Everything you need to understand your results and what to do next — with expert, hands-on guidance toward better sleep.
Getting a negative result back can bring a mix of relief and questions. The most important takeaway: your test did not show obstructive sleep apnea.
That means we can rule out one of the most common causes of disrupted sleep and focus on what else could be affecting how you feel.
Your Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) measures how often your breathing slows or pauses during sleep. An AHI below 5 is considered within the normal range. This means your breathing remained stable throughout the night and is not the primary cause of your symptoms.
Your oxygen levels stayed within a healthy range during sleep. This tells us your body is getting the oxygen it needs overnight — an important marker of overall sleep health.
Even without sleep apnea, you may still experience:
Sleep is influenced by many factors, including:
The good news: You’re not back at square one — you’re one step closer to answers.
Now that we've ruled out sleep apnea, the focus shifts to improving your sleep quality and consistency. Your care team may recommend:
If snoring is your main concern, you may benefit from non-CPAP solutions like mouthguards or positional therapy
A structured plan designed to identify what's disrupting your nights, and show you how to fix it.
Small changes to noise, light, and temperature can all have a noticeable impact on your sleep
Behind every sleep struggle is a team dedicated to helping you rest better. Your team follows your progress and is here when you need them.
Diane S.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Diane is a Registered Respiratory Therapist and Registered Sleep Disorders Specialist with 28 years' experience. For the past 23 years, she's focused on sleep medicine. She's dedicated to helping people get the treatment they need
Dr. Michael J. Breus
Clinical Psychologist, Sleep Expert
Michael J. Breus, Ph.D., is a double-boarded Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Sleep Specialist, a Diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine, and a Fellow of The American Academy of Sleep Medicine. He was named the Top Sleep Specialist in California by Reader's Digest, and one of the 10 most influential people in sleep. With nearly 25 years in private practice as a sleep doctor, Dr. Breus lectures globally for organizations from YPO (Young Presidents Organization) to AT&T to Tony Robbins events.
Dr. Meena Mehta, MD
Sleep Doctor Medical Director
Dr. Mehta graduated from Indira Gandhi Medical College in Shimla, India prior to relocating to the United States to complete her education. She did her internship at St. Peter's Medical Center in New Brunswick, New Jersey, then
You don’t need to figure this out on your own. Book a complimentary consult to review your results with a clinical sleep expert today and we’ll guide you toward the changes that make the biggest difference.
Getting used to CPAP is a marathon, not a sprint. Use these steps to make the transition seamless.
Don't wait until you're tired to try your mask for the first time. Wear it while watching TV or reading for 20 minutes during the day to get your brain used to the sensation of the air.
Even if you can only tolerate the mask for 3 or 4 hours at first, wear it every single night. Your brain needs repetitive "data points" to realize the mask is a helper, not a hindrance.
If the air pressure feels too strong when you first turn it on, use the Ramp button. It starts the pressure very low and slowly increases it over 20–45 minutes as you fall asleep
If you wake up with a dry nose or throat, we can adjust your heated tubing and humidifier settings. CPAP air should feel comfortable and moisturizing, not like a gust of wind.
Your mask should be snug, but not tight enough to leave marks. If you’re experiencing leaks or discomfort, tell your RT—there are dozens of mask styles, and we will find your "perfect fit."
A clean machine is a quiet, effective machine. A simple routine of mild soap and water once a week keeps the silicone soft and the air fresh.
Yes. While the word "mild" may suggest it's not urgent, untreated sleep apnea (even at mild levels) keeps your body under low-level stress all night, every night. Over time this contributes to daytime fatigue, irritability, morning headaches, and increased cardiovascular risk. Treating it now is the most effective way to prevent those complications from developing.
It can, in both directions. Sleep apnea is often positional. Your AHI may be significantly higher when sleeping on your back versus your side. Weight changes and drinking alcohol before bed can also shift a mild diagnosis toward moderate. On the positive side, effective treatment and lifestyle adjustments can meaningfully reduce your AHI.
Yes — even small drops in blood oxygen saturation cause your heart to work harder to compensate. This triggers brief micro-awakenings throughout the night that you likely won't remember, but your body certainly notices. Over time, even mild, untreated OSA can contribute to high blood pressure and cardiovascular strain.
The best mask depends on three things: whether you breathe through your nose, your mouth, or both; your typical sleep position; and your personal comfort preferences. Full face masks cover the nose and mouth and work well for mouth-breathers or back-sleepers. Nasal masks and nasal pillow styles are lighter and suit side-sleepers who breathe through their nose. There are dozens of options and if your first mask doesn't feel right, tell your Respiratory Therapist and they'll help you find a better fit.
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