Newbie getting CPAP, skip fitting study & get APAP

Hello... I was diagnosed with low moderate apena and need to get CPAP. Girlfriend is a nurse and she will not let me put off longer. I do not want to pay for another sleep study to fit me with a CPAP as I am thinking it is not required. Why can't I just get a APAP machine know it adjust to the levels you want, with Dr.'s approval and oversight, and skip the additional costs of a sleep study to determine Oxygen levels. I did do that study maybe 3 years ago and the Dr. is telling me oxygen levels will change so it should be done again. . .I just did another At home sleep study that showed same moderate Apnea that I had 3 years ago... so my logic is he has enough data to determine the right range and I could save myself a good grand or so by not doing this other study... put that towards getting a good APAP machine.

Any thoughts/suggestions/opinions welcome.

It is very possible to titrate at home with an APAP machine. Some insurers like Kaiser even require it. Whether you will get support from your doctor for that is another question. An at home titration with APAP makes a lot of sense--it's done over time in your own bed and sleeping conditions. But some doctors don't care for at home titrations--various reasons ranging from they are unfamiliar with the process to they don't make as much money on an in home titration. If you can get hold of an APAP machine, people here can walk you through a self-titration if you would like to do that. The important thing is that you are getting treatment for your apnea, and your involvement in the process bodes well for successful, optimal treatment.

First, some understanding is in order. The titration study does not determine your "oxygen level" although in a sleep lab they MAY measure your oxygen level. The titration study determines the pressure needed to keep your airway open. If oxygen level is measured, it is to determine how effective the pressure setting is. You don't need to measure oxygen level to determine if the airway is open or not--the APAP machine itself can do that.

jbd wrote:Hello... I was diagnosed with low moderate apena and need to get CPAP. Girlfriend is a nurse and she will not let me put off longer. I do not want to pay for another sleep study to fit me with a CPAP as I am thinking it is not required. Why can't I just get a APAP machine know it adjust to the levels you want, with Dr.'s approval and oversight, and skip the additional costs of a sleep study to determine Oxygen levels. I did do that study maybe 3 years ago and the Dr. is telling me oxygen levels will change so it should be done again. . .I just did another At home sleep study that showed same moderate Apnea that I had 3 years ago... so my logic is he has enough data to determine the right range and I could save myself a good grand or so by not doing this other study... put that towards getting a good APAP machine.

Any thoughts/suggestions/opinions welcome.

So, what have you been waiting for?
How come you didn't start therapy three years ago?

Git r done!


Den

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