your chest and is routed through the loop in the rear of the pouch.
•
SpO2 Sensor – The SpO2 sensor measures the amount of oxygen in your blood and your pulse rate.
The sensor attaches to a finger on your non-dominant hand (usually your index or middle finger).
In-Home Polysomnogram (Home Sleep Study)
1
VCU Center for Sleep Medicine
VCU Center for Sleep Medicine
2529 Professional Road
Richmond, Virginia 23235
804 323-2255
vcuhealth.org/sleep
In-Home Polysomnogram (Home Sleep Study)
•
Nasal Cannula – The nasal cannula is a clear tubing device that attaches via a screw lock and measures
your breathing. The prongs of the sensor are placed into the nares of the nose with the curved portion
of the prongs facing down. The remaining can be looped over the ears and tightened below the chin.
Setting Up for the In-Home Polysomnogram
Place the equipment on in the following order:
1. Place the cord for the Pouch around the back of your neck and adjust the
length so that the Pouch hangs in the center of your chest.
2. Place the Stardust II Recorder in the Pouch.
3. Place the Respiratory Effort Belt around your chest. Route the belt through
the loop in the back of the Pouch. Snap the tongue of the belt into the buckle,
and pull on the loose strap until the belt fits snugly.
Figure 1
4. Put the SpO2 sensor on a finger of your non-dominant hand (usually the
index or middle finger) and make a fist. Tape the sensor cable to the back
of your hand, then release the fist. Route the sensor cable up the arm and
secure in place with tape as necessary (remove any extra sensor cable slack
by looping the cable and securing with tape. See Figure 1.)
5. Place the nasal cannula under your nose with the air tubes protruding
slightly into your nostrils with the curved portion facing down. Place the
sensor leads behind your ears so that the lead collar rests underneath your
chin. Make sure that the sensor leads are tight enough to prevent slipping,
but loose enough that you can still open your mouth.
6. Remove the Stardust II Recorder from the Pouch and slide the switch to the
On position. Confirm the green light (the green light will change to amber
and you are ready) and place the Recorder back in the Pouch and close the
flap.
7. You are now ready to begin the sleep study. The sensor placement should
match Figure 2:
Figure 2
During the Study
Once the Stardust Recorder unit is turned on, do not turn off the unit until the end of the study. Sleep in your
normal body positions. You may get up and use the restroom during the night as needed.
In-Home Polysomnogram (Home Sleep Study)
2
VCU Center for Sleep Medicine
VCU Center for Sleep Medicine
2529 Professional Road
Richmond, Virginia 23235
804 323-2255
vcuhealth.org/sleep
In-Home Polysomnogram (Home Sleep Study)
After the In-Home Polysomnogram
Once you wake up for the morning the study is complete. Remove the Stardust II Recorder from the Pouch
and turn the unit off. Remove all sensors from your body (the nasal cannula may be thrown away) and place
the device back into the case and return it to VCU Center for Sleep Medicine by noon the morning the study is
complete.
Warnings and Cautions
•
Secure the sensor cords to your body using medical tape to avoid entanglement during the study.
•
To avoid sensor damage, do not immerse any of the sensors in liquid.
•
To avoid electric shock, do not wear the Stardust II Recorder and its sensors in the shower, bath,
waterbed, or with an electric blanket.
•
Do not use a cell phone near the Stardust II Recorder when the unit is powered on. The radio
frequencies from the cell phone may interfere with operation of the unit.
•
In the unlikely event of an emergency, immediately call 9-1-1.
In-Home Polysomnogram (Home Sleep Study)
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VCU Center for Sleep Medicine