Can APAP avoid the need of repeated sleep studies?

[sanjaychak]

Since an APAP automatically decides the pressures required, is there any need to do a sleep study every few years? Also the APAP registers the no of apneas occured, and also gives data on the pressures used throughout the night. So that data is sufficient for a sleep physician, should I need to consult one, instead of doing a sleep study, right?

[Perrybucsdad]

An APAP can provide a lot of answers but it can't tell you everything that a sleep study can. It can't measure the brainwaves, it normally can't measure the oxygen saturation (I say normally as only some have the O2 do-hicky), etc. Yes, it can help titrate you to the right pressures, but there is still some work in it. You don't just hook it up and you are good. You have to know how to find the range you need and other factors. Do you keep it in APAP mode or do you switch it to straight CPAP?

If you are on straight CPAP you may never need another sleep study though too. Your results with CPAP may be excellent and you can continue to use it maybe just marginally adjusting as needed. That being said though, most have a sleep study, and may be given an APAP device and have all kinds of problems. Some are titrated in a sleep lab others (like myself) were just given an APAP and given a very wide prescription pressure range and said "have at it" by the doctor and thankfully found a place like this forum to help me figure where I should be.

As far as what the APAP (or CPAP/BiPAP) measures, it all varies. Some just measure compliance data (time, number of times used, and raw AHI) others will give you the breath by breath analysis, and other data elements. You need to do your homework to find the type of machine you want. Don't just assume that an APAP device tells you everything and it is the best thing since sliced bread. Yes, they are nice and they have their place, but they can also be very frustrating if you don't have the proper support environment to successfully use one.

John

[bdp522]

I believe that if you have just plain old run of the mill OSA with NO other health issues, AND you learn how the machine works and how to tweak it, you do NOT need a repeat sleep study or visit to the sleep doctor...ever. By reading here on the forum and asking questions you can learn all you need to make this work. I know I did. I DO think everyone should have a sleep study at least once so you know what you're dealing with(centrals, obstructives, destats, etc) and to give a starting point for pressure.
I did start out with a sleep study, but didn't complete the titration an have never seen a sleep doctor. I haven't had help from anyone but forum members since and I am doing Great for years now!

Brenda