Should I have a "sleep" doc??

PCP suggested sleep study. Results = cpap. Am a couple weeks in and adjusting. For me, it is all about "relaxing" into this new night life. Question ... I have never seen a sleep doc. My dentist told me I should and that the sleep doc will follow on my care. Is it unusual to be given equipment then let go? What should my next step be? Let my pcp know I need follow-up care - by a sleep doc??? I am so confused! Any direction would be so appreciated!

I don't have a sleep doctor.

My PCP ordered my sleep study. I got my results, spent about a week on this message board reading and learning, and then told my doctor what to write on the prescription. I ordered online from CPAP.com and haven't looked back.

I educated myself, used the software on my machine and when I did have problems, I asked the folks here.

Lisa

It's a matter of need.
Many never see one; others need one desperately.
My PCP will not write RX for CPAP; so I had no choice.

I think it's important to have a sleep specialist. After the first visit, you only have to see him/her when you feel it's necessary.

Edit: My PCP suggested the name of a sleep specialist, although I could have gone to one of several.

Like Lisa, I don't have a sleep doctor. I have never seen a sleep doctor. My primary care Doctor sent me for my sleep study and told me I'd have to figure it out for myself. With the help of forum folk I did. I see no need for a sleep doctor if you have regular-run of the mill-OSA, and no other medical issues. I've done GREAT on my own. It took time to learn what I needed to know, and loads of reading here on the forum, but it truly paid off for me!

Brenda

bdp522 wrote:I see no need for a sleep doctor if you have regular-run of the mill-OSA, and no other medical issues.

I agree.

I don't have a sleep doctor, either.

I'd call the sleep lab and get copies of the full report and condensed graphs for your study and titration. Look them over and decide if you are comfortable with the information and your therapy. Then you can ask questions here, go over them with your PCP, or go see a sleep doc.
I've been to see mine once for a follow-up and didn't learn a thing. He said, "see you in a year". I don't think I'm going to waste my time or gas.

Having had to figure out just about everything on my own, even after seeing a sleep doctor, I would say: don't bother unless you run into problems that really do require a referral. In my case, while she did prescribe the Cpap, the sleep doctor wasn't of help with the problems I then encountered (sinus infections, mouth recirculation), except maybe to agree with my actions after the fact (ENT and nasal rinses helped with the former, tape with the latter). With any luck, you will adapt just fine to your Cpap regime, and the therapy will be effective. I believe your machine is capable of recording flow data, so you'll be able to see how you are doing in great detail.