Went for a sleep study, doctor fully expected I'd need one, had it all written up for a split-study. (I KNOW I've waken up with a huge gasp for air a couple times in last few weeks. I end up breathing very slow and shallow (like I'm forgetting to breathe) during the day, mostly/especially in certain semi-reclined positions.)

Technician hooking me up to all the wires & stuff explained everything I could ever (and even never would want to) know about sleep studies.

Including that now most insurance companies require 40 episodes per hour, or 120 per 180 minutes of sleep, before they will pay for a machine. So, the sleep center doesn't even try you on a machine if they see apnea, unless you meet or exceed the 40 per hour requirement.

From what I've been able to find, this is a really high number. Am I right? Is this abnormal for a sleep study to not even consider testing a cpap on you until you cross this number? Or, (once again) is my local hospital just bad news?