Question:
How can I use Hpopnea to my advantage?

I recently underwent a sleep study where I learned I have Hypopnea. The tech told me this would likely develop into Apnea unless I lose some weight. I am getting ready to submit my first appeal. How can I present Hypopnea to my Insurance company as a co-morbidity?    — SweetDragonfly (posted on July 18, 2003)

July 17, 2003
The only difference between Hypopnea and Apnea is the amount of air you take in. With Apnea it is approximately 100% reduction of airflow and with Hypopnea it's about a 50% reduction of airflow. Both are caused by obstructions of the airway (or mechanical failure). Both cause poor sleep and both reduce the amount of oxygenation of the blood. Both can lead to strokes. I don't see how you could't use this the SAME way you might use Apnea to aid your case. Did they put you on a cpap? Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 18, 2003
Hi there! I too have hypopnea, and you don't have to "find a way to use it as a co-morbidity" because it IS a co-morbidity! It is shallow breathing while you sleep, and can often be caused by the excessive weight/fat on your neck occluding the airway. It can cause headaches, can lead to apnea and can also give you heart problems in the long term because your heart has to work harder while you sleep to compensate for the decrease in air/oxygen you're taking in. And most importantly, you can point out to your insurance company the same thing my surgeon told me, WLS usually cures hypopnea and apnea! Good luck!
   — beeda

July 18, 2003
Insurances consider this to be in the same category as sleep apnea.
   — jennifer A.

July 18, 2003
Thanks for the answers, I really appreciate the input. The tech said I didn't need to use the C-PAP. I only hit 2 hours of REM in 9 hours of sleep. The first hour, I had 17 episodes and the second hour I had 23. It scared me! I have to appeal the decision anyway, so hopefully it will help my case. Thanks again!
   — SweetDragonfly