After I visited a doctor in sleep disorder lab, the doctor suggested to have a sleep study at home. Based on the result, I might need to have another study at the hospital (lab). A day before the study, I stopped by the lab and got instruction how put all sensors when I sleep. The sensors I wore:
- Pulse oximeter
- Breathing sensor (chest and stomach)
- leg motion sensor (near knee on the both legs)
- snoring sensor (microphone on the neck)
- air flow sensor (on the nose)
Then, I needed to summarize the sleeping time including when I woke up.
After the study, the doctor analyzed the all sensor data and review it.
My result is AHI (Apnea Hypopnea Index) is 7.1. According to the doctor, if it is less than 5, then it is considered as a normal. So my case is 7.1 and it is a mild sleep apnea. The other data point is the lowest SPO2 value is 90%. It is almost impossible to have such low number in the elevation around my home (about 100 feet). I only saw such low value when I hike to above 10,000 feet. It indicates something happening to me. According to the doctor, it is not a good idea to ignore even if my case is mild symptom. I need some treatment to improve the symptom.
The doctor suggested the following 3 options:
1. Using CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) device
2. Using a Sleep splint
3. Physical surgery
In terms of the cost, the doctor told me opton 1 (CPAP) would be lowest cost with some insurance coverage in the US. The doctor also told me it is probably worth to try this first.
For this option, I need to purchase a CPAP device. However during the process, I need to do a trial with a rental equipment and collect some data. Based on the data and it works, the doctor gives me a prescription to proceed to purchase with insurance coverage. To start a trial, I need to make an appointment with the sleep lab to rent and get the instruction. I call them to make an appointment right away, however, I had to wait for more than 1 month to start the trial.
(To be continue)
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