Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum and look forward to learning much.  I went to my doctor for a routine physical and told him of my daytime fatigue and inability to focus and he recommended a study to screen for sleep apnea.  I'm still waiting for the office nurse to call back with the date of my sleep study, but it should be in the next few weeks.  The only info he gave me was the sleep lab they refer to does a "split-night" where they check for sleep apnea in the first 3-4 hours, then, if required, perform a titration study to determine effective mask and pressure.  Other than cost, what is the benefit of doing it this way as opposed to 2 separate nights?

I guess I really don't have many questions at this point, just curious for any feedback from pepole when they were at this point in a diagnosis.  Thanks

mrbsf wrote:

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum and look forward to learning much.  I went to my doctor for a routine physical and told him of my daytime fatigue and inability to focus and he recommended a study to screen for sleep apnea.  I'm still waiting for the office nurse to call back with the date of my sleep study, but it should be in the next few weeks.  The only info he gave me was the sleep lab they refer to does a "split-night" where they check for sleep apnea in the first 3-4 hours, then, if required, perform a titration study to determine effective mask and pressure.  Other than cost, what is the benefit of doing it this way as opposed to 2 separate nights?

I guess I really don't have many questions at this point, just curious for any feedback from pepole when they were at this point in a diagnosis.  Thanks

Hi,

I see that it was your doctor who scheduled the sleep study. Will he receive the results or is he referring you to a sleep specialist ? IMHO I would prefer the referral as no matter how good your doctor is, it is unlikely that he is qualified in sleep or respiratory sleep medicine.

Split night studies are IMHO a cost matter. Personally I don't like them, but they have become a part of the diagnostic procedure in some clinics, as have limited home studies. Not the gold standard. Gold standard being the full monty Polysomnogram (sleep study) followed by a separate titration study (second night). A study carried out in Belgium some years ago (3/4) found that the best, safest and most effective diagnostic and treatment procedure was over 3 nights with the Polysomnogram, follwed by a separate titration study and a third night observing the patient actually using cpap.

Don't be afraid to keep the questions coming.

Daniel.


_________________
The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)

Hi Daniel,

Thanks for the information.  My GP communicated to me that I was being "referred" to a sleep specialist who would handle the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of sleep apnea.  This "sleep specialist" has a sleep lab on the premises to conduct the Polysomnogram.  If the insurance company allows, should I request a separate titration study.  Do you think the "sleep specialist" has any reason to object?

Thanks