Patients using CPAP or Bi-PAP/Bi-Level therapy to treat their sleep apnea and snoring often ask SleepSomatics when they need to return for follow-up evaluation or assessment. Here are the signs you may need to schedule a follow-up SleepSomatics PAP Therapy Assessment appointment:
SIGN #1: I STOPPED USING MY CPAP/Bi-PAP
Sleep apnea, snoring, and oxygen loss are only treated if you always use your PAP Therapy whenever sleeping, napping, or traveling. If you have stopped using your PAP Therapy altogether (or only use it intermittently or inconsistently), then you may want to schedule a follow-up PAP Therapy Assessment so we can help you evaluate the causes of your usage problems and offer potential solutions.
SIGN #2: I FORGOT HOW TO USE MY CPAP/Bi-PAP
SleepSomatics provides comprehensive user guide information on our website, including the manufacturers' YouTube videos, online manuals, and our clinical 'CPAP Hacks' to optimizing your treatment usage. Please refer to these free, self-service options available to you. If you're still having problems and want a face-to-face review of your equipment usage, schedule an appointment with us to go back over your equipment in detail with you again.
SIGN #3: PEOPLE COMPLAIN I STILL SNORE/CHOKE
PAP Therapy is prescribed to treat sleep apnea and snoring. If you are continuing to (or have resumed) snoring or having sleep apnea episodes even while using your PAP Therapy, it's time to review your treatment prescription settings and determine if a prescription adjustment is necessary.
SIGN #4: MY SYMPTOMS RETURNED OR WORSEN
If daytime sleepiness, fatigue, or other symptoms return or worsen, sleep apnea may not be effectively treated at the current prescription settings. In that case, it is important to return to SleepSomatics for PAP Therapy Assessment to review your system's usage and effectiveness to determine if a prescription adjustment is necessary.
SIGN #5: I GAINED OR LOST 10% OR MORE WEIGHT SINCE MY SLEEP STUDY
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends re-evaluation of sleep-disordered breathing severity if there is a weight change of +/- 10%. Weight gains may increase sleep apnea and snoring severity (as weight loss may reduce sleep apnea and snoring severity), thus necessitating an adjustment to your prescription settings after we assess current PAP Therapy efficacy.
SIGN #6: I HAD A SENTINEL EVENT OR CHANGE IN HEALTH
Untreated sleep apnea increases a patient's risk for hypertension, diabetes, car accidents, heart attacks, strokes, and even death. If you experience a heart attack, stroke, car accident, or significant change to your health, condition, or medication scheduling, please immediately follow-up with your treating provider. If your treating provider wants a review of your PAP Therapy usage, schedule a follow-up PAP Therapy Assessment.
SIGN #7: MY EQUIPMENT IS FALLING APART
SleepSomatics can evaluate your equipment's current warranty coverage and offer potential replacement options if your equipment is no longer under warranty. Sometimes, the PAP Therapy needs replacement of individual accessories to resume normal functioning. Refer to our self-service online user guide information, and if you have further questions, schedule a follow-up PAP Therapy Assessment appointment.
SIGN #8: I NEED A DOWNLOAD/COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATION (CDL/DOT)
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) operators undergoing a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam or physical may be required to provide proof of PAP Therapy usage (what is known as compliance or download reporting) to his or her DOT medical examiner. SleepSomatics provides this service as part of a PAP Therapy Assessment appointment. Please note that signed download test results from the sleep specialist may take up to 7 business days. Patients are responsible for scheduling their PAP Therapy Assessment appointment early enough to allow for results completion and delivery prior to any medical/physical exam deadlines imposed by the DOT medical examiner.
SIGN #9: I’M INTERESTED IN A NEW MASK
If you would like a custom fitting appointment to trial new mask options, please schedule a PAP Therapy Assessment appointment for in-clinic custom fitting and trial services.
SIGN #10: MY DOCTOR TOLD ME I NEED TO GET IT CHECKED
Always follow your doctor's orders and recommendations. If your physician or healthcare provider recommended a PAP therapy settings and usage review or download, please schedule a PAP Therapy Assessment appointment with SleepSomatics.
