Critical Mass

[D.H.]

Awareness of Sleep Apnea has greatly increased since my diagnosis in 1999.

While it's much better than it was, it's not what it ought to be!

However, it's possible that one day, awareness will hit critical mass and the capacity to test patients and deliver machines will overwhelm the capacity, creating long waits.

[zan]

One could argue that that effect has already been reached without maximum awareness... I contacted two sleep centers for a study at the start of September: one only got me in last week by a fluke, and the other couldn't even schedule a consultation appointment until December 5.

If anything, I'd think that extra awareness of sleep apnea would help to balance supply and demand over time.

Agree that there could be more awareness.

[D.H.]

Most labs in the U.S. operate four or five nights per week. At some point, they'll have to operate six or seven nights per week. At some point, even that won't be enough! While you had to wait three or four months, I dread the day when you'll have to wait eleven months or longer!

Hopefully, home testing will help fill the need and primary care docs will be knowledgeable to treat most cases of Sleep Apnea.

[chunkyfrog]

Elven months----different than a month in the Shire?

[zan]

I have a feeling that by the time sleep apnea testing becomes popular, it'll be done at home using technology like the Dreem2 band rather than take-home PSGs, and will be like a FitBit in terms of userbase. If that's the case, sleep centers shouldn't change much, as most people will be monitoring their sleep on their own time.

Besides, I have heard stories of people on public insurance having to wait several months to get a sleep study... the future -- good and bad -- is now.

[Kroldor]

ok

[Dog Slobber]

Elven months----different than a month in the Shire?