Going for my second sleep study.....any advice?

BadThad · Post by **BadThad** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 2:14 pm

Going this friday night for a second study. They said they are going to "test" some CPAP devices on me for this. That said, I really want to get an APAP machine based on my reading thus far. Any advice for me? Should I ask them about APAP or different masks or anything else?

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 2:36 pm

Sleep lab is going to "manually" titrate you, about the only thing you will get out of them is the report in a few weeks and that is after your doctor gets it first and delivers the results to you. Sleep lab probably won't tell you much of anything unless you have been there for 3-4 prior studies.

I would request a copy of the PSG results be mailed to your home. If the same lab as your first study, I would ask for a copy of that to be mailed also. That way you can compare the results from the first to the last.

Just try and follow your regular routine and sleep. Getting to sleep is the most important part. If you have any insomnia I would consider taking a TylenolPM in the parking lot before entering the lab or something similar (despite the fact they say NOT to take anything).

Fact is if you don't get to sleep and reach REM your titration study will be pretty much wasted as they won't be able to see how you react with cpap during REM.

Try and adjust the straps on the mask with your head on the pillow while laying down. I had them give me about 10cm pressure where I adjusted the straps to eliminate any leaks into the eyes and mouth where they then started the titration back at 5cm.

Autopap: all depends on the results of the titration study. IF you don't reach REM during that study they may need a trial on an autopap. Getting an autopap from the start is difficult, most insurance require you FIRST to trial a CPAP. Then your doctor has to justify it before insurance will pay for one.

If you are willing to pay for the autopap out of your own pocket (compare your deductible cost to buying it outright on-line) you can buy it directly from cpap.com with just your CPAP prescription (get a copy when you see your doctor after the titration study). Software you have to pay for on your own, rarely does insurance pay for that.

hayeswildrick · Post by **hayeswildrick** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 2:41 pm

My concern wouldn't be about testing xpap machines. If you know what you want, and why, ask your doctor to write a prescription for that particular machine. She'll let you know if she thinks your request isn't appropriate.

What you should try to do at the sleep study is to try a variety of masks before choosing the one you'll sleep with through the night.

Try to arrive early enough that there's plenty of time before bed time. Let the technician know that you'd like to try as many masks as possible before it's time to hook up and go to sleep.

Unless you already know that you mouth breath, my advice would be that you try to sleep with a nasal mask or nasal pillows. But, be sure that you've tried on a full face mask as well so that if they have to wake you up because you're mouth breathing they'll have the proper full-face mask ready and waiting.

What I've described is what happened for my brother at his sleep study. Unfortunately, my sleep tech was a newbie and had such a hard time setting me up with even one mask that there wasn't a chance to try any others.

Good luck!

tangents · Post by **tangents** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 4:22 pm

Great advice from Snoredog and Hayeswildrick! My only addition is to bring your own pillow. Good luck!

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 4:45 pm

Here's a good link to read prior to getting your equipment.

viewtopic.php?t=17632&postdays=0&postor ... nt&start=0

BadThad · Post by **BadThad** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 8:11 am

Yes, good stuff once again....I love this forum!

Well, I know I'm a mouth breather since I snore and I'm aware of it. I sometimes actually feel my mouth open as I fall asleep. I don't know why I do that because I can breath through my nose with no problem! I have no sinus issues whatsoever, just seems like when I relax to fall asleep my mouth opens and I start snoring.....ARRRGGGGG.

I once tried putting on just a "chin strap", but every time I'd start falling asleep, I couldn't because I felt like I was "choking"....even though I could breath fine through my nose. Am I going to need a full face mask? Or will I just get used to sleeping with my mouth shut? My brother-in-law uses just the nasal pillow and he says "You'll wake up if you open your mouth because air will rush out." Hell, I don't know if I can sleep like that and feel relaxed.

As ususal, all your comments and suggestions are GREATLY appreciated. I just want a good nights sleep, I'm "tired of being tired".

cohodependent · Post by **cohodependent** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 1:36 am

Most folks who are mouth breathers do not have that problem while on Cpap. Most of the time the air blasting out of your mouth is so irritating, that you will just close your mouth. It is very common to have a slight lip leak while in REM, but most of the time it is not an issue.

Full Face mask can be a real pain. Getting a good fit is very hard and they tend to leak. If you are really concerned then ask your tech to fit you with a Full Face to have as a back up, just in case you are not able to keep your mouth closed. Try out as many mask as you can to find one with the best fit. Remember, Cpap is weird! It will take some getting used to...

lmmo · Post by **lmmo** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 1:49 am

Great advice. I have not had a decent titration with a full face mask yet. I wear nasal pillows and use a chinstrap. I will try a chinstrap before using a ffm for a titration. I found that the chinstrap works well for me, provided I use the tongue to roof of mouth technique. I titrate with nasal pillows most of the time. Pt's prefer them. Hang in there!