I don't have my actual test results, I'm trying to get a copy but the lab I went to kind of sucks.  (Going to a new lab for the titration test.)  

Anyhow, I'm curious about my second test, the titration test.  In my first test the technician wouldn't let me sleep on my side, he insisted I sleep on my back.  I never sleep on my back.  Before I even fall asleep I can feel my throat closing up and my jaw doing this weird relaxing/falling back thing and it wakes me up.  I'm always on my side because it helps with snoring and prevents this weird jaw thing.

I'm wondering if I should insist on sleeping on my side in the 2nd test.  I want to make sure everything is as accurate as possible and I think, but don't know, that sleeping position is probably important for this.  What do you think?

I don't sleep on my back and was never asked to do so during the sleep test or titration.  However, I can't honestly say I didn't sleep on my back during either.  Both were miserable nights.  From what I gather OSA symptoms are typically worse when you sleep on your back, but there are exceptions.  If you're restless try to sleep in a few normal positions during titration.  They'll no doubt prescribe a pressure that minimizes your events.  But it's also possible that sleeping in a particular position increases your events over other positions.  Good luck.  While you're just as wired up as sleep study, the only difference is they will fit you with a mask and put you on CPAP.  They will be adjusting your pressure through out the night.  I would suggest trying a nasal mask or pillows.  If you start opening your mouth in your sleep, they can identify it in the titration and may wake you up and fit you with a full face mask for the remainder of the titration.


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REMStar Pro M w/ c-flex and heated humidifier
ResMed Swift LT nasal pillow
Encore View Software
12 cm H20, 13 cm H20
CPAP start date: June 4, 2008

Most people encounter most of their "events" whilst sleeping on their back and whilst in REM sleep. That is not a hard and fast rule, there are excaptions. But that is the reason many sleep labs will insist that you sleep on your back a portion of the night. NO GOOD sleep lab insists that you sleep on your back ALL NIGHT!!! For those of you who virtually never sleep on your back a GOOD sleep tech may well wake you during the night and ask that you attempt to sleep on your back for a while. After all they do need and want to be able to titrate for the "worst case scenario" as well as your "normal" sleep positioning "just in case" to be thorough. Ideally, they will be able to titrate a portion of the night whilst you are ON YOUR BACK IN REM SLEEP as well as your normal sleep positions during the night in all stages of sleep.

If the sleep lab where you had your evaluation is giving you a hard time about getting their sleep doctor's dictated results AND the full scored data summary report send them a WRITTEN REQUEST VIA CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED. They'll then get the message that you are serious about wanting these reports and it is an implied threat to them that you will take further action if they don't comply. Assuming you are in the USA you have a LEGAL RIGHT to them under HIPAA. Be sure to keep copies of your written request and the certification and the green return receipt card when you get it back. If they fail to comply w/in 30 days send a second WRITTEN request VIA CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED and CC'D TO THE STATE LICENSING BUREAU and local medical society. Make sure they know that it has been CC'd to the state and their local medical society. At that point if they fail to provide the copies you have them by the short hairs and the state licensing board will take over and provide the needed "heat". You WILL get your copies. Just be aware that they ARE allowed to charge you a REASONABLE fee for the copies. So far as I know a $10 "access fee" can be allowed for each report and $1 a page, tho that is the maximum I've heard of being charged, usually especially if you've had to file that complaint w/the state licensing board after their failure to honor your first request they will provide the reports free of charge. The doctor's dictated results are often 1-2 pages each and the full scored data summary about 5+ pages each.


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Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

Hi Crohnie, you're right, I don't think this was a good sleep lab at all.  Fortunately there are 2 in town, unfortunately the 2nd one was so booked up that I can't get in until the 22nd for my titration test.

You can always call that second sleep lab and ask that you be put on their Cancellation list. The more readily you are available with a last minute call the more likely your chances of getting brought in early. I got lucky. I had stopped in to pick up a copy of the full scored data summary report w/condensed graphs from my sleep evaluation when they received a call for a cancellation. The secretary looked up at me and asked if I could come in that night for my titration and I said YESSSSS!


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Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

Thanks Crohnie, I did just that and they think they can get me in pretty soon.

ood luck! Keep us informed. Don't be bashful about calling them again. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.


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Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.