Questions to ask about sleep study

[brsett]

Hello

Based on how useful the feedback from my DME question was, I now wanted to ask what questions you'd ask your Dr. when reviewing the results of your first sleep study. The only questions I planned to ask was, how many events did I have with and without the device, and then what are the potential treatments, understanding from our original conversation that she thought the CPAP was the best solution for apnea, while surgery and mouthpieces would be a better option if I was just a loud snorer. So, any other important things to find out. Sounds like determining AHI, CPAP pressure, bipap vs cpap vs apap may all be valid questions. Anything else?

Cheers,

[jmelby]

One thing that might be useful is to suggest that if CPAP is recommended, could you still get the prescription written for a fully data-capable APAP machine. APAP machines are capable of CPAP mode, but also give you the ability to run a range of pressures if at some point that might work better (as it does for some people like myself). The fully data-capable part is so that you can monitor your own therapy to ensure your treatment is optimized (leaks and AHI in particular). Many DMEs will try to give you the cheapest machine possible and only have "compliance" data available, so don't be fooled by that. If your doctor writes the prescription for fully-data capable, your DME will have less ability to give you a substandard machine (or if they try to, you can say it doesn't meet your prescription).

[TooGroggy]

get the prescription written for a fully data-capable APAP machine

But be aware that if you do that, you won't be able to use that prescription to buy a CPAP machine (say, for a back-up or for travel). An APAP prescription only allows you to buy an APAP machine. A CPAP prescription allows you to buy either a CPAP or an APAP machine though the latter choice will likely get denied by your insurance.