(01-06-2016, 03:11 PM)multime Wrote: My original post was more about asking why two sleep studies could be so different.
You should have a copy of the full reports (usually includes 2 or 3 pages of detailed data) both for the diagnostic study (no CPAP) and for the titration studies.
One possible explanation for the difference would be if the new study was not done properly. For example, if too little time in REM sleep occurred while sleeping flat on your back (supine position) the results would tend to underreport your AHI and RDI.
OSA is usually strongly positional, with the supine position usually the worst. Also, OSA tends to be worse during REM sleep stage. So every sleep study is supposed to include a certain amount of REM stage sleep while in the supine position.
And if RERAs were not scored, that would totally invalidate the Respiratory Disturbance Index. It is the RDI (which is the sum of Apneas plus Hypopneas plus RERAs per hour) which is what the insurance companies should be using to determine eligibility for a 'PAP machine, not the AHI. If they are using AHI instead of RDI, then shame on them.
(01-08-2016, 06:15 PM)player Wrote: If it was me, I would buy your own APAP machine. Get a used one and use Sleepyhead to monitor your progress. An oxygen monitor that SH supports would also be good.
I agree. Your heart issues and other symptoms in the last 6 months could have been caused by sleep apnea. Your original CPAP prescription is still valid for replacing a machine. CPAP prescriptions don't expire like prescriptions for drugs do.
That your insurance does not cover continued use of a 'PAP machine is no reason to stop therapy unless you are sure it would not help you. Right now a fully data-capable APAP machine with Central Apnea Detection would provide you important information on your health condition and may help prevent further damage to your heart. Your last sleep test covered just a few hours of one night. A data capable APAP machine can provide a mini titration every night, and data on all events.
I would suggest either a gently used ResMed S9 AutoSet or a gently used Philips Respironics System One REMSTAR Auto DS560 with heated hose option.
Supplier #2 usually has these in stock at reasonable prices and 6 month warrantee. (A link to the Supplier List is in the header at the top of all forum pages. An APAP can be set up like a fixed-pressure CPAP if that was what the original prescription was for. And once you have it there is no law which says you cannot adjust your own legally-obtained machine.
Take care,
--- Vaughn
The Advisory Member group provides advice and suggestions to Apnea Board administrators and staff on matters concerning Apnea Board operation and administrative policies. Membership in the Advisory Member group should not be understood as in any way implying medical expertise or qualification for advising Sleep Apnea patients concerning their treatment.