Can I get a third-class medical if I have sleep apnea? Some year-and-a-half ago my physician recommended that I take a sleep study. Some preliminary exam (overnight finger-carried monitor) indicated that a few times per night my oxygen level dips below 91% (and one time below 81%). He indicated that this might be caused by sleep apnea. I ignored that recommendation as my sleeping had improved and I didn't want to spend money and time on the full-blown sleep study. Six months after that I started my PPL training. As it was not an issue, I didn't even think about it when I got my 3rd Class med certificate.

My soon-to-be-ex wife had recently found my old correspondence with my doctor and, out of pure vindictiveness, denounced me to the FAA. I received a letter giving me 60 days for addressing this issue. Here are my questions:


Does anyone at this forum has a mild case of sleep apnea and is still flying (i.e. has a valid third class med)?
Is the dip in the oxygen intake an 'sure proof' of sleep apnea?
Are there any other types of SA than Obstructive SA that are not viewed as dangerous by the authorities (the regs specifically mention OSA)?
Is there any recommended treatment that may still make the med cert possible even if I have a mild case of SA?
The short answer to your question is yes, you can get a third-class medical with sleep apnea in some cases:


  If your OSA is treatable, you can maintain your airman medical
  certificate and continue to enjoy your aviation career.


Everything else in your question is very personal and specific, and the only way to get an answer for your individual case is to consult an AME, preferably one who's handled similar cases before.