What’s the Difference Between a Hospital Sleep Test vs ResMed Home Sleep Test in Malaysia?

Index:

• Introduction

• What is a Hospital Sleep Test (Polysomnography)?

• What is the ResMed Home Sleep Test?

• Major Differences at a Glance

• Why Malaysians Are Choosing Home Sleep Tests More Often

• Did You Know?

• When Should You Choose a Hospital Sleep Test?

• When is ResMed Home Sleep Test the Better Option?

• What Happens After the Test?

• Are These Tests Covered by Insurance in Malaysia?

• Pros and Cons Summary

• FAQs

Introduction

Feeling tired no matter how long you sleep? You're not alone. In Malaysia, sleep apnea and other sleep disorders are on the rise, especially among adults dealing with high stress and poor sleep environments. Many people are turning to sleep tests to find the root cause. But here's the big question:

Should you go for a hospital sleep test or try the ResMed home sleep test?

Let's break down the differences so you can make a smart decision that's right for your health and lifestyle.

What is a Hospital Sleep Test (Polysomnography)?

A hospital sleep test, also called polysomnography, is an overnight test done in a clinical setting.

Key features:

• Conducted in a sleep lab under medical supervision

• Measures brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing, and eye/leg movements

• Typically requires an overnight stay

Best for:

• Complex sleep disorders

• Severe cases of sleep apnea

• Patients with co-existing medical conditions

What is the ResMed Home Sleep Test?

The ResMed home sleep test is a simpler, portable solution.

Key features:

• Done at home using a compact device

• Measures airflow, breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and snoring

• Easy-to-use setup

Best for:

• Suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

• Mild to moderate cases

• People who prefer privacy and comfort

Major Differences at a Glance

Feature	Hospital Sleep Test	ResMed Home Sleep Test
Location	Sleep clinic/hospital	At home
Cost	RM1,500 – RM3,500+	RM450 – RM700
Supervision	Yes (by specialists)	No (self-administered)
Data Accuracy	High (multi-sensor)	Moderate (limited sensors)
Ideal For	Complex cases	Simple apnea screening

Why Malaysians Are Choosing Home Sleep Tests More Often

Affordability and convenience play a huge role. Many Malaysians are now prioritising:

• Cost savings – especially with inflation concerns

• Comfort of testing in their own bed

• Shorter wait times

Plus, most ResMed tests are available via online booking and are approved by healthcare providers.

Did You Know?

• 1 in 3 Malaysians suffer from some form of sleep disorder but most go undiagnosed.

• Sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.

• The ResMed ApneaLink Air is a commonly used device that is clinically validated.

(Source: MOH Malaysia, ResMed Official Site)

When Should You Choose a Hospital Sleep Test?

• If you have serious medical issues like heart problems

• Suspected central sleep apnea

• When a previous home sleep test was inconclusive

  

  Infographic credited to atlus.com.au

When is ResMed Home Sleep Test the Better Option?

• You're experiencing snoring, fatigue, or pauses in breathing during sleep

• You prefer not to stay overnight in a clinic

• You want fast results within a few days

What Happens After the Test?

Hospital Test:

• Reviewed by a sleep specialist

• May require follow-up appointments

ResMed Test:

• Data is sent to a partner doctor for review

• Receive a digital report and consultation options

Are These Tests Covered by Insurance in Malaysia?

• Hospital tests may be claimable under medical cards or insurance

• Home tests usually are not covered, but cheaper upfront

Pros and Cons Summary

Hospital Sleep Test

Pros:

• Comprehensive data

• Medical supervision

• Suitable for complicated cases

Cons:

• Expensive

• Inconvenient overnight stay

ResMed Home Sleep Test

Pros:

• Affordable

• Easy to use at home

• Quick results

Cons:

• Not suitable for complex cases

• Limited data scope

FAQs

1. Is ResMed home sleep test accurate?

Yes, for screening obstructive sleep apnea, it's clinically validated and accurate.

2. Do I need a prescription for a sleep test in Malaysia?

For hospital tests, usually yes. For ResMed, it depends on the provider.

3. How long does a ResMed sleep test take?

One night is typically enough.

4. Can I rent a ResMed sleep test device in Malaysia?

Yes, most providers offer rental options between RM450-RM700.

5. Will the results be accepted by doctors?

Yes, many clinics and specialists accept ResMed test results for diagnosis.

Want to get tested? Visit ResMed Malaysia or check out sleep specialists near you today!