Online CPAP Evaluation: Anyone ever tried it?

[steveroberts]

Friends,

I have a terrible snoring/sleep problem. My doctor suspects sleep apnea, but the sleep test to diagnose it is several thousand dollars out-of-pocket for me.

I've found several sites that will allow online diagnosis (they send you the testing kit) for about $400.

Anyone ever tried this? What was your experience?

Thanks for any advice you may have.

SR

[davemchine]

At the end of my test the doctor said they could diagnose me as having sleep apnea (duh) and wanted me to return for a second (boat payment) night of testing equipment. I refused. So they sent me home with a machine for a few nights. After this short trial run I brought in the chip. They reviewed it to see if I improved, tweeked the settings, and sent me home. I'm sure they can send you a kit (machine) that tests you the first night, makes changes, and tests again. I think the whole $3,000 per night test is a waste of time for someone willing to act on their own.

Btw, good luck. I know how rough it can be suffering the effects of sleep apnea. I hope you are able to get a machine and some relief.

[D-Rod]

I had an at home test. It was not a CPAP machine, just a portable machine that measured everything. The test was inconclusive. I had the sleep over test and it showed I needed I needed one. That was a number of years ago and I use it religiously. Good luck on finding and fixing your sleep problem.

[richorlin]

If you really have sleep apnea, it's import to get a valid test at a testing center. If you have health insurance or Medicare, it should be covered. I don't think the take-home machines can do as thorough evaluation as a sleep study can. I remember when I took mine, they attached about two dozen leads to my head and body.

It's important to take this seriously because a severe case of sleep apnea can kill you if you're not careful.

[Carm]

What davemchine said. First time I was diagnosed, I went to a sleep center. Worst experience ever. The machine they gave me after that sucked a$$ and I stopped using it after a few months. I took another test after changing insurance providers (years later). Met with a sleep specialist and he walked me through the process of hooking myself up for the weekend along with their machines. One was an oximeter with a breathing meter tube combo, and the other was a diagnostic Auto CPAP machine with an SD recording card. After the in home multi night test I was ordered a CPAP machine non auto. I couldn't handle it (constant air flow) and I requested an auto CPAP machine. Enjoy sleeping now and don't wake up with head aches anymore. The lose weight advice doesn't work for everyone, I've been snoring since I was in middle school.

If the testing place sends the right machines, you should be good to go. You can always adjust the machine yourself after you get it. I needed to increase the starting pressure on mine because I felt that I wasn't getting enough air when I put it on.

[cbelt3]

richorlin wrote:
If you really have sleep apnea, it's import to get a valid test at a testing center. If you have health insurance or Medicare, it should be covered. I don't think the take-home machines can do as thorough evaluation as a sleep study can. I remember when I took mine, they attached about two dozen leads to my head and body.

It's important to take this seriously because a severe case of sleep apnea can kill you if you're not careful.

FWIW... those of us with high deductible healthcare plans end up spending $$$ for the verklempte tests. That said. once I followed online directions and adjusted my BiPAP machine, I've been happier. When I sleep without it or take it off during the night.. well, I have a bad day afterwards.

That said, I could have used the self-diagnostic system. Mrs. cbelt3 had already monitored me a few times and decided I had clear apnea.

[mattkime]

How much does mrs. cbelt3 charge?

[rgG]

mattkime wrote:
How much does mrs. cbelt3 charge?

LOL!