Sleep study
I was diagnosed about 20 years ago and have been using a cpap since then. Does anyone know if the cpap RX changes over time and a person should be retested?
As someone who has been using CPAP since 1990 and a Registered Sleep Technologist, I can tell you that indeed, things can change. Most of the time, if you have one of the newer machines, the doctors can look at your PAP machine's data and see how you are doing. If you are feeling fine, and they see your AHI is still doing good, they will likely not test you. However, if you have a really older machine, your doctor cannot tell how you are doing and look that information up. (These two articles might be helpful for you https://sleepapnea.sleep-disorders.net/living/update-cpap-machine and https://sleepapnea.sleep-disorders.net/living/new-cpap)
In that situation, they are going completely off your feelings on how you are doing. Things you may be putting down to getting older, may actually be your machine not working as well for you and adjustments needing to be made.
There is a lot of variability on what can happen then based off your insurance and how up to date you have stayed with your Sleep Specialist. (This is an article that you also may like on that https://sleepapnea.sleep-disorders.net/living/doctor-discussions)
Your Sleep Specialist may ask you to go into the sleep center for a re-evaluation of the severity of your Sleep Disordered Breathing and of your pressure needs if it has been really long and you have not kept up to date with them. If you have been keeping in contact, they may write you a Rx for a newer machine where they can get that data download and check on how you are doing. And then, of course, a lot also will depend on your insurance company as well and what they may require.
Some people may find after 20 years that they are still need the exact same pressures; others may find that they need to be tweaked. We are all unique individuals so really; we cannot give you a definitive answer.
What I can say is that your best bet would be to go see a board-certified sleep specialist for a checkup and let them tailor what is best for you. I hope that helps some. Warmly, Lisa (SleepApnea.Sleep-Disorders.net Team Member and Advocate)
@Kate W, I had the same problem when my machine because the pressure was too high. There were days I would wake up with my tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth even though I was using the humidifier. It's an awful feeling for sure. I definitely agree with Lisa, to see a sleep specialist for a checkup and possibly a newer machine. Do let us know how it goes after you speak with your doctor. All the best! Vashanti (Community Advocate and Team Member)
thanks for your reply, I have an appointment the end of next month.
Thanks for the in-depth reply. I have a wellness exam scheduled so I will ask my health care provider about getting retested.
Hi Kate, thank you for your question and for being part of our community. I am sure there are some other community advocates who can weigh in on this topic, but I can only speak from my own experience.
For me, my weight has always been an issue and so after starting CPAP, I changed my lifestyle and subsequently lost weight. Since then I noticed that the pressure setting on my machine was too high because I was swallowing air while I slept (aerophagia.) I live in Ontario, Canada, where a new machine is partially covered every 5 years, so this year I requested to be retested to see if my prescription has changed.
I had an initial consultation with the specialist where I explained the weight loss and aerophagia and she recommended a "recall" sleep study. I'm now waiting for the result and hopefully a change in prescription.
It's been 6 years since I was originally diagnosed and I know I still need therapy for my sleep apnea. So from my experience, changes in lifestyle could possibly result in a change in prescription. I would definitely recommend speaking to your doctor if you haven't done so already. All the best! Vashanti (Community Advocate and Team Member)
