Unfortunately, you cannot just walk to the nearest pharmacy and buy a CPAP machine. Before you get access to this crucial machine, you need to do a sleep study to ascertain if you are indeed suffering from sleep apnea and how your airway has been blocked. However, the time taken and cost associated with conducting a sleep study usually prevent most sleep apnea patients from getting access to this life-saving machine.
The good news is that there is a way to avoid a sleep study and still get this machine. In this article, we will tell you how to get a CPAP machine without a sleep study.
Visit your doctor for a prescription
The first step to getting a CPAP machine without a sleep study is by visiting your doctor for a prescription. You can get a CPAP machine without a case study but you cannot get this machine without a valid prescription from your doctor. So, this is a crucial step that you cannot skip.
Prescription is necessary because it helps to ensure that you indeed need CPAP therapy. The reason why a CPAP machine needs a prescription is that it is under FDA regulations.
The FDA has classified it as class 11 and has potentially damaging effects on your respiratory system. As a result, you need a prescription in order to access and use the machine. So, schedule an appointment with your doctor for a checkup and recommendation. You should tell your doctor that you want to get a CPAP machine but you don't want to conduct a sleep study.
Although a sleep study is highly recommended, the doctor may use other techniques such as looking at your past medical records and much more to determine whether you need this machine or not.
Purchase home sleep test
You can also get a CPAP machine with a sleep study by purchasing a home sleep test kit. Unlike traditional sleep studies that are conducted in the laboratory and are booked months in advance, a home sleep test is a simple process that takes place in the comfort of your home.
All you need to do is follow the simple instructions given to apply the equipment and sensor then sleep as you are used to. The following morning, put the test in the box and then mail it back. Your result will be reviewed by a team of certified sleep experts and then prescribe a CPAP machine. Yes, it is that simple! When you use a home sleep test, everything will be done in the comfort of your home and on your own time.
Final thoughts
From the discussion, it is evident that it is possible to get a CPAP machine without the traditional sleep study which is time-consuming and costly. You can still get this machine by getting a prescription from your doctor or using a home sleep test.