Can I test myself for sleep apnea? I want to experiment with different approaches

[HoloPed]

I did a sleep study at the lab and was diagnosed with severe apnea. 
I didn't have any symptoms. I'm not sure how accurate this diagnosis is, since I slept less than two hours in total and in very short intervals, while lying on my back immobile due to the many wires and tubes they hooked me up to.

Long story short, I want to test again, but at home and on my own.
I want to experiment with different sleep positions and dental fixtures.
I'm looking for a device that I can buy (for $1000 or less) that will measure my breathing.

I saw several places that rent out devices but it's usually just for one night.
Thoughts ?
Thanks

[Nightynite]

When I did my home sleep test , it was only supposed to be for 1 night. I didn’t sleep good and just kept it for 2 . They used both nights and reported results. I slept better the second night and I’m sure that helped. I would imagine most people don’t sleep good one night and there probably use to other people doing what I decided to do. But don’t take my situation as the norm.

[KeepSmiling]

HoloPed,

I think a polysomnography test (electrical wires on head) is more accurate.

Were you hooked up for two hours or were you asleep for two hours?

Do you have a copy of the report. What was on the report. The graph of brain function (awake, levels of sleep verses time and SpO2 levels) is important to look at.

The reason am asking because during my polysomnography test I was awake half the time. I kept looking at my watch to see how much longer I had to lay there. In the morning I told the guy, I do not think that there will be anything useful since I was up half the night.

I was so wrong. I was going from different stages to awake continuously. The oxygen never dipped below 91%

_____

I have two experiences for others getting tested.

1st person:
It included a strap around the chest, a finger oximeter, something small that attached to nose and/or mouth ( I cant remember) and a small recording device on a vest if I remember correctly. It was done 3 times because of movement during sleep.

I looked at the results on the screen and saw SpO2 dipping to low 90% range. I asked about the consultation with the pneumonologist: the Respiratory Therapist who looked at the data said there is no seep apnea and she gets to decide if there is evidence of sleep apnea she refers them to the pneumonologist.

The doctor had sent two request one for a sleep test and a referral for a pneumonologist. I told the patient to ask R.T. for the referral. She did not want to give it. I told her she had no right to deny the patient to see a specialist that the family doctor requested. I said I have my own pneumonologist I can send the request to.

The pneumonologist took a short history. Disapproved of RT's behaviour and ordered a polysomnography test.

Patient has sleep apnea showed major improvement to daytime sleepiness on cpap machine.

2 person:
Finger oximeter, Respironics Autoset CPAP and multiple sheets of questions.

There was a couple of wake ups, Lowest Oxygen was 93%. Event indexes were low. Recommendation is for a full night polysomnography test with EEG

_____

I know someone who was setup for an all night polysomnography test with EEG was awoken after a couple of hours because oxygen went to low. They were fitted with a mask and put on a cpap machine for the rest of the night. I should ask if this ended up being the titration.

[Brazen]

What was the reason for the sleep study if you have no symptoms?

If you tested positive for sleep apnea and have insurance the cheapest would be to get a cpap machine through the doc/DME and then use OSCAR to record your data.

If you don't belive the diagnosis put the pressure at the minimum (4cmw) and record your breathing through the night.

I'm willing to bet your flow limit will record high. Showing disordered sleep and health risks whether you believe it or not.


I was in your same shoes only a few months ago.
Denial means you are risking your long-term health.

[taylorgtr]

I was in your same shoes only a few months ago.
Denial means you are risking your long-term health.

Before I had my sleep study, I actually said, "If I have to wear a CPAP, I'd rather die".

I've since reconsidered my earlier statement. If should read "If I don't wear a CPAP, I might die."