How often do you have a sleep study?

I recently had a checkup with my sleep doc to have the face-to-face visit that Medicare requires before it will pay for a new machine. The doc's notes would have to say that I had been using a bi-pap (for 5 years) successfully and that I needed to continue using it. To achieve these notes he could look at the data card from my machine, an auto bi-pap, which showed results for the last year. I had also downloaded for him the summaries for each of the previous years. Mission accomplished.

He said, "There is no reason that I see to do a follow-up sleep study for you as there is clear evidence that you are properly treated at these pressures. We seldom do a follow-up anyway, as these auto machines give us almost all the data we need." Since I sleep reasonably well and report no other problem, I was happy not to need another study. Doc went on to comment that long-term data from comfortable sleep at home is more convincing than a one night snapshot in a sleep clinic setting. While the study works to titrate pressure and perhaps find other problems, once that is accomplished, the auto machines are his favorites.

Now as an aside, I had adjusted the pressures on my bi-pap on my own before my bi-pap study. The study found my adjustment to be exactly right. My initial study was for plain cpap and it had the pressure way too high. Once I finally got my first auto, I fixed that too. Some doctors don't want people to use the auto machines, but mine is willing for me to do so.

So, from that, I would say that if you have an auto machine and the doc reads your data and is satisfied with the results, no follow-up should be necessary. Now, it had been 5 years or so since I had a study done. Some docs might want a study to cover them for possible problems after such a long time.

Catnapper - Joanie

xenablue wrote:... Had one sleep study and neuro didn't mention when I might need another one - in fact she doesn't want to see me again as long as I'm happy with my therapy and the DME, my AHI remains below 5.0 (it's been below 1.0 since Day 1) and nothing new crops up. ...

I think that's the pretty typical answer.

Since I see my neurologist periodically (due to my progressive neurological disorder), he asks that I bring the machine data on each trip. If both of us are happy with the numbers (and how I feel) then I don't need a sleep study.

It's rather like diabetes. I monitor the data - trying to catch things like large leaks that might mess up the effectiveness of the therapy. But otherwise, like with diabetes if the numbers look good and the A1c value is good, then my neurolgoist checks to see if I need any prescriptions refilled. Then it's "until the next time ...".

Catnapper wrote: these auto machines give us almost all the data we need." Since I sleep reasonably well and report no other problem, I was happy not to need another study. Doc went on to comment that long-term data from comfortable sleep at home is more convincing than a one night snapshot in a sleep clinic setting. While the study works to titrate pressure and perhaps find other problems, once that is accomplished, the auto machines are his favorites.

Catnapper, I absolutely don't believe that your doctor said this!

It was a cpaptalk.com member who sneaked in the back door and put on the doctor's coat.

There's so many variables on repeated sleep studies. I've had so many since 1998 I've lost count - somewhere between a half dozen and 10 is my best guess. But most of them were due to my PLMD, not my garden variety OSA. In fact, some of my last studies were while using my prescribed pressure so they could see what was happening on my usual nights. If OSA were my only issue, I wouldn't have been back in the sleep center unless it was a coverage requirement. With the help of the good folks here and getting a data capable machine early on, my therapy has been stable for years. If I had a more complicated case, my circumstances changed, or was having trouble with my treatment, I'd be singing another song. I have interstitial lung disease, so I'm mindful that my oxygen levels might change over the years, but I have an oximeter if I feel the need to check it.

Catnapper, it's good to see you around. Hope all is going well with you. My former sleep doctor was a dud, but the one I've had the last few years is always interested in seeing my data and welcomes my involvement in my treatment. When I first saw her she told me she wasn't a fan of the auto being the standard for treatment, and she quoted some studies on cardiac benefits not being the same, and felt those with sleep maintenance problems (like me) should eliminate possible causes, and changing pressure was one. I didn't disagree with her on that one. My pressure needs didn't vary enough over the course of a night to really benefit much from an auto. Not sure where she stands on the autos after a few years, but she took a real interest in my data, and I appreciated that. She's never been dismissive of my input. She's challenged me on some points, but I'm good with that. The doctor should know more than me. There are some good sleep doctors out there. Again, good to see you!

Hi my friend kteague! I am here often, just don't have a lot to say. Always good to see you.

And, VVV, this very same doctor told me almost 6 years ago much the same thing. He is the one who made sure I got an auto cpap so he could see how I was doing in the early days. He said he only had a few patients who checked and tracked their data, but he was in favor of it. He really liked for a patient to take interest in and responsibility for treatment. He complained that most patients just asked what to do and went on their way. I am pretty sure he used the word snapshot for the study results back then also.

I also have probably the best DME possible. Lucky for me!

Catnapper - Joanie

........actually am about 10 kilos overweight, that's about it as far as I know.

Thanks for your input.
Emeraude

Question,

Who or what is 10 kilos overweight, you or the packing?

My Sleep Doc put this in the sleep report:

................................................................................



So if your weight was 50 kg and you gained 10 kg, which is 20%, then you need a sleep study.

1 kilo = 2.2 lbs.
Just don't do any calculations aloud.

Original diagnosis was in late 1994 (Severe apnea with some 45-60 events per hour).. got a brick
Retested in around 2003? still big time problems.. got a new brick

With the totally cool advances in equipment? have not been back since and just get a script for new equipment every 3 to 5 years.. I am totally taken back by the level of technology and the ability to self monitor and upload data that is available now.. who would have guessed huh?

not that you should forego a sleep study, but my out of pocket costs are pretty outrageous and knowing I have a problem? I just use an APAP and am happy camper.. (this is not a good idea btw, just what I do)