We’re asked this question on a daily basis.
Usually, it’s one of the following reasons:
1. You’re a CPAP user and would like a new machine.
If your CPAP machine is more than a few years old, you may be interested in a new machine. Most insurances will cover a new CPAP every 3 to 5 years (learn more here).
In recent years, machines have become smaller, quieter and most now have wireless compliance monitoring so you can keep track of your progress (and no longer have to mail in your smart card if you need a compliance report).
In this case, your insurance company may require a new sleep study to show that you still have sleep apnea. If this is the case, you may be able to get by with only a home sleep test to confirm your diagnosis (learn more about HST here).
If, like many CPAP users, you dread the though of a night without your CPAP (you can’t use HST equipment and CPAP at the same time), you may prefer to go to the sleep center for a 50/50 or split night study (learn more about different sleep study types here).
2. You’ve gained or lost weight
If you’ve had a significant change in your weight since starting CPAP therapy, you may benefit from a different treating pressure. Going into the sleep center for a titration study will allow you to have a full night’s sleep while the technician adjusts your PAP pressure up or down to find one that eliminates all or most events.
Some people using CPAP therapy find that they lose weight immediately after starting therapy due to increased energy levels from getting more sleep. Read more about how CPAP can effect weight loss here.
3. You suspect you need a pressure change
If you’re a seasoned CPAP user, you can probably tell when your pressure requirements change. If you’re using a CPAP (not an autoPAP which automatically adjusts the pressure throughout the night, learn more about that here) and would like to change the pressure, you will need a new sleep study to determine the new pressure.
4. You want to try bilevel PAP therapy
If you are using CPAP at a high pressure or suspect that you may benefit from bilevel therapy, most insurance companies will require that you demonstrate CPAP intolerance during an overnight sleep study.
Typically, you will arrive for a full night titration study and will start with CPAP therapy until a high pressure is reached or if you become uncomfortable with the CPAP pressure. Read more about insurance coverage for bilevel PAP therapy here.
5. You’re still experiencing symptoms even though you’re using CPAP
If you’re still feeling very sleepy during the day even though you’re using CPAP therapy, you may not have a good treating pressure or may be suffering from another sleep disorder (learn more about different types of sleep disorders here).
In some cases, an additional sleep study to evaluate your pressure needs should be discussed with your physician. Alternatively, you could request a consultation with a sleep specialist (we can help facilitate consultations in Southern California here).
Are you a current CPAP user in need of a sleep study for one of these reasons? If so, contact us today to schedule your appointment!
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Comments
Dorothy Morton
Posted on May 07, 2018I have been using cpap for over 5 years. I had a sleep study two years ago and my report last week shows “average AHI at 1.9”. I was told that is the number of events down from 41 before cpap. My Dr is asking for another sleep study. I question whether that is necessary. I would like your opinion
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Posted on March 26, 2021Dororhy,
I am sorry to say you-re wrong. A cpap machine won’t cure any one’s sleep apnea. But a sleep study can make a doctor wealthy.
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Posted on July 25, 2021Good Job. Thanks for share!!!
Doretha Wilson
Posted on July 30, 2021My CPAP recalled 7-21-2021. Insurance agreed to pay for new CPAP.
Provided my Doctor cas in Prescription. My Pulmonary Doctor has not responded. I just want a REPLACEMENT Machine. My Dreamstation causes Cancer, Headaches. All Doctors think of our Sleep Studies. Disappointed. They won’t allow Appointments to see Pulmonary Doctor – But always want sleep Studies done. Why can’t I have a NEW Machine ordered again because of Recall?
Richard wood
Posted on August 25, 2021I had a cpap study 3,4 years ago they put me on a cpap machine and oxygen because my oxygen was 80 percent during the night. When are do I need a new study I just found out I have to take testosterone injections
Dan Villas
Posted on March 02, 2022If you’re still feeling very sleepy during the day even though you’re using CPAP therapy, you may not have a good treating pressure or may be suffering from another sleep disorder.
Maureen H Christy
Posted on April 15, 2022My CPAP is has been recalled, and the provider refuses to replace it since it is on the recall list.
I recently had new sleep test. My AHI was a 7, which the doctor said was “normal” since it was so close to 5. Since my AHI has improved from a 30+ to a 7 due to weight loss, Do I even need the CPAP?
Jim Cropper
Posted on May 31, 2022Have been using my cpap from optigen paid by Medicare for well over 7yr. Oct 2021 machine started making loud noises keeping wife and I awake. Doctor prescribed new machine 10/26/21. I have followed up monthly. Optigen is non responsive, saying I am on 13mo maintenance contract? Other cpap companies wont interfere with this 13 mo contract because of limited reimbursement? Cant find a medicare number willing or able to help. NO one from medicare has followed up with me to be sure Optigen is fulfilling its contract. Yet they are making monthly payments.
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Posted on June 30, 2022Will they pay this in full?
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Posted on July 07, 2022Going into the sleep center for a titration study will allow you to have a full night’s sleep while the technician adjusts your PAP pressure up or down to find one that eliminates all or most events.
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Posted on November 30, 2022Going into the sleep center for a titration study will allow you to have a full night’s sleep while the technician adjusts your PAP pressure up or down to find one that eliminates all or most events.
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Posted on February 27, 2023I am getting ready for a new sleep study from home, I was told to quit using my current cpap for a week before test. Why??
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Posted on March 10, 2023I am sorry to say you-re wrong. A cpap machine won’t cure any one’s sleep apnea. But a sleep study can make a doctor wealthy.
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Posted on March 10, 2023Going into the sleep center for a titration study will allow you to have a full night’s sleep while the technician adjusts your PAP pressure up or down to find one that eliminates all or most events.
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Posted on July 24, 2023You will be able to have a full night’s sleep at the sleep center if you go there for a titration study, during which a technician will change the pressure of your PAP machine in order to find a setting that prevents all or the vast majority of occurrences.
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Posted on August 28, 2023My apologies, but you’re mistaken. Sleep apnea cannot be cured by using a cpap machine. However, a doctor can get rich by doing sleep studies.
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Posted on November 29, 2023Schedule an appointment with your sleep specialist or healthcare provider. They can assess your current situation, discuss your needs, and determine whether a new sleep study is necessary.
Muhammad Nooh
Posted on January 21, 2024Thanks for sharing!
I had a sleep study done about 3-4 years ago, and as a result, I was prescribed a CPAP machine and oxygen therapy since my overnight oxygen levels were only around 70%.