axios
Iron
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- Jun 5, 2024
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to get qualified for insurance to cover your bimax, you need AHI ≥ 15 events/hour.
this means 15 or more breathing disturbances per hour
ill get straight into it:
you can do either an in lab or at home sleep study (both are still valid for insurance, but you may be asked to do it in lab to prove)
1. Sleep on Your Back (Supine Position)
This is the worst position for OSA because gravity pulls the tongue & soft tissues backward, blocking the airway.
put pillows on your sides to prevent you from flipping over
2. Drink Alcohol Before the Sleep Study
Acid reflux (GERD) can worsen apnea by irritating the airway and causing micro-arousals
Spicy, fatty, or acidic foods (e.g., pizza, fried food, soda) can trigger airway inflammation
3. Drink Alcohol Before the Sleep Study
Alcohol relaxes the throat muscles, making airway collapse much more likely
Just 1-2 drinks before bed can significantly worsen AHI
4. Stay Sleep-Deprived Before the Study
Lack of sleep causes worse sleep fragmentation and more severe apneas
Try to stay up late the night before (but don’t skip sleep completely, or they may reschedule the study)
5. Breathe Through Your Mouth Instead of Your Nose
Mouth breathing narrows the airway and can worsen obstructive events
If you usually breathe through your nose, try blocking nasal airflow (mild congestion from allergies or irritants can help)
6. Use a High, Soft Pillow to Tuck Your Chin
A high pillow can force your chin downward, worsening airway collapse.
This mimics "chin-tucking" obstruction, making hypopneas more frequent
7. Don’t Use Any Nasal Strips or Decongestants
If you usually use nasal sprays or Breathe Right strips, avoid them before the study
Slight nasal congestion can increase mouth breathing and airway collapse
this means 15 or more breathing disturbances per hour
ill get straight into it:
you can do either an in lab or at home sleep study (both are still valid for insurance, but you may be asked to do it in lab to prove)
1. Sleep on Your Back (Supine Position)
This is the worst position for OSA because gravity pulls the tongue & soft tissues backward, blocking the airway.
put pillows on your sides to prevent you from flipping over
2. Drink Alcohol Before the Sleep Study
Acid reflux (GERD) can worsen apnea by irritating the airway and causing micro-arousals
Spicy, fatty, or acidic foods (e.g., pizza, fried food, soda) can trigger airway inflammation
3. Drink Alcohol Before the Sleep Study
Alcohol relaxes the throat muscles, making airway collapse much more likely
Just 1-2 drinks before bed can significantly worsen AHI
4. Stay Sleep-Deprived Before the Study
Lack of sleep causes worse sleep fragmentation and more severe apneas
Try to stay up late the night before (but don’t skip sleep completely, or they may reschedule the study)
5. Breathe Through Your Mouth Instead of Your Nose
Mouth breathing narrows the airway and can worsen obstructive events
If you usually breathe through your nose, try blocking nasal airflow (mild congestion from allergies or irritants can help)
6. Use a High, Soft Pillow to Tuck Your Chin
A high pillow can force your chin downward, worsening airway collapse.
This mimics "chin-tucking" obstruction, making hypopneas more frequent
7. Don’t Use Any Nasal Strips or Decongestants
If you usually use nasal sprays or Breathe Right strips, avoid them before the study
Slight nasal congestion can increase mouth breathing and airway collapse
