Hello Guest, Welcome to Apnea Board !
As a guest, you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use.
To post a message, you must create a free account using a valid email address.

or Create an Account


New Posts   Today's Posts

Home Study or PSG?
#11
RE: Home Study or PSG?
Tip: I used a small digital voice recorder to determine what kind of sounds I made while sleeping. I found one at WalMart for $30 (that's cheaper than having my wife stay awake to do the job). It has very good sensitivity and is small enough that I taped it to my tee shirt's upper chest area for the test.

Olympus model VN-7200
Post Reply Post Reply
#12
RE: Home Study or PSG?
Thanks for the tip on recording myself Doc J and surferdude2. I ended up recording audio of myself sleeping last night. I used the app "Smart Voice Recorder" on my Galaxy S4. I boosted the gain for the microphone in the app, hit record and put the phone on my pillow next to my head as I went to sleep. It worked great.

There were periods of mild snoring (and I thought I didn't snore...), and there was definitely gasps for air on multiple occasions. One of them was quite scary; like I was coming up for air after holding my breath underwater. The gasps always seemed to follow this pattern: Take big laboured breath/gasp followed by me changing body positions immediately after. I guess that's why I keep half-waking up intermittently throughout the night...

I think I will go for the home test next week. Listening to the recording makes it seem very likely that I have sleep apnea. It's a bit strange but I'm hoping that I do have it. Just so that I finally know why I've felt like crap for the past 8+ years and can finally address it. Time will tell when I finally get the test done.
Post Reply Post Reply
#13
RE: Home Study or PSG?
Good job! That was quick and easy and cheap. Answers a few questions and now you can work on making it official and move on to treatment. I hope it goes quick, as my story drug out two or three months past when I recorded myself and I knew I was on borrowed time. If I would have been on this site I may have taken things in my own hands because the waiting was torture. Four days after my test I saw a pickup rolled on the interstate. I called the Doc's office to see if they got the results and the nurse said do you have a cpap machine? I said no and she said well you need one (duh) I'm like that's why I called I'm gonna be in the next rollover if we don't get this going asap. Four days later I got the machine and started on the hose.
Good Luck!

Doc J (despite my nickname I am not a doctor)

Remember to donate to the board if you can, it has helped a lot of people including myself.
Post Reply Post Reply
#14
RE: Home Study or PSG?
While home tests can be good, there are times when it does NOT give reliable results. My sister (past EMT, worked around medically fragile clients for 20 yrs) was not able to get a reliable home test twice - about 1 yr apart. She was finally able to get scheduled for an overnight sleep study and, what do you know, she has sleep apnea. How about that!
Evpraxia in the Pacific Northwest USA
Diagnosed: 44 AHI when supine, O2 down to 82%
Treated since 20 Sept 2014:: 0.7 AHI, Settings 7-15, EPR on Full Time at Level 3
Better living through CPAP/APAP machines!
Post Reply Post Reply
#15
RE: Home Study or PSG?
(10-24-2014, 08:42 PM)Doc J Wrote: Good job! That was quick and easy and cheap. Answers a few questions and now you can work on making it official and move on to treatment. I hope it goes quick, as my story drug out two or three months past when I recorded myself and I knew I was on borrowed time. If I would have been on this site I may have taken things in my own hands because the waiting was torture. Four days after my test I saw a pickup rolled on the interstate. I called the Doc's office to see if they got the results and the nurse said do you have a cpap machine? I said no and she said well you need one (duh) I'm like that's why I called I'm gonna be in the next rollover if we don't get this going asap. Four days later I got the machine and started on the hose.

I'm glad you were able to start your treatment before rolling over on the interstate! How long have you been on CPAP now? And how was the beginning stages for you compliance wise?

(10-24-2014, 10:14 PM)Evpraxia Wrote: While home tests can be good, there are times when it does NOT give reliable results. My sister (past EMT, worked around medically fragile clients for 20 yrs) was not able to get a reliable home test twice - about 1 yr apart. She was finally able to get scheduled for an overnight sleep study and, what do you know, she has sleep apnea. How about that!

Thanks for your input, Evpraxia. The place I wanted to do the home test with also does ambulatory (home) PSGs. I inquired about that and they said that usually they do the basic home test to screen for sleep apnea or other respiratory-based problems and if that doesn't work, then they do the PSG. They told me that's how most places approach it. Does that sound reasonable to you or is it nonsense? It did not sound too convincing to me, but they seemed to know what they were talking about and were very pleasant and helpful over the phone, which made me lean towards doing the home test with them (they were also cheaper than most other places).
Post Reply Post Reply
#16
RE: Home Study or PSG?
(10-24-2014, 10:34 PM)jdip Wrote:
(10-24-2014, 08:42 PM)Doc J Wrote: Good job! That was quick and easy and cheap. Answers a few questions and now you can work on making it official and move on to treatment. I hope it goes quick, as my story drug out two or three months past when I recorded myself and I knew I was on borrowed time. If I would have been on this site I may have taken things in my own hands because the waiting was torture. Four days after my test I saw a pickup rolled on the interstate. I called the Doc's office to see if they got the results and the nurse said do you have a cpap machine? I said no and she said well you need one (duh) I'm like that's why I called I'm gonna be in the next rollover if we don't get this going asap. Four days later I got the machine and started on the hose.

I'm glad you were able to start your treatment before rolling over on the interstate! How long have you been on CPAP now? And how was the beginning stages for you compliance wise?

(10-24-2014, 10:14 PM)Evpraxia Wrote: While home tests can be good, there are times when it does NOT give reliable results. My sister (past EMT, worked around medically fragile clients for 20 yrs) was not able to get a reliable home test twice - about 1 yr apart. She was finally able to get scheduled for an overnight sleep study and, what do you know, she has sleep apnea. How about that!

Thanks for your input, Evpraxia. The place I wanted to do the home test with also does ambulatory (home) PSGs. I inquired about that and they said that usually they do the basic home test to screen for sleep apnea or other respiratory-based problems and if that doesn't work, then they do the PSG. They told me that's how most places approach it. Does that sound reasonable to you or is it nonsense? It did not sound too convincing to me, but they seemed to know what they were talking about and were very pleasant and helpful over the phone, which made me lean towards doing the home test with them (they were also cheaper than most other places).

My thought is - try the home test first! My hubby and I were not given the option of a home test; so it depends on the insurance (if any), the sleep specialist and the DME on what is offered.

The home test works with some folks but not others. My sister has some other issues, such as asthma and sinus problems, that may have prevented the home test doing its job. On thinking about it more, the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) involved is Apria, and considering they were disorganized enough to delay my sister getting her APAP by about a month I do not think very highly of them. The RT was very through and courteous so that part was good.
Evpraxia in the Pacific Northwest USA
Diagnosed: 44 AHI when supine, O2 down to 82%
Treated since 20 Sept 2014:: 0.7 AHI, Settings 7-15, EPR on Full Time at Level 3
Better living through CPAP/APAP machines!
Post Reply Post Reply
#17
RE: Home Study or PSG?
Hey jdip I have been on the hose since May of 2013. Since it took so long and I was so fried and so much money was spent to do the sleep test, I was determined that I had 100% compliance from day one. I started with a full face mask (that they used on me in the sleep test) since I have always been stuffed up mouth breather. To get the mask to not leak I had to tighten down to the point it was digging into my high bridged nose and causing skin irritation. To show how bad I wanted it to work I wouldn't quit. I got some fabric liners that helped but still hated the mask. I had asked for a nose only nasal mask since I already had the ffm and one day tried it. Only to realize that the pressure would open my stuffy nose and there was 1/3 the pressure clamped down on my face. Used that for a few months and started reading about nasal pillows here and figured I would try them. I just got them off an auction site not thru DME and they were the best thing to happen to me. Maybe 1/10 the force on my face. I now use the P10 pillows and love them. All night every night no matter what.
I still have headaches (not related to sleep apnea) and haven't lost much weight but sleep is no longer a problem. I don't feel like I'm gonna roll my work truck driving around all the time and can relax with out nodding off at first chance.
I know this got long winded but the devils in the details. I hope you get something figured out asap.
Good Luck!

Doc J (despite my nickname I am not a doctor)

Remember to donate to the board if you can, it has helped a lot of people including myself.
Post Reply Post Reply
#18
RE: Home Study or PSG?
Thanks again for all of the feedback everyone. You've all been great and I really do appreciate it.

(10-24-2014, 10:14 PM)Evpraxia Wrote: My thought is - try the home test first! My hubby and I were not given the option of a home test; so it depends on the insurance (if any), the sleep specialist and the DME on what is offered.

The home test works with some folks but not others. My sister has some other issues, such as asthma and sinus problems, that may have prevented the home test doing its job. On thinking about it more, the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) involved is Apria, and considering they were disorganized enough to delay my sister getting her APAP by about a month I do not think very highly of them. The RT was very through and courteous so that part was good.

Sorry to hear that your sister had a bad experience with the DME. I hope everything is sorted out now!

I keep hearing different opinions on the home study vs PSG; that's why I'm confused and why I made this thread in the first place. Some people are telling me the home test will be fine, but on the other hand, others are advocating the PSG because it will give a "complete" picture of what's going on and will reveal any other sleep disorders if they are present. Also, if the home test is inconclusive, the PSG will have to be done anyway... Money isn't a constraint for me if my health is on the line, but the price difference is quite stark regardless. I had decided on doing the home test but now after reading some other threads and literature online, I'm back at square one! Oh-jeez

(10-24-2014, 11:24 PM)Doc J Wrote: Hey jdip I have been on the hose since May of 2013. Since it took so long and I was so fried and so much money was spent to do the sleep test, I was determined that I had 100% compliance from day one. I started with a full face mask (that they used on me in the sleep test) since I have always been stuffed up mouth breather. To get the mask to not leak I had to tighten down to the point it was digging into my high bridged nose and causing skin irritation. To show how bad I wanted it to work I wouldn't quit. I got some fabric liners that helped but still hated the mask. I had asked for a nose only nasal mask since I already had the ffm and one day tried it. Only to realize that the pressure would open my stuffy nose and there was 1/3 the pressure clamped down on my face. Used that for a few months and started reading about nasal pillows here and figured I would try them. I just got them off an auction site not thru DME and they were the best thing to happen to me. Maybe 1/10 the force on my face. I now use the P10 pillows and love them. All night every night no matter what.
I still have headaches (not related to sleep apnea) and haven't lost much weight but sleep is no longer a problem. I don't feel like I'm gonna roll my work truck driving around all the time and can relax with out nodding off at first chance.
I know this got long winded but the devils in the details. I hope you get something figured out asap.

If I end up on a CPAP, I can picture myself spending the beginning like you; wanting to have 100% compliance from day one so I can get rested ASAP and feel "normal". I've read a lot about how mask choice is of utmost importance so hopefully I won't be mashing the first mask down on my face as well Grin Did it take you long to start feeling more rested? From what I've seen, it really depends on the person. I've seen some people find relief right away whereas it takes months for others.
Post Reply Post Reply
#19
RE: Home Study or PSG?
Hey again jdip. Therapy was not like flipping a switch as I hoped. I think since I was actually asleep I would take longer to wake up. Before I had not been asleep for a minute so I could just jump up and start the struggle of acting awake. Within a week or two I was not falling asleep at any lull in the action and slowly progressed. I think it's not that I feel great it's that I don't feel like I'm gonna pass out. So if you follow it's not a giant positive feeling just a lack of negative. I'm sure we are all different and I hope you find relief. I did not have the brain/thought/haze issues I have heard about but I could gag/choke watching tv (my body wanted to go down now).

You sound more informed than I was until finding this site. This site is the best thing that has helped me understand and deal with this whole lovely subject. And to see it help so many people and so many smart people reaching out to help others it does kind of warm the heart like nothing I have seen on the internet. Go People!
Good Luck!

Doc J (despite my nickname I am not a doctor)

Remember to donate to the board if you can, it has helped a lot of people including myself.
Post Reply Post Reply
#20
RE: Home Study or PSG?
(10-25-2014, 12:13 AM)Doc J Wrote: Hey again jdip. Therapy was not like flipping a switch as I hoped. I think since I was actually asleep I would take longer to wake up. Before I had not been asleep for a minute so I could just jump up and start the struggle of acting awake. Within a week or two I was not falling asleep at any lull in the action and slowly progressed. I think it's not that I feel great it's that I don't feel like I'm gonna pass out. So if you follow it's not a giant positive feeling just a lack of negative. I'm sure we are all different and I hope you find relief. I did not have the brain/thought/haze issues I have heard about but I could gag/choke watching tv (my body wanted to go down now).

You sound more informed than I was until finding this site. This site is the best thing that has helped me understand and deal with this whole lovely subject. And to see it help so many people and so many smart people reaching out to help others it does kind of warm the heart like nothing I have seen on the internet. Go People!

Thanks for sharing your experience Doc J. It makes me hopeful.
Hi everyone,

I'm fairly certain I will do a home test within the next couple of days.

In the meantime, I have a short clip here that shows 7-8 gasps for air within 10 minutes (the video is not 10 minutes!). Does this sound like sleep apnea to you guys? The thing is I don't actually stop breathing... My breathing seems to be study but very labored and followed by a gasp for air. Would this count as hypopnea?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=4T-ZkVc2VbU&feature=youtu.be

(sorry I can't hyperlink it since the forum tells me I can't post links here yet because of my post count...).

Would appreciate any comments.
Post Reply Post Reply


Possibly Related Threads...
Thread Author Replies Views Last Post
  What's the best home sleep test currently on the market? Lucky7 2 94 Yesterday, 04:39 PM
Last Post: Jay51
  Apnea has gotten worse recently, I have no sleep study, can I just buy a cpcp? replayablecontent 12 230 Yesterday, 12:38 PM
Last Post: replayablecontent
  [CPAP] Titration Study liebano 2 76 03-26-2024, 08:18 PM
Last Post: gainerfull
Question [Diagnosis] Home Sleep Study Results & Feedback togapilot 6 531 03-26-2024, 02:36 PM
Last Post: togapilot
  CPAP newbie / OSCAR / study feedback Brad124 4 189 03-23-2024, 08:02 AM
Last Post: Brad124
  New sleep study after 17 years? Jim1952 2 118 03-21-2024, 05:33 PM
Last Post: Jim1952
  New to CPAP Titration Study and OSCAR Data Help Needed slowmoto 2 144 03-20-2024, 01:24 PM
Last Post: slowmoto


New Posts   Today's Posts


About Apnea Board

Apnea Board is an educational web site designed to empower Sleep Apnea patients.