I'm lost

Currently using an old Respironics (no ozone). It's been about 12 years or so since my last sleep study OR supervision from a doctor. However, I have used my machine religiously the entire time. There's an SD card that my new sleep specialist is unable to read.

Where I'm at: I have consulted with the doctor. He has ordered an at-home sleep study which is scheduled in two weeks. I don't know which type and am trying to find out as the FAA requires a Type II. My current machine relies on an SD card only. I understand that the new ones use cell phone for nightly data? What if I live in a remote area without cell coverage? Is there a monthly service fee for that service? Is it mandatory? I will probably be losing my insurance soon and would like to know if I'm able to buy outright a cpap that does not use cell phone. Where the only monthly charges are the supplies, which I can buy OTC. And, which will meet the requirements of the DOT/FAA for OSA treatment compliance. I understand that I will probably need to see a doctor once a year for the compliance report. Is there an alternative for money savings without seeing the doctor or paying for the cell service? Can I generate the reports myself? Is it possible to tweak (or is that taboo) the cpap without the aid of a physician?

I am just concerned about the ongoing cost for the treatment and looking for any means to save. I do like that I can get the detailed reports daily for the previous night's sleep.

I'm sure all of this has been asked but I'm unable to even know what words to use for a search. If someone could kindly point me to a link with the answers I seek, I would be very grateful. I'm hoping to have some sway over which resmed I receive, but I only have two weeks before the sleep study. Time is running out for me. Thank you!

I would post again with a diff. title or somerthing as no one's answered yet even tho' you have Q's... Good luck!

What is the exact and full model name of your Respironics machine that you currently have and use?
Is the card in your machine a SD card (about the size of a postage stamp) or is it larger and about the size of a credit card?

They do have home sleep studies that are Type 2....so that part is doable at least. Type 2 studies are more detailed and comprehensive.

Who does your FAA medical certification? A special doctor you only see for FAA stuff or a regular doc that you see for other stuff as well? You will need to ask the doctor who does the FAA medical certification if he can accept a report that you generate for compliance purposes or if he needs to generate the report.

More later depending on your answers to above questions of mine.

I'm assuming you're not on Basic Med but have at least a Class III. I'm a little confused about your doctor ordering a home sleep study without you knowing if it's Type 2. Can you back up, go to your AME and get detailed requirements for the study that you can take to your regular doctor? Maybe he knows brands of home sleep studies that are compliant. If I understand correctly it needs to record at least 7 channels, including EEG, EOG, EMG, ECG, airflow, respiratory effort, and SpO2. (But don't take my word for it.)

I'm assuming AMEs don't typically handle ordering sleep studies and prescribing treatment themselves. (Mine was an ophthalmologist!) But it needs to be coordinated between the AME and your regular doctor to make sure all the ducks are in a row for the medical cerification.