WatchPAT ONE is a home sleep apnea test that measures breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, snoring, sleep stages, and body position while you sleep in your own bed. It uses Peripheral Arterial Tone (PAT) technology and True Sleep Time to help estimate apnea severity compared with in-lab polysomnography (PSG). If you’re deciding whether a home test is right for you, this guide explains how WatchPAT ONE works, what it measures, and setup tips for a smooth test night.
Evidence: See peer-reviewed summaries on WatchPAT accuracy and CSA detection.
Why Is the WatchPAT ONE So Convenient?
The WatchPAT ONE offers a hassle-free way to test for sleep apnea without disrupting your routine. Unlike traditional sleep studies that require an overnight stay at a lab, WatchPAT allows you to sleep naturally in your own bed while capturing accurate sleep data.
Key Benefits of WatchPAT ONE:
✔ No Commuting – No need to travel to a sleep lab or clinic.
✔ Sleep Comfortably – No unfamiliar environment, just your own bed.
✔ No Set Bedtime – Follow your regular sleep schedule.
✔ Complete Privacy – No cameras or technicians observing your sleep.
✔ Simple & Easy to Use – Minimal setup, no complex wires, belts or masks.
✔ Quick Results – Sleep apnea diagnosis and therapy options without delays.
What to Know Before Ordering Your WatchPAT ONE
The WatchPAT ONE is designed to detect sleep apnea without requiring an overnight stay in a sleep lab. If you experience symptoms like snoring, gasping for air during sleep, or daytime fatigue, this simple home test can help determine if sleep apnea is affecting your health.
Setting Up Your WatchPAT ONE
To capture your sleep data, you'll need to download the WatchPAT App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store:
✔ Use the QR code on the box or follow the text message link sent to you.
✔ Follow the in-app instructions to properly set up and complete your test.
Getting the Most Accurate Results
- Carefully follow the instructions provided in the box and by your sleep clinic.
- Ensure you have a full night of sleep to allow for an accurate diagnosis.
- Remember, this is a one-time test, so proper setup is key to obtaining reliable results.
How Accurate Is The WatchPAT ONE?
The WatchPAT ONE is a highly accurate home sleep study with up to 95% correlation to in-lab polysomnography (PSG). Its proprietary PAT (Peripheral Arterial Tone) technology enables precise differentiation between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA)—a key advantage over many traditional home sleep tests.
Multiple peer-reviewed studies report high agreement with PSG for appropriate adults, and there’s dedicated research on central sleep apnea detection.
Validated Accuracy in Special Populations
While individuals with advanced lung disease may require an in-lab sleep study, recent research supports WatchPAT’s reliability in detecting OSA in certain conditions. Studies indicate that “WatchPAT has been shown to reliably determine obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)” (Zou et al., 2020).
How WatchPAT Reduces Misdiagnosis
Unlike some home sleep tests that rely on Total Recording Time (TRT), WatchPAT improves diagnostic accuracy by using True Sleep Time (TST). This approach:
✔ Prevents underestimation of apnea severity by excluding wake periods.
✔ Identifies sleep onset and wakefulness after sleep onset (WASO) using the PAT signal.
How Does The WatchPAT ONE Work?
The WatchPAT ONE collects comprehensive sleep data through three points of contact:
✔ Finger Probe – Monitors oxygen levels, pulse, and Peripheral Arterial Tone (PAT).
✔ Chest Sensor – Tracks respiratory effort, body position and snoring.
✔ Wrist Sensor – Records actigraphy.
Advanced Sleep Monitoring
Using these sensors, WatchPAT captures seven key data channels:
🔹 Peripheral Arterial Tone (PAT) – Detects fluctuations in regional blood flow.
🔹 Oximetry – Measures blood oxygen levels.
🔹 Pulse Rate – Identifies heart rate fluctuations.
🔹 Actigraphy – Tracks movement.
🔹 Chest Movement – Monitors respiratory effort.
🔹 Snoring Detection – Assesses sleep-disrupting snoring patterns.
🔹 Body Position – Helps identify position-dependent sleep apnea.
These data points are compiled into four key respiratory indices:
- AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index) – Measures total apnea events per hour.
- AHIc (Central AHI) – Differentiates between obstructive and central sleep apnea.
- RDI (Respiratory Disturbance Index) – Includes respiratory events that may impact sleep quality.
- ODI (Oxygen Desaturation Index) – Evaluates oxygen drops during sleep.
Sleep Staging & Heart Rhythm Detection
WatchPAT ONE also provides insights into sleep stages (light, deep, and REM sleep) and can detect irregular heart rhythms, which are commonly associated with sleep apnea.
Seamless Data Transmission & Report Generation
📲 Bluetooth – Sends sleep data from sensors to the WatchPAT app.
☁️ Wi-Fi – Transmits results to the cloud for analysis.
📊 Comprehensive Report – A detailed, easy-to-read sleep study report is generated for review.
👨⚕️ Doctor Interpretation – Sleep specialists can analyze data minute by minute to provide accurate diagnoses and personalized recommendations.
On the Night of Your WatchPAT Test: Important Guidelines
To ensure an accurate and successful WatchPAT home sleep test, follow these key instructions:
1. Minimize Signal Interference
The WatchPAT ONE relies on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so it’s crucial to eliminate potential interference from nearby devices. Avoid using:
❌ Cell phones (unless running the WatchPAT app)
❌ Smart TVs, laptops, tablets
❌ Smart light bulbs, smart blankets, and other wireless devices
❌ Anything actively downloading or streaming near your device
2. Preparing for the Test
✔ Ensure a fresh AAA battery is installed.
✔ Charge your phone and keep it plugged in overnight.
✔ Use your non-dominant hand for the finger probe—consider using your pinky finger to maximize comfort.
✔ Do not wear gel nails as they can interfere with sensor readings.
✔ Avoid getting the device wet.
3. Applying the WatchPAT ONE
- Do not apply the wrist sensor too loose or tight.
- Use medical tape to secure the chest sensor if needed.
- If you have dexterity challenges or are elderly, arrange for assistance to apply the device correctly.
4. During the Test
📱 Keep your phone nearby and bring it with you if you need to use the restroom—do not remove the device.
🌙 Consider sleeping alone for minimal disturbances.
⚠️ Do not take naps on the day of the test.
☕ Avoid caffeine in the evening.
💊 Avoid sedatives unless prescribed by your doctor.
5. Finishing the Test
✔ Press “End Test” in the morning on the WatchPAT app.
✔ Do not throw away the device until you receive confirmation that all data has been successfully transmitted.
Ready to test from home? Order the WatchPAT ONE home sleep test.
FAQs
Pricing is subject to change. See current pricing on our product page.
❌ No. WatchPAT ONE is single-use. Multi-night options are available by ordering packages that include extra sensor sets.
✅ Yes—keep all sensors attached and bring your phone with you so it stays in range. Avoid getting the device wet, then plug your phone back in when you return to bed.