The Patient Pathway
How It Works
A straightforward, consultant-led process from first appointment to clear diagnosis — in your own home, at your own pace.
The Patient Pathway
Fast access. Local care. Clear answers.
NHS referral pathways for sleep disorders on the Isle of Man can involve significant waits. Isle Sleep was established to give Manx residents direct, private access to a gold-standard home sleep study — with consultant-reviewed results and a treatment plan, in the comfort of your own home.
- 1
Initial Appointment
You meet with our clinical team at Barrule Medical Group. We take a full sleep history, complete an Epworth Sleepiness Scale assessment, and where appropriate carry out nasal photography. We will confirm whether a home sleep study is the right next step.
- 2
Home Sleep Study
We provide a Stowood Black Flash ambulatory recording device to take home. You wear it for two consecutive nights in your own bed — no hospital admission, no disruption to your routine. The device records airflow, blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, and breathing patterns while you sleep.
- 3
Return & Consultant Review
You return the device to us. Your recording is reviewed by a qualified respiratory consultant via our telehealth pathway. This is the clinical keystone of the service — a specialist assessment, not an automated algorithm.
- 4
Your Diagnostic Report
You receive a full written diagnostic report detailing the findings, a confirmed diagnosis where one exists, and an AHI (Apnoea–Hypopnoea Index) score. The report is yours to keep and share with your GP or any other clinician.
- 5
Treatment Plan
We discuss your results and agree a treatment plan. Options include CPAP therapy, a mandibular advancement splint, ENT referral via Mr. Hogg at Barrule Medical Group, or an onward NHS pathway if preferred. You leave with a clear plan and a point of contact.
- 6
Follow-Up & Monitoring
For patients who begin CPAP therapy, we offer follow-up appointments and compliance monitoring. This is an ongoing relationship — not a single transaction.
The telehealth consultant review is the clinical keystone.
Every recording is reviewed by a qualified respiratory consultant — not processed by software alone. This ensures the diagnosis is clinically defensible, acceptable for insurance purposes, and appropriate as the basis for treatment.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sleep study painful or uncomfortable?
No. The Stowood Black Flash uses sensors worn on your waist and finger, with a belt fastened around your torso and a nasal cannula for airflow monitoring. Everything is lightweight and unobtrusive — there are no needles or invasive procedures involved. Most patients sleep normally while wearing it.
What does the device actually measure?
Airflow (via nasal cannula), peripheral blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂), heart rate, and body movement. These measurements allow the consultant to identify and classify apnoea events, hypopnoea, and oxygen desaturation.
Why two nights rather than one?
Night-to-night variability is well recognised in sleep research. A second recording night significantly improves diagnostic reliability, particularly for patients with borderline or mild presentations. We consider it standard practice.
Who reviews the results?
A qualified respiratory consultant, via our telehealth pathway. You receive a consultant-signed report — not an automated scoring output. This is what makes the diagnostic meaningful and acceptable for insurance or onward clinical use.
How long until I get my report?
We aim to complete the consultant review and issue the written report within five to seven working days of the device being returned.
Can I share the report with my GP?
Yes — and we encourage it. The report is a clinical document that your GP can act on. If you would like us to write to your GP directly, we can arrange that.
What if my result is normal?
A normal result is a valuable outcome. It rules out obstructive sleep apnoea as the cause of your symptoms and opens the way to investigating other causes — which we can help to facilitate.
Ready to Start?
Book your initial appointment
The first step is a short appointment with our clinical team. No referral required for private patients.