Polygraphy
If you test positive for OSAS after your Pre-Polygraphy, we will invite you for a follow-up sleep study. This may consist of a simple study known as a polygraphy. Depending on your symptoms, a polygraphy will often suffice to monitor your sleeping behaviour and sleeping problems, as well as to diagnose you with sleep apnea. During a polygraphy, we monitor your breathing, snoring, heart rate and blood oxygen level, as well as your sleeping position.
Preparing for a polygraphy
The polygraphy can take place in the comfort of your own home, while the initial consultation will take place in the clinic. During this afternoon appointment, the OSAS consultant will brief you on the test, take several simple measurements (length, weight, blood pressure, etc.), fill in a questionnaire with you and apply some of the measuring devices. They will also give you instructions on how to apply the remaining equipment yourself before going to bed. This is relatively easy to do, and makes it so that you to not have to spend the entire time between your appointment and going to bed with all of the necessary devices strapped to your body.
During the polygraphy
During the polygraph, you will wear a recorder on your chest and abdomen, secured with 2 elastic straps, as well as a nasal cannula and a wristband with a pulse oximeter. It will take about 30 minutes to apply the equipment and explain the test. After your appointment, you can go back home and go about your day as usual (more or less). You will still be able to move freely while wearing the equipment and will be able to cycle and drive as usual. Please do, however, avoid strenuous activities: you will not be able to exercise while wearing the measuring equipment. On top of that, it is very important that the measuring equipment does not get wet. If you would like to take a shower, please do so before your appointment.
The equipment will be switched on between 23:00 and 7:00. If you go to bed or wake up at vastly different times, we can adjust this time slot for you. Please return the equipment to the reception desk of Haaglanden Clinics before 10:00 the following morning. If you cannot do so yourself, you can have someone else return the equipment for you.
Polygraphy results and treatment
You will receive the results of the test at your next appointment with your ENT specialist, lung specialist or neurologist. The various treatment options will be explained to you and, together with your practitioner, you will consider which treatment option is most suitable for you. Your sleep study may be discussed in a Multidisciplinary Consultation, in which various specialists will discuss your case to come up with a tailor-made treatment protocol.
For more information, see our Patient Information section on Polygraphy. If this still does not answer all your questions, please get in touch with us!
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