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Novel home-testing devices for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnoea hypopnoea syndrome are a cost-effective alternative to oximetry in adults, but their cost-effectiveness compared to respiratory polygraphy is uncertain.

A systematic review and economic evaluation found that in adults, novel home-testing devices for obstructive sleep apnoea hypopnoea syndrome had generally high sensitivity (80-100%) but variable specificity (25-100%). In the base-case economic analysis, all six novel devices were less costly than respiratory polygraphy but slightly less effective, while compared to oximetry they were more costly and more effective with incremental costs below £10,000 per quality-adjusted life-year gained.

Last updated: Aug 29, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score34/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Home-testing devices for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnoea hypopnoea syndrome - a systematic review and economic evaluation.

observational

Peters J, Shepherd J, Maund E, Grigore B, Woods L, Lord J, Scott DA, Hyde C · Health technology assessment (Winchester, England) (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Novel home-testing devices (six products) for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnoea hypopnoea syndrome, compared to home respiratory polygraphy, hospital polysomnography, home-based polysomnography, or oximetry.
Outcome: Diagnostic test accuracy (sensitivity, specificity), test failure rate, cost-effectiveness (incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year gained, incremental net monetary benefit).
Effect Size: N/A (diagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness estimates varied; sensitivity 80-100%, specificity 25-100%).
Population: Adults with suspected obstructive sleep apnoea hypopnoea syndrome; limited data in children (only three studies, all in clinic).

Result:

PubMed: 42661570DOI: 10.3310/GJJS3014

Mechanism Graph

Novel home-testing devices are smaller, easier to use, and more comfortable than traditional diagnostic equipment.
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They are used by patients at home to record breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels during sleep.
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The devices aim to reduce test failures and delays associated with traditional in-clinic or wired home tests.
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Improved usability and home setting may lead to more successful diagnostic recordings and cost savings.

Limitations

  • ⚠Diagnostic test accuracy data were uncertain, with estimates varying within and between studies; most studies were conducted in clinic rather than home settings.
  • ⚠Limited data on many outcomes beyond diagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness; insufficient evidence for children.
  • ⚠Some outcomes were not modelled in the economic evaluation, and additional analyses highlighted the extent of uncertainty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are novel home-testing devices accurate for diagnosing sleep apnoea?▼

In adults, sensitivity was generally high (80-100%), but specificity varied widely (25-100%), with many estimates in the 70-80% range. There is uncertainty in the accuracy estimates.

Are novel home-testing devices cost-effective for the NHS?▼

Compared to oximetry, all six devices were more costly but more effective, with incremental costs below £10,000 per QALY gained, suggesting cost-effectiveness. Compared to respiratory polygraphy, they were less costly but slightly less effective, and cost-effectiveness was uncertain.

Can novel home-testing devices be used in children?▼

There is insufficient evidence to assess their cost-effectiveness in children; only three studies included children, and all were conducted in clinic rather than home settings.

What are the main limitations of the evidence on novel home-testing devices?▼

Most studies were done in clinic rather than home settings, diagnostic accuracy data were uncertain, and limited data were available on other outcomes. More research is needed on home use and in children.

Products

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References

  1. 1.Peters J, Shepherd J, Maund E, Grigore B, Woods L, Lord J, Scott DA, Hyde C. "Home-testing devices for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnoea hypopnoea syndrome - a systematic review and economic evaluation.." Health technology assessment (Winchester, England), 2026. PMID: 42661570 DOI: 10.3310/GJJS3014
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.