Sleep Apnea Testing in Rapid City

Understanding the Role of Testing in Sleep Apnea Care

A good night’s sleep shouldn’t leave you feeling exhausted. If you’re struggling with unrefreshing sleep, constant fatigue, or loud snoring, a simple test can bring clarity.

At Black Hills Sleep & TMJ Solutions, we help individuals and families in Rapid City take the first step toward better sleep through comfortable, physician-directed sleep apnea testing.

Our role is to guide you through the process with personalized support and connect you to trusted local physicians for diagnosis. We primarily offer at-home sleep testing options, allowing you to gather the information you need from the comfort of your own bed.

Why Testing Matters

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious condition that often goes undiagnosed for years. It's not just about snoring or restlessness. Left untreated, sleep apnea can have far-reaching effects on your body and mind, including an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic dysfunction, stroke, and even depression. It can also impact your immune system and cognitive function, leaving you more vulnerable to illness and daily challenges.

Sleep apnea affects how you breathe during the night. When your airway becomes blocked or collapses repeatedly during sleep, oxygen levels drop, disrupting your sleep cycle and placing unnecessary stress on your heart and brain. You may not always be aware it’s happening, but your body pays the price over time.

Testing is the first step in changing that situation.

At Black Hills Sleep & TMJ Solutions, we believe testing should feel less like a burden and more like a breakthrough. It’s not about labels, it’s about information. Once you have the results, you can explore comfortable, non-invasive treatment options designed to fit your life.

We’re here to walk that path with you, every step of the way.

Signs You May Need a Sleep Apnea Test

Sleep apnea doesn’t always show up the same way in every person. While some symptoms are loud and obvious, like chronic snoring, others are more subtle and easily brushed off. If you’ve experienced any of the signs below, it may be time to consider testing:

Loud, frequent snoring
Gasping or choking during sleep
Morning headaches
Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
Daytime fatigue or excessive sleepiness
Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
Mood swings or irritability
Waking up multiple times during the night
Breathing pauses observed by a bed partner

You don’t need to check every box for testing to be helpful. Even one or two recurring symptoms could point to an underlying sleep disorder worth addressing.

Sleep apnea affects men and women of all ages and body types, even those who don’t fit the typical mold. At Black Hills Sleep & TMJ Solutions, we take every concern seriously and work to ensure that your path to testing is straightforward, judgment-free, and fully supported.

How Sleep Apnea Testing Works

Getting tested for sleep apnea doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Black Hills Sleep & TMJ Solutions, we’ve made the process simple, accurate, and designed around your comfort.

There are two primary types of sleep apnea testing:

In-lab polysomnography: Conducted overnight in a clinical setting, this test monitors brain activity, eye movement, heart rate, oxygen levels, and more. It’s typically reserved for complex or unclear cases where multiple sleep issues may be present.
At-home sleep apnea testing: A more convenient option for many patients, this test uses a compact monitoring device to track your breathing, oxygen levels, and movement while you sleep in your own bed.

At Black Hills Sleep & TMJ Solutions, we work closely with board-certified sleep physicians who review your test results and provide a medical diagnosis. Our team handles everything from coordinating the testing process to helping you understand the next steps.

In most cases, patients begin with home sleep apnea testing. It’s a non-invasive way to gather reliable data, without the wires, sleep lab setting, or overnight disruptions. If in-lab testing is required, we’ll help you connect with the right resources and guide you every step of the way.

What to Expect From At-Home Sleep Testing

At-home sleep testing is a fast, stressless way to take control of your health.

Once your physician orders the test, the sleep testing device is either picked up from our office or mailed directly to your home. The device is compact, easy to use, and comes with step-by-step instructions to ensure a smooth experience. You’ll typically wear it for one or two nights while sleeping in your own bed.

The device tracks key indicators of sleep-disordered breathing, including:

Oxygen saturation levels
Breathing and airflow patterns
Heart rate
Movement and effort during sleep

You don’t need to deal with bulky machines, uncomfortable sensors, or an unfamiliar environment. There are no wires on your face, no overnight stay in a clinic, and no need to interrupt your routine.

Once the test is complete, the device is returned, and your results are reviewed by a licensed sleep physician. After diagnosis, the team at Black Hills Sleep & TMJ Solutions will walk you through your results and help you explore appropriate treatment options.

Is Home Sleep Testing Right for Everyone?

For most individuals, at-home sleep testing is the perfect first step toward identifying sleep apnea.

It’s recommended for adults who show common signs of obstructive sleep apnea and don’t have complex medical conditions that could interfere with the results. In some cases, such as patients with neuromuscular disorders, advanced cardiopulmonary conditions, or suspected central sleep apnea, a full in-lab study may still be necessary to get a complete picture.

At Black Hills Sleep & TMJ Solutions, your comfort and clarity come first. Dr. Criss and our team will evaluate your symptoms, medical background, and sleep concerns to determine which type of testing makes the most sense for you. No guesswork. Just informed, compassionate care.

What Happens After Testing

Once your at-home sleep test is complete, the results are reviewed by a board-certified sleep physician. If obstructive sleep apnea is diagnosed, your physician will confirm the findings and outline treatment options based on your specific sleep patterns, severity, and health history.

That’s where we come in. At Black Hills Sleep & TMJ Solutions, we offer non-invasive, patient-friendly treatments for obstructive sleep apnea, including advanced oral appliance therapy. Every solution we provide is designed to support better breathing, deeper rest, and improved quality of life.

We maintain a collaborative model of care. That means we work hand-in-hand with your diagnosing physician to ensure your treatment plan is seamless, effective, and tailored to your goals.

For many patients, this moment marks a turning point. You’ve taken the first step, and now, real relief is within reach. With the right care and support, better nights and brighter mornings are possible.

Our Role in Your Sleep Health Journey

Black Hills Sleep & TMJ Solutions is not a diagnostic sleep center, and we do not run sleep labs. But we play a vital role in your care before and after your diagnosis.

Here’s how we support you:

Patient education: We help you understand what sleep apnea is, how it affects your health, and what your options are moving forward.
Physician coordination: We stay in close contact with your diagnosing provider to ensure your care remains consistent and well-informed.
Custom oral appliance therapy: If you're a candidate, we design a comfortable, personalized oral appliance to gently reposition your jaw and open your airway at night.
Ongoing support: Our team provides follow-ups, adjustments, and long-term monitoring to make sure your treatment continues to work for you.

When you walk through our doors, you’re not just receiving a device, you’re gaining a dedicated partner in your long-term health. Our team is here for every step of the journey.

Why Choose Black Hills Sleep & TMJ Solutions

Choosing where to begin your sleep apnea care matters, and at Black Hills Sleep & TMJ Solutions, you’ll find a trusted team committed to whole-person wellness.

Led by Dr. Criss, we offer expert, personalized care rooted in years of experience and a deep understanding of sleep-disordered breathing. Our treatments are comfortable, natural, and tailored to your specific needs, never one-size-fits-all.

We’ve built a strong reputation across Rapid City and surrounding communities by focusing on what matters most: lasting results, compassionate care, and helping patients feel like themselves again.

Our work doesn’t stop at symptom management. We’re here to support your energy, cardiovascular health, mental clarity, and even your relationships, because sleep affects every part of your life. And you deserve care that sees the whole picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, sleep apnea testing is completely non-invasive, pain-free, and very low-risk. Whether you’re completing it in a lab or from your own bed, the process is designed for comfort and safety.

Most patients receive results within just a few business days after returning the at-home testing device. Once your data is reviewed by a board-certified sleep physician, we’ll help you understand what comes next.

Coverage varies by provider, but many insurance plans do cover home sleep testing when it’s considered medically necessary. The team at Black Hills Sleep & TMJ Solutions will help you navigate your benefits and provide any paperwork needed to simplify the process.

If you’re diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, your physician may prescribe an oral appliance as a first-line treatment. At Black Hills Sleep & TMJ Solutions, we’ll work hand-in-hand with your physician to implement this alternative.