FAQs
On this page Sleep 2 Go have collected the Frequently Most Asked questions, so that you could easily find the answer for almost any question you may have.
- What is obstructive sleep apnea?
- What do I need to do before my sleep study?
- Do I have to see a doctor who specializes in sleep disorders?
- How much does a sleep study cost?
It is a condition that has life-threatening consequences. When you are sleeping, there are two places where an obstruction (blockage) may occur – the soft palate and/or the trachea. The soft palate is the muscle at the back of your throat that helps you enunciate words and swallow. The trachea is your airway in your throat. If you have a blockage at either place and you stop breathing, that is obstructive sleep apnea.
OSA can cause high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, short term memory loss, excessive daytime sleepiness, mood disorders and even death. One common symptom of OSA is that people say they snore heavily and are just as tired after a night’s sleep as before they went to bed. DOT guidelines for those who need to be tested are: men with a BMI of 33 or more and/or a 17” neck circumference and women with a BMI of 33 or more and/or a 16” neck circumference. To figure your BMI, go to www.nhibisupport.com/bmi and the simple tool there will do it for you.If you think you may have OSA, go to our self-test link. This will let you know if you may need to go to your doctor. Your primary care provider can order a sleep study for you if he thinks you need one.
On the day of your study, please, don’t eat or drink anything with caffeine for at least 8 hours prior to the test, and that includes soft drinks, energy drinks, coffee, tea, and chocolate.
Don’t take a nap; for at least 10 hours prior to the test.
Do take a shower or bath as you normally would before you go to bed. We do not have bathing facilities. We have a sink and toilet for your use.
Do bring your usual bedtime medications so you can take them. You will also need to bring a lightweight, snug fitting t-shirt (like a Hanes undershirt with sleeves), some jogging shorts or sleep pants, and your own pillow. We do have pillows you can use, but you will probably sleep better own your own pillow.
Do relax. We aren’t going to be doing brain surgery. We do ask that you turn off your cell phones so that there are no interruptions during testing.
- Do I have to come to Amarillo for my study?
- How long will it take for me to have a sleep study?
- What should I wear for testing?
- How long will it take for me to get my equipment to start treatment if I have OSA?
No. We are a mobile sleep lab. We will come to you.
Once we have the order from your doctor, we can schedule you in for a study within that week. The study starts around 8:00 P.M. in the evening and ends around 4:00 A.M. the next morning. Our testing equipment will tell us at that time if you have OSA.
We recommend a lightweight snug-fitting T-Shirt and either jogging shorts or sleep pants (Something just for modesty). Please remember to practice proper hygiene and personal grooming prior to initiation of your sleep study.
We can furnish you with your CPAP the morning after your sleep study.
- How long will I be off work for my study?
- Does the equipment I get meet DOT requirements?
- How does a CPAP treat OSA?
- Who will show me how to use my equipment and fit me?
Typically, you’re off just 8 hours.
Yes. We carry only new CPAPs that can be downloaded for compliance. We will download your CPAP after to show that you are using your equipment appropriately so you can be certified for work.
The positive airway pressure generated by the CPAP keeps the airway open just like when you blow gently into a balloon only hard enough to just open it but not inflate it.
Our clinical manager, Raylene Pruitt, is a respiratory therapist with more than 15 years of experience in helping people with sleep apnea. She has set-up and fitted masks for more than a thousand patients in that time, so you can be assured you will be in good hands.
- Can I use my insurance?
Yes, but not in the usual way. Because we offer sleep studies and equipment much less expensively, we will need you to pay for your sleep study before it is scheduled and for your equipment before you take delivery. However, we will provide you with a paid receipt that is appropriate for you to file with your own insurance.