What initial investigations should I consider for a patient presenting with suspected obstructive sleep apnea?

Consider offering home respiratory polygraphy to people with suspected OSAHS.

If access to home respiratory polygraphy is limited, consider home oximetry for people with suspected OSAHS, but be aware that oximetry alone may be inaccurate in people with heart failure or chronic lung diseases.

Consider respiratory polygraphy or polysomnography if oximetry results are negative but the person has significant symptoms.

Consider hospital respiratory polygraphy if home testing is impractical or additional monitoring is needed.

Use the results of the sleep study to diagnose OSAHS and determine its severity (mild, moderate, or severe).

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