My Sleep Study Retest Experience

Every time I mention to someone I'm going for a sleep study, I get asked why. For me the answer is obvious.

It's been over 6 years since I started using CPAP and the technology has changed a lot since then. Basically, I could do with the additional benefits of an upgraded machine. Additionally, I live in Ontario, Canada, where a new PAP device is partially covered by the healthcare system every 5 years.

I was supposed to get retested last year, but the pandemic canceled my sleep study. I also do not want to wait until something goes wrong with my machine because the process to get a new one is so lengthy. Finally, in order for my insurance to cover supplies like masks, I need a valid prescription.

The lengthy diagnosis process

In a previous article, I talked about the lengthy process of getting a diagnosis in Canada. This time around is no different. I started the process in December 2021 when I spoke to my family doctor about getting retested. A month later was the telehealth appointment with the sleep doctor. We discussed my initial diagnosis and current treatment and she agreed it was time for a retest. It was 1 more month before I did the sleep study.

What's changed in 6 years

Since I haven't stepped foot in a sleep clinic in 6 years, I fully expected things to be very different. However, that is not the case, except for additional safety measures. I did notice there seemed to be fewer wires attached to me though. Personally, over the last 6 years, my health and lifestyle have changed dramatically. Besides sleeping better, I've also lost weight, my diet has improved and I maintain an active lifestyle. Additionally, I'm now taking better care of my mental health through journaling, meditation, and stress management.

Back and forth with the DME

Another month passes by before I am contacted by the durable machine equipment (DME) supplier to make an appointment to get set up with a new machine. Initially, the supplier was under the impression that this would be my first machine so was trying to make an hour-long appointment.

I had to explain that this is not my first time and I am currently using CPAP. I also disagreed with the machine setting that was on the new prescription. A few years ago I was experiencing severe aerophagia (swallowing air) while using my machine. I found out that the pressure was too high on my machine. Once I explained that, the conclusion was that I take my machine to this new DME for them to have a look at my settings.

Why my CPAP wait will be even longer

So I packed up my equipment and my old prescription and visited the new store. It turns out that I am not currently on CPAP therapy (CPAP is continuous positive airway pressure), but APAP. I did not know there was a difference. According to ResMed's website, "APAP automatically adjusts to meet each specific person’s breathing needs, which often change throughout the night as we move in and out of different stages of sleep."¹

Now I have to wait some more to get a machine for trial so the sleep doctor can monitor my use of the therapy. Unfortunately, because I am not a new PAP user, I am lower down on the waiting list to get a machine for an at-home trial. Combined with a global machine shortage, I don't know when that will be.

Thankfully my current machine is still fully functional because I can not imagine sleeping a night without it.