What are the different types of Sleep Tests for children?
The main types of sleep disordered breathing screening tools for pediatrics are Level 1, Level 2 Testing, or Nocturnal Oximetry
Level 1 Sleep Testing
Is a Full Polysomnography performed in the hospital or facility that has registered sleep technicians setting you up, monitoring you, scoring your test and potentially providing therapy at the time of testing if clinically indicated. Unfortunately there is a 2 year wait for Hospital PSG unless a known issue is present. For ADP funding of $415.50 towards a CPAP machine in Ontario, a Level 1 must be completed.
Level 2 Sleep Testing
Is a partial Polysomnography performed in the comfort of your own home. It can detect nearly everything the Level 1 test can for a proper diagnosis of sleep apnea or sleep disorder. This is a Privately Funded route with no wait times and rapid access to therapy and/or consult with specialist.
Oximetry
Is a Home Screening tool that measures blood oxygen levels, respiratory rates and Pulse Plethysmography to assess for any oxygen desaturations that occur due to sleep breathing disorders or lung pathologies. This does not detect sleep related arousals as RERAs can occur without oxygen desaturations. Therefore Oximetry can understimate results.
Oximetry | Level 2 | Level 1 | ||
Location | At home In a Lab | |||
Staffing | Technologist Present | |||
Monitoring Sensors | Breathing Parameters Snoring Airflow Hearth Rate Saturation (Oxygen levels) Brain Activity - Sleep Stages Muscle Activity | |||
What It Diagnoses | Sleep APNEA Leg & Body - PLMD REM Sleep Disorder | |||
Wait Time | Sleep Study for childr | 1-2 Weeks | 1 week | 1.5 year + |
Cost | $200.00 | $450.00 | OHIP |
Which Sleep Test is right for my child?
Oximetry on Therapy is the most selected for pediatric care. It is the least intrusive pre-sreening tool there is for assessment of obstructive sleep apnea. Costing $200.00 for 2 night's of data, assessment and report by the Registered Respiratory Therapist to the pediatrician. Please note children are resilient and therefore can have fragmented sleep due to sleep breathing disorders but not have their oxygen levels as affected. This may lead to an underestimation of sleep breathing disorder.
The Level 2 sleep test will be able to detect obstructive sleep apnea through the Respiratory efforts, Heart Rate/ Oxygen, Positional sensors and airflow/ audible snoring and brain waves to assess for sleep cycles. They are fully interpreted by a Sleep Medicine Physician with a final Diagnosis and recommendation of care. The Registered Respiratory Therapist would review the results and available options as per the Specialist. It is an alternative to fast track sleep breathing disturbances which can lead to well known physical and cognitive issues.
Level 1 Polysomnography has 18 EEG sensors vs. 1-2, and include ALL other sensors that are monitored live by a Sleep Technician. If there is PTSD, severe cardiac issues and Respiratory illnesses, it may be best to go through the PSG at the hospital.
Does your child...
- Wake up throughout the night?
- Have Bathroom Breaks?
- Have nightmares?
- Have Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD)?
- Have Restless Sleep?
- Have daily napping and daytime fatigue?
- Have dark circles around their eyes?
- Snore?
- Nasal congestion or polyps?
- Enlarged Tonsils or Adenoids?
- Frequently ill?
If you’ve answered yes to 2 or more of these questions, you may want to consider talking to your physician about a Sleep Test,
either in Hospital or at your own home.
Self-assess with the two Questionnaires
Oximetry and Level 2 sleep testing is open to the public without a referral. We always recommend family physicians to be part of your health plan. To ensure that is available, we have provided a Referral Link . Simply download the form, bring it to your physician and it can either be faxed or uploaded online under "upload a file" or online during the medical intake form!
Is the Sleep Test covered through OHIP?
At this time, Oximetry and Level 2 Sleep Testing are a private route for quick, early diagnosis & treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
01.
Ontario citizens
If the therapy works, we help our patients obtain treatment prescriptions from their family physicians. All Insurances are different and we will assist with any coverage that you may be eligible for.
02.
Quebec Citizens
Diagnostic & Treatment for Sleep Apnea are usually covered by extended health benefits. We assist you the entire way to obtaining a prescription for the treatment you need. Free shipping and virtual consultations are available!
Is CPAP Covered in Ontario with a Level 2 Home Sleep Test?
With over a decade of Insurance experience, we will work with you & your family doctor to help get your therapy covered. Coverage is subject to the specific plan.
Don't lose sleep again, find out if a Home Sleep Apnea Test is right for your child!
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