Questions To Ask At Sleep Study Follow Up??

Hi all,

I have to go for my sleep study results on Thursday and I was wondering if there are any standard questions I should ask about my results. According to the receptionist at my family doctor's office my results were "normal", but thats way too vague. I want specific information from my sleep doctor, so that I can increase my understanding of the data that other people here seem so knowledgeable about (eg. AHI, AI and HI).

I have a RemStar Plus M Series with C-Flex and I basically have to rely on my sleep study results, as my machine isn't compatible with using a smart card to record my daily readings. This is definitely a feature I want on my next cpap machine.

Does anyone know of a link that explains AHI, AI and HI??

Thanks!
Abby

I'd call the sleep lab and request a copy of the full scored data summary report w/condensed graphs. And assuming the doctor you have the appointment w/is the sleep doctor I'd plunk that report down on his desk and say lets go thru these and you explain them to me. You may well be unpleasantly surprised to learn how little he/she understands of what the two of you are looking at!!

Slinky wrote: You may well be unpleasantly surprised to learn how little he/she understands of what the two of you are looking at!!

I wouldn't be surprised but then who will tell us what we are looking at means?

Well, supposedly your local DME supplier's RT has the experience and knowledge to do so and also to make recommendations about any problems that may show up in the data.

The manufacturer's provide the means to collect this data assuming and counting on the sleep professionals to utilize the data to monitor your therapy and have that data to make an informed decision what if any therapy changes need to be made.

Most sleep doctors haven't a clue as to the capabilities of the myriad of xPAP devices available. Many sleep doctors aren't even interested in the data these devices are or aren't capable of providing. Many sleep doctors prefer to make changes in CPAP therapy by guess and by gosh or via another expensive sleep study rather than place any reliance on the data some of these devices can provide.

ozij wrote:http://www.sandmansleep.com/resources/glossary.cfm

Thanks for this wonderful link as a newbie it is good to have a more info about the my problem so I can know what to really ask the doc. I am so glad I was sent to this site it has been most helpful in the adventure. lol You get wonderful advice as well as it is just plain fun to read the posts. Thanks again. God Bless you all, Melinda