for patients

Enhancing your comfort and convenience

At Somnos, we provide evaluation, diagnosis and follow-up for a wide range of sleep disorders. Beyond those basics, our goal is to make each patient's experience as comfortable, convenient, and stress-free as possible. At Somnos:

• Appointments are generally available at your convenience.
• Sleep studies are always scheduled to match your normal sleep time.
• We are accepted by Medicare and most major insurance companies.
• We assist patients with insurance filing.
• Front-door parking provides easy access.
• Our sleeping areas are quiet, light-controlled, and have home-like furnishings.
• Many patients report preferring the convenience, privacy, and comfort of our clinic setting compared to a hospital environment.
• Testing is less expensive at Somnos compared to most hospital options.
• We are always happy to talk to patients about any aspects of our services or to provide information regarding diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

What to expect when you come in for a sleep study

Many people may feel a little uneasy at the thought of a sleep study. Knowing what to expect during your stay at a sleep disorders center can help relieve some of this anxiety. A sleep study, or polysomnogram, is a recording that will provide valuable information about your sleep patterns and any potential sleep disorders you might have. There are over 75 known sleep disorders but the most common are insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless legs.

Some sleep disorders, including insomnia, may be diagnosed during a visit with your physician. However, in many cases, to properly diagnose a sleep disorder it is necessary for you to come to the sleep center for an overnight stay. If you are a shift worker and sleep during the daytime, we will make arrangements for you to be evaluated during your normal sleep schedule.

Before your appointment we will perform a sleep questionnaire with you over the telephone—this takes about 15 to 20 minutes. We will also ask you for your insurance information and assist in filing your claim.

Generally you check in about an hour and a half before your usual bedtime. When you arrive for your study the sleep technician will greet you and show you around the center. You will have your own bedroom. A bathroom is nearby. Each bedroom has a full or queen-size bed with nightstands and bed lamps. Although pillows and bedding are provided, you are welcome to bring your own pillows from home if you prefer, as well as pajamas. Detailed instructions will be mailed to your home before the study to let you know how to prepare for your overnight stay.

How do we record your sleep?

During your sleep evaluation, the activities that go on in your body during sleep (such as brain waves, muscle movements, and breathing) are monitored by small metal discs (electrodes) which are applied to your head and skin with an adhesive. Flexible elastic belts around your chest and abdomen allow us to measure your breathing effort, and a device called a thermocouple (which looks like a small piece of wire covered in plastic) is placed near your mouth and nose to measure the temperature change as you breathe in and out. The technician will explain all procedures and will be happy to answer your questions about the study.

Although we call the procedure of attaching these items the “hook-up” there are no hooks involved and no needles. The hook-up is not painful and is designed to be as comfortable as possible. Many people ask us how they will be able to sleep while connected to these electrodes and belts. Most people find that once they lie down in bed they do not notice the wires and can sleep in a variety of positions comfortably. The electrode wires are gathered into a “pony tail” above your head so that you can change position in bed almost as easily as you would at home.

During the night...

Once the hook-up is completed there will be a short test to make sure that everything is working properly. The technician will give you some commands, such as opening and closing your eyes, to check the recording signals. If you wish, you are welcome to read for a while before “lights out”. You can arrange a wake-up time with the technician before you go to bed. Usually the sleep study lasts at least six hours, but not much longer than eight hours. During the night the sleep technician is in a separate monitoring room to assure that a quality sleep recording is made. An infrared camera and intercom are in your bedroom so that the technician can note your sleeping position and any snoring or breathing sounds that you might make.

It’s not difficult to get up to use the bathroom during the night. You will just need to call for the technician and he or she will come in to disconnect the cable (it takes about 30 seconds) before you get out of bed.

In the morning it takes about 20 to 30 minutes after you awake to remove the electrodes and go through a short questionnaire. If you prefer, you may shower and clean up at the sleep center before you leave.

FAQs

Are sleep studies safe?

Yes, we simply monitor your brain and muscle activity, sleeping position, and breathing while you are sleeping. There are no needles, drugs, or other invasive procedures. Well-trained, registered polysomnographers and licensed healthcare professionals will monitor your entire sleep testing period from a nearby room.

Will I be comfortable?

Yes. You will stay in a private, comfortable, home-like bedroom with a conventional style, queen or full-size bed. Your study will be scheduled to match your regular sleeping time. You can wear your usual bedclothes and you may bring your own pillow if you prefer. You can read before bedtime. A shower is available if you wish to shower before or after your sleep session. For many, our private, comfortable, quiet clinic setting is preferable to a hospital environment.

Will it hurt?

No. Small sensors are attached to your skin with an adhesive that will keep them on during the study, but allow for easy removal after the testing is completed. Flexible elastic belts around your chest and abdomen measure your breathing effort. A small thermocouple (which looks like a small loop of wire dipped in plastic) is placed by your upper lipto measure the airflow from your nose and mouth.

Is it effective?

Yes. Somnos has a record of successful testing, diagnosis, and treatment support for a wide variety of sleep disorders. Somnos will provide your physician with a written report on your sleep study along with recommendations for treatment.

Do I need a doctor’s referral?

All patients must be referred to Somnos by a physician. Any licensed physician may refer a patient to Somnos.

Is it expensive?

Somnos testing is significantly less expensive than identical tests conducted in hospital-based sleep clinics. We are accepted by Medicare and most major insurance companies. We have a clear, easy-to-understand fee structure with no hidden costs.

Is it convenient?

Yes. We will schedule your test during your regular sleeping hours. Appointments are generally available at your convenience. You can park just steps from our door.

For what sleep disorders does Somnos test?

There are over 75 known sleep disorders, the most common being sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless legs. We are able to test for and diagnose the majority of known sleep disorders.

CPAP therapy for sleep apnea

If you are diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome, the most common treatment is what is called CPAP. CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. A CPAP machine is a home medical device prescribed by a physician for the treatment of sleep apnea.

The CPAP unit pressure is set specific to each person's needs to prevent collapse of the airway or throat during sleep. The pressure varies according to how severe the sleep apnea is and how much pressure is needed to prevent collapse. A headstrap holds the CPAP mask in place while you sleep and tubing goes from the mask to the CPAP unit. The CPAP unit provides a constant flow of air to the mask. CPAP therapy keeps the throat open and prevents snoring and apnea. It is a therapy, not a cure. If discontinued, symptoms will return. With nightly CPAP therapy, most patients feel well rested and have more energy.

CPAP - Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

Somnos provides CPAP support

• Somnos provides CPAP therapy support, including educating patients in the use of positive airway pressure equipment.
• Somnos provides ongoing support in the areas of equipment fit, comfort, and replacement.
• CPAP equipment and supplies, with purchase and rental options, are available at the Somnos clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions about CPAP Equipment Rental
and Purchase

What does “CPAP” stand for?

CPAP is an abbreviation for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and we usually refer to it as a “SEE-pap” machine. CPAP is a home medical device prescribed by a physician for the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

How do I get a CPAP machine?

Your physician will “order” a CPAP machine for you at a prescribed setting. This order will usually be telephoned into a home medical equipment company. There are home medical equipment companies in most large towns and cities. Please ask and we will provide you with a list of these companies in eastern and central Nebraska. After the order is received you are contacted to schedule an appointment.

Can I get my CPAP equipment from Somnos?

Somnos does rent and sell CPAP equipment. Although we are happy to be your provider for this equipment, you are not obligated to return to us because you had a sleep study at our facility.

Can I rent a CPAP machine before I make a decision to purchase it?

Yes. Somnos and most home medical equipment companies will provide rental machines. The rental period lasts generally 90 days with the option to purchase the machine. Most companies will apply the rental fees toward the purchase of a CPAP machine.

How much does a CPAP machine cost?

CPAP machine prices vary depending upon the make and model of the machine and the provider’s mark-up. Our standard fee for a new CPAP machine is $950.00. This includes the set-up service, tubing, first interface (often called a “mask”), and filters.

Will insurance cover the cost of the CPAP machine and supplies?

Most insurance plans consider CPAP a covered expense for treatment of apnea. You may have a deductible or co-payment, but insurance companies often cover most of the cost of the equipment. We are happy to check with your insurance carrier to provide you with details about your coverage. We can be reached in Lincoln at 486-3410 or outside Lincoln you may call us toll-free at 1-800-750-6191.

If we can be of further assistance in answering your questions about CPAP, please call Somnos Sleep Disorders Center at 486-3410 (in Lincoln) or toll-free at 800.750.6191.

CPAP equipment

CPAP equipment and supplies are available from Somnos Sleep Disorders Center and from many other quality providers throughout Nebraska and elsewhere.