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Using CPAP machine to perform Sleep test - ivan007 - 04-01-2024

Hi all,

It is costly and time consuming to perform a sleep test.  As the CPAP machine can measure the sleeping behaviour, is it possible to make some setting to the CPAP machine so that it can be used to perform a Sleep test that is similar to that without a CPAP machine?
This is to test how serious  the current status without using a CPAP machine.


RE: Using CPAP machine to perform Sleep test - Melman - 04-01-2024

Unfortunately no. The CPAP will provide pressure which could mask apnea events. You could set it at a constant pressure of 6 or 7 and see if you have a significant number of apnea events which would indicate you may have sleep apnea. A lower pressure of 4 or 5 would probably make you feel starved for air and disrupt your sleep. A constant pressure of 7 with no apnea events would not confirm that you don't have apnea since you could have apnea that is treated at that pressure. Also, a home sleep test is cheaper than a CPAP machine.

EDIT- I just noticed your profile and saw that you posted just a few days ago that you had a sleep study and then posted the results. So what was the reason forthis thread?


RE: Using CPAP machine to perform Sleep test - ivan007 - 04-02-2024

Hi ,

The reason is that the sleeping test was done around 1 year ago. During this period, I have tried CPAP machine for 2 weeks thru leasing.  The sleeping experience however is not that good at the setting of CPAP 7H20. It is worse than without a CPAP machine.

The reason that I performed a sleep test previously is that I have stuffy nose when I sleep on bed. I don't have a stuffy nose when I sit or stand in the same location.  I applied nasal sprays every night to relieve the stuffy noise.

My doctor suggested me to take a sleep test and this reveal I have mild to moderate CSA. 

After trying the CPAP machine, I find it difficult to exhale because of the pressure and my doctor suggest me to turn on the EPR function 3.  

Currently after 1 year, I am still struggling to use CPAP machine or not.  I am thinking to perform another sleep test to see if my CSA is worsening or reducing as I can sleep quite well without a CPAP machine, but just the stuffy nose issue.


RE: Using CPAP machine to perform Sleep test - SarcasticDave94 - 04-02-2024

Part of the difficulty in attempting this would be the CPAP will want to attempt to treat, and any pressure may mask how many events you'd have with no pressure, that is not on being CPAP. 4 cmH2O pressure likely has little therapeutic value, but again it may give skewed answers.