Acquiring a CPAP Machine Without a Sleep Study: Pros and Cons
No. At least, not legally. Even if you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, a CPAP may not be what you need. You can find used CPAP machines but this is not recommended. A prescription is needed to acquire a CPAP.
Check out our article on using a snoring mouthpiece versus a CPAP machine.
We also have an article on CPAP machine reviews.
Purchasing a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine without getting a sleep study turns out to be a subject of concern in the medical field. The main purpose of a CPAP machine stems from its ability to help individuals who suffer from conditions such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). A sleep study serves to determine the precise needs of patients because not everyone requires the same level of air pressure while sleeping.
Possessing a CPAP machine without professional diagnosis could mean one fails to receive the proper treatment. A CPAP machine has lots of specifications with respect to pressure settings, and using the wrong settings might do more harm than good. Some people may even worsen sleep issues, increase risks of cardiac ailments, or suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness due to poorly managed treatment with a CPAP machine.
However, some people, particularly those who have previously been diagnosed with OSA, might want to get a replacement CPAP machine. Those tend to understand the value of undergoing a sleep study. But it's advisable that any changes to sleep conditions be reevaluated by a medical professional. Buying a CPAP machine without a sleep study isn't illegal but may pose health risks. Therefore, always consult a physician or sleep specialist before making this decision.
