How often should I have a sleep study done?

I have been using a CPAP for 12 months now and all has been good except now I find days where I am excessively tired again. My equipment is working well and there are no leaks. Should I be tested again to determine if the pressure is still set correctly for my apnea condition?

Doctors Answers (3)

Richard J. Schumann Jr., MD

Answered on: 11/19/2012

If you are still experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness then you may look into this several ways. Go to a sleep professionals and have download done from your sleep device to assess your compliance. You can also have your DME company who set up your equipment assess its continued functionality event though you think it is working fine. Also, if you have gained any weight then you may need a retitration to adjust your CPAP pressure.

J. Douglas Hudson, MD, DABSM

Answered on: 11/16/2012

If you have an auto titrating CPAP, which we highly recommend, you should not need another sleep study for a long time. Only if the computer downloads suggest that you have developed a change such as central apneas which may suggest that you would best be treated with bi-level PAP. If you are on a CPAP with a fixed pressure then you may need another sleep study if you are indeed suffering from more fatigue.