New sleep study???

Since starting using my CPAP, I have lost almost 30 pounds. By the end of the year, it should be closer to 50 pounds. My study showed an AHI of 27. Since the first day of using my CPAP (setting = 10), I had a low mask leakage...never more than 4L/min, and usually 1 or even zero. My AHI has never been above 2.0. If I ask for another student at the end of the year, one year after starting, I have a couple of questions:

1. Should I discontinue using my CPAP before the study?

2. If so, how much before?

Some good questions. Using the CPAP prior should have no effect on adjusting pressures in a new prescription so I would continue use. The bigger question is whether another study is needed. I think the most important factor for me personally would be who is paying for it. If you insurance picks up the tab in total, what the heck? Go for it. If there is out of pocket cost, and therapy is pretty effective now, why bother? If you ask the sleep study doctor who did the initial study, I suspect they will encourage you to do another as that is how they make their living. If your PCP has any knowledge of the subject, that might be a more useful sounding board. If your insurance is an HMO like mine was when I had my study, they will tell you to take two aspirins and try to forget the whole thing as it costs them money (not a medical necessity, denial of claim).

Hi wiscman. Your weight loss would be considered significant, and some clinicians would recommend a new study to see if there has been a change in your condition. Whether insurance will pay is something you should look into. As for discontinuing CPAP, you should continue using your CPAP as you normally would right up to the night of your study unless your doctor tells you otherwise for some reason. Please keep us posted on your progress. It would be interesting to know if the changes in weight have caused changes in your AHI.

Thank you both...