While there is no set time to repeat a sleep apnea test, many doctors recommend an updated test every 5 years. Returning sleep apnea symptoms, changes in lifestyle, or changes in CPAP therapy are good indicators that a new sleep study test is required.
Buying A New CPAP Machine
CPAP users upgrading or replacing their old machines may experience an adjustment period with the new equipment. Symptoms such as snoring, and gasping may continue. If so, contact your doctor to determine if a new sleep study is needed. Slight changes in your CPAP settings could resolve the issue.
New CPAP patients experiencing difficulty need to remain compliant with therapy. Any issues should be resolved within two weeks.
Changes in Your Weight
Any physical changes you undergo can also affect your sleep apnea. Weight gain increases the frequency and severity of sleep apnea symptoms. New therapy settings may be required to adapt to the changes in your body. Weight loss may also lead to changes such as lower CPAP machine pressure settings.
Other changes to health such as a diagnosis of heart disease may also require a renewed sleep study to determine new pressure settings for your CPAP machine.
If the Symptoms Return
Everyone is different. And, while some people show very few symptoms of sleep apnea, others may have all the symptoms mentioned above. If you were diagnosed with sleep apnea a few years ago and remain untreated, it would be wise to take a retest to see whether your sleep apnea is mild or severe.
The Required Pressure Has Changed
One of the most common treatments for sleep apnea is CPAP therapy. This is when doctors set the required pressure in the CPAP machine or oxygen concentrator according to the patient’s severity. If the patient is using a CPAP machine but still suffers from sleep apnea, then it is wise to take a retest.
Health Issues
For people with obstructive sleep apnea who also have health problems such as hypertension, stroke, or heart attack, doctors recommend undergoing a diagnostic sleep study once every year. Moreover, untreated sleep apnea induces the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Doctors also monitor the data from CPAP devices to follow the treatment and address your progress.
Changes in Lifestyle
Many factors determine your CPAP pressure. If you recently quit smoking or stopped drinking alcohol, higher pressure settings on your CPAP machine may no longer be necessary. A second sleep study may bring good news that you can switch to a lower pressure setting at night.
Switching to Bi-Level Therapy
A common issue among CPAP/APAP patients is compliance. Some users are unable to tolerate exhaling against their prescribed pressure settings. In that instance, a second sleep study may be required to determine if bi-level, or BiPAP, therapy is more appropriate. BiPAP machines have two pressure settings for both inhalation and exhalation, which can eliminate the discomfort experienced with CPAP or APAP.
Sleep Therapy Isn’t Showing Results
Sleep apnea is a complex condition. Patients who are compliant with their PAP therapy but are still experiencing symptoms may need a second test to rule out other sleep disorders. It takes time and testing to pinpoint precise causes and solutions to sleep apnea.
Taking Another Sleep Apnea Test
Traditional sleep studies are done overnight in a sleep lab. These tests can take weeks to set up, not to mention the two weeks you have to wait before receiving your results. With Sleep Care Online, patients can easily take a sleep apnea test from the comfort of home and receive their results the very next day! Here’s how it works:
- Purchase the Complete Care Package and answer a brief sleep and health questionnaire
- The NightOwl, a disposable fingertip sensor will be mailed to your house. Follow the instructions to take the test at home, in the comfort of your bed
- The next morning, follow the prompts to end the test and schedule your 10-minute telehealth visit with a sleep practitioner
- During your visit, your doctor will review your results and prescribe CPAP therapy, if needed
For current CPAP users, the SimpleRX Renewal program allows you to schedule a virtual doctor’s appointment at your convenience to review your sleep data and receive a new prescription in as little as one day.
When Is The Right Time For Undergoing a Sleep Apnea Test?
The sleep apnea test can act as the baseline for evaluating sleep apnea initially and also helps establish the necessary pressure settings on your new CPAP device if it is prescribed.
A sleep test can also determine whether your CPAP pressure needs to be changed. Always consider consulting with a doctor to increase the benefits of the sleep study.
If you have any additional questions about any of our services, contact our knowledgeable customer care team at 866-465-4478 or email contact@sleepcareonline.com.
