How Telehealth is Transforming Sleep Care

INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY, EASE, AND COMFORT

Sleep apnea affects millions of Americans, yet accessing consistent care has been a common
challenge. From long waitlists and travel to distant sleep centers to challenges staying adherent
to therapy, patients often struggle to get the care they need. But telehealth is changing the
game, offering convenience, flexibility, and continuity in ways that truly support long-term health.

“Telehealth isn’t just a convenience; it’s a catalyst for better sleep apnea outcomes. Connecting
patients with personalized, ongoing support from anywhere is helping people take control of
their health on their own terms,” says Robert Miller, Apria's Vice President of Sleep Business.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a chronic sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops
and starts during sleep due to upper airway obstruction. This leads to poor-quality rest, loud
snoring, fatigue, memory issues, and even increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Timely diagnosis and proper treatment, typically with PAP (Positive Airway Pressure) therapy,
are vital to prevent long-term health consequences. However, access to care isn’t always easy
or accessible, especially in rural areas. That’s where telehealth steps in. 

BENEFITS OF TELEHEALTH IN SLEEP 

Easier Access to Sleep Specialists

Many geographic areas lack board-certified sleep physicians. With telehealth, patients can
schedule virtual visits with sleep specialists regardless of location. This eliminates travel barriers
and dramatically shortens the time to diagnosis.

Tip: When scheduling a telehealth appointment, ensure you have a quiet, private space and a
list of symptoms or questions prepared beforehand.

At-Home Sleep Test

Say goodbye to overnight stays in unfamiliar sleep labs. Thanks to portable home sleep tests,
many patients can now undergo accurate testing from the comfort of their own beds using
easy-to-wear devices that track oxygen levels, breathing patterns, and sleep stages.

Tip: To ensure accurate results, follow all instructions closely for your home sleep test and avoid
caffeine or naps the day of the test.

Remote CPAP Monitoring & Support

Once patients are prescribed CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy, consistency
with use is key. Telehealth allows providers to monitor CPAP machine data remotely, track
adherence, adjust settings, and offer coaching, all without requiring patients to come into the
office. This ongoing, real-time support can make a big difference in therapy success.

Tip: If your CPAP feels uncomfortable or causes irritation, contact your care team via telehealth
instead of waiting for an in-person visit.

Improved Therapy Adherence

Adherence to CPAP is one of the biggest challenges in managing sleep apnea. Studies show
patients who receive regular check-ins and support are far more likely to stick with treatment
and feel better.

Tip: Use mobile apps connected to your CPAP device to track your sleep data and see trends
over time. Share this info during telehealth visits to make your care more personalized.

Cost & Time Savings

Telehealth reduces the need for travel and time off work. It also minimizes unnecessary ER
visits caused by unmanaged OSA symptoms, saving patients and the healthcare system money
in the long run.

Tip: Always verify whether telehealth visits are covered by your insurance plan and whether
your provider can access your device data remotely.

CONCLUSION

Telehealth doesn’t replace the need for in-person care; it enhances accessibility. Whether it’s
helping a patient feel confident starting CPAP therapy or enabling clinicians to track progress
between visits, telehealth is helping bridge gaps in sleep apnea care. It provides a more accessible, personalized, and efficient path to managing OSA that puts the patient at the center and gives care teams better tools to guide and support. Managing sleep apnea is a journey; you don’t have to do it alone. With the growing use of telehealth and remote monitoring, quality sleep care now just clicks away. If you’re struggling with sleep or adjusting to a new PAP device, talk to your provider about telehealth options that
can support your success.

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References:

Bailly, Sébastien, Monique Mendelson, Sébastien Baillieul, Renaud Tamisier, and
Jean-Louis Pépin. “The Future of Telemedicine for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment: A
Narrative Review.” PubMed Central, May 4, 2024. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11084346/.

Clederhouse. “Telemedicine Improves Access to High-Quality Sleep Care - AASM.”
American Academy of Sleep Medicine – Association for Sleep Clinicians and
Researchers, March 31, 2021. https://aasm.org/telemedicine-improves-access-high-quality-sleep-care/.

Schutte-Rodin, Sharon. “Telehealth, Telemedicine, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea.” Sleep
Medicine Clinics, September 15, 2020. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32762969/.

Shamim-Uzzaman, Qurratul Afifa, Charles J Bae, Zarmina Ehsan, Arveity R Setty,
Michelle Devine, Swati Dhankikar, Innessa Donskoy, et al. “The Use of Telemedicine for
the Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Disorders: An American Academy of Sleep
Medicine Update.” Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the
American Academy of Sleep Medicine, May 1, 2021. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8320493/