– A New Delhi-based startup, Oxygen Times, has launched SomniScan, a branded at-home sleep diagnostic solution aimed at improving access to sleep disorder testing in India. The company positions SomniScan as the first of its kind in the country, offering hospital-grade sleep studies that can be conducted in the comfort of a patient’s home.
Addressing a Growing Need
Sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea, are significantly underdiagnosed in India. This is often attributed to limited access to specialized sleep laboratories, as well as the cost and inconvenience associated with traditional in-hospital sleep studies. SomniScan seeks to overcome these barriers by bringing diagnostic capabilities directly to patients.
The launch comes as awareness of the importance of sleep health grows, and as the burden of undiagnosed sleep disorders becomes increasingly apparent. Untreated sleep apnea, for example, can contribute to a range of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and daytime fatigue, impacting quality of life and overall health.
How SomniScan Works
SomniScan utilizes technology adhering to the latest AASM 3.0 standards, ensuring a high level of clinical rigor. Unlike some other at-home sleep tests that rely heavily on automated analysis, SomniScan incorporates detailed manual scoring and clinical interpretation by certified sleep professionals. This manual review is crucial for detecting subtle abnormalities that automated systems might miss.
The service is designed to identify a range of sleep-related issues, including abnormalities in breathing patterns, oxygen desaturation (a drop in blood oxygen levels), airflow limitations, snoring severity, and changes in body position during sleep. This comprehensive assessment allows for a more accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
Levels of Testing and Affordability
Oxygen Times offers different levels of sleep study through SomniScan to cater to varying patient needs and complexities. A Level 3 sleep study, suitable for identifying conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, is available at an accessible starting price of ₹1,899. For patients requiring a more in-depth evaluation, advanced polysomnography options are offered at approximately ₹6,000.
This tiered pricing structure aims to make sleep diagnostics more affordable and accessible to a wider population. The company emphasizes its commitment to combining affordability with adherence to established diagnostic protocols.
Timely Results and Clinical Decision-Making
A key benefit of SomniScan is the speed with which results are delivered. Reports are available within 24 hours, enabling timely clinical decision-making and treatment planning. This rapid turnaround time is particularly important for patients experiencing significant symptoms or those at risk of complications from untreated sleep disorders.
A Standardized Approach in a Fragmented Market
Currently, the at-home sleep testing market in India can be fragmented, with varying levels of clinical oversight and standardization. SomniScan is being introduced as a branded, standardized offering, aiming to provide a consistent and reliable diagnostic experience. This focus on quality control and clinical validation is intended to build trust among both patients and healthcare providers.
The launch of SomniScan represents Oxygen Times’ expansion into structured, at-home sleep diagnostics, responding to the growing demand for accessible and clinically reliable sleep health solutions across India, including both urban and semi-urban regions. The company’s entry into this space signals a potential shift towards more convenient and patient-centered sleep care.
By bringing hospital-grade sleep studies into the home, SomniScan aims to address a critical gap in healthcare access and improve the lives of individuals suffering from undiagnosed and untreated sleep disorders.
