New Beginnings

[Flower]

If you were brand new....just had a sleep study done showing that you have apnea and about to see the "sleep doctor" for his recommendations, what questions would you ask him knowing what you know now? What info would you want to be "armed with"????

Anyone out there try the cpap pro? Is this hype or is it really the best thing going as far as noninvasive? Also, does anyone out there use a plain old cpap w/out a humidifier and find it a good match for you?

My sleep study showed I stop breathing 38x an hour and I have an appt this Thurs to see the sleep doc and hear details. Thanks for any info you can share! Terry

[Titrator]

Greetings Flower,

Welcome to cpaptalk.com.

Being armed with the right questions during the consult with your sleep doctor can be a challenge. I know that when I went in, I thought I would remember to ask him everything, but of course, I didn't.

Here are a few questions.. I am sure that other members will join in with questions as well.

1) Is my sleep apnea mild, moderate, or severe?

2) Do I have more hypopnea's than apnea? hypops are a reduction in airflow and an apnea is a complete stopage of air.

3) Would a self-adjusting cpap be appropriate for me? (many here love the remstar auto cflex)

4) What was my lowest Blood Oxygen level?

5) Is surgery appropriate for me?

6) Can I have a seperate prescription for a cpap, so I can buy a machine at reasonable cost?

7) Can I have a full copy of of my sleep report? (not just the summary)

The cpappro mask is not very poplular. From what i understand 80% dont like the mask first time. As you will see on this forum, that many masks are discussed. The cpap pro is generally not recognized by the discerning tastes of the people who frequent this message board.

Some people dont use heated humdification. I believe it to be a standard for comfortable treatment. Your sinus's can become cold and sore wihout a heated humidifier.

Mouth breathing is also cut down by using a heated humidifier.

Best of luck,

Regards,

Titrator

[hockeydad]

Titrator,
Thanks for the questions, I was just going to post the same question myself. I'm headed back for a new sleep study next week, and I want to be better armed this time around. When I went a year ago and was diagnosed, I really have no idea what the results were other than I was given a CPAP (set at 10), and then was told I needed the surgury (which failed miserably). Would you recommend I get a full copy of my last sleep report and become familiar with it before my visit? Will I even be able to understand what it says? What information should I be looking for?

Thanks

Hockeyday, aka, Don

[Guest]

Thanks for your response Titrator...you are kind to have gotten back so soon since I'll be seeing the dr on Thurs....my dh is coming w/me so that if I forget something or don't understand something he'll be my backup. My mind had been mush since losing so much sleep! Terry

[meister]

I would just ask "Can I try a dental device first and avoid all the
hose and mask problems?". Then I would ask if s/he could explain
how an Auto works? If s/he says it waits until you have an apnea and
raises the pressure, I would start worrying. Then I would ask for her/his
solutions to aerophagia, mouth leaks, and dry mouth. This would give
you a good indication if she/he has any practical experience.

[jbelnap]

I think Meister is saying that you should screen your doctor to find out if they are competent and experienced in sleep medicine. This is definitely important. I've worked with at least 6 different sleep specialists (as a Respiratory Therapist) and having an experienced and knowledgeable doctor to help problem solve any issues that come up is really important. You could ask them if they are a "Board Certified Sleep Specialist" and ask them how many years they've been practicing sleep medicine. Sleep physicians have a variety of backgrounds. I work for 3 right now, one is a pulmonologist and the other two have backgrounds in psychology and are specialists in insomnia.
Joyce

[Guest]

Just got back from the pulmonary dorctor/sleep doctor. He gave me some info I'll share here. Thanks so much to all, esp Titrator.....Must admit I'm not sure what all the facts mean so if you want to fill in the blanks for me pls do. He is telling me to have a thyroid test, and is concerned that besides apnea I may also have asthma so I'm going in for a pulmonary test. He gave me the name of an equipment supply place/therapy person (I think that's what they're called????) who will come to my house and set things up. I asked him to have them bring an autocpap w/heated humidifier and he said ok. He said in his exp the insurance co often won't provide for those long term unless someone's numbers are all over the place at night. I asked him what a cflex was and he said he thought it was the make of the machine??? Read on to see what his answers were to Titrat's suggested questions:

Greetings Flower,

Welcome to cpaptalk.com.

Being armed with the right questions during the consult with your sleep doctor can be a challenge. I know that when I went in, I thought I would remember to ask him everything, but of course, I didn't.

Here are a few questions.. I am sure that other members will join in with questions as well.

1) Is my sleep apnea mild, moderate, or severe? moderate

2) Do I have more hypopnea's than apnea? hypops are a reduction in airflow and an apnea is a complete stopage of air. Yes. 70 hypops; 30 obstructive apneas.

3) Would a self-adjusting cpap be appropriate for me? (many here love the remstar auto cflex) He said he'd recommend it if I want it, but that the ins may not agree longterm unless after checking my numbers for awhile they see they're all over the place.

4) What was my lowest Blood Oxygen level? 82%

5) Is surgery appropriate for me? He said surgery is successful in 50% of those who have it and he'd like to try the machine first. He recommends it for those who can't tolerate the cpap machined

6) Can I have a seperate prescription for a cpap, so I can buy a machine at reasonable cost? He said he'd provide a prescription anytime I ask.

7) Can I have a full copy of of my sleep report? (not just the summary) The nurse gave me the only thing she had which seemed pretty thorough (one page with Rem sleep info etc...much of which I don't know why I need to know or what it means)

Some people dont use heated humdification. I believe it to be a standard for comfortable treatment. Your sinus's can become cold and sore wihout a heated humidifier. He wrote the order for heated humidifier at my request. He also wrote it for autopap and asked her to bring both Breeze and at my request NasalAireII interfaces

Best of luck,

Regards,

Titrator

_________________


[quote][/quote]

[jbelnap]

The doctor is right about the autopap, many insurance's will not pay for an autopap, unless you've failed a cpap machine, or if you're pressure requirements for the sleep study jump around alot. Which is why I keep saying, the doctor will tell which machine is best for you. They generally undestand insurance requirements. If they deny it, you're going to end up paying for the first months rent on your own and have to switch, hopefully you'll get lucky!
Looks like you're on your way to a good start and have a good doctor to work with. Cflex is available only on some units, so although it's not a brand, it is important that he orders it specifically if you want/need it. It use to only be available on the Remstar pro and plus, but they've added it to some of their bipap's and auto's now.
Joyce

[ahujudybear]

Wow! Sounds like you really grilled them!!! Good for you!

But there were two other things....

Is the RT bringing any masks with her as well?

A ONE PAGE sleep study report? Even my summaries were longer than that. The abbreviated form is about 4 pages long. I have been told that the full form is closer to 100 pages (6 hours data on each of those leads). Does it have the graphs on it? Have fun figuring them out! Maybe someone who works under him will help you interpret them?

- JB