getting closer to getting my machine

karmich · Post by **karmich** » Tue Nov 23, 2004 5:47 am

I just made an appointment with my DME to get my machine, instructions, and fitted for a mask. I go in to the company on 11/30. I figured I'd asked about some of the things I've learned here to see what the probability was of me getting additional features(heated humidifier & nasal pillows). I can tell that this is definitely going to be a challenge. Apparently you can't get a heated humidifier unless your Dr puts in a request or you pay for the difference out of pocket and the Dr thinks thinks the heated humidifier is more trouble than it is worth for the extra money. He says the water build up in the tube could cause health problems(I think from breathing in water) or could destroy the machine if it backs up into it. He gave me a free passover humidifier and also says he'll give me free nasal pillows. I appreciate his generousity but it seems as if my choices are limited if I follow his advice. Is he right about some of these problems? All of these issues can leave a newbie scratching her head and considering the brain fog I've been in for the past six months or so how can I possibly make a clear decision.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Nov 23, 2004 10:45 am

It's interesting to hear everyone's stories. I had NO idea about the different machines, etc. I was given a prescription & had to go to the sleep lab where a nurse went over everything & helped me choose the best mask. I ended up with the Remstar CPAP macine which has a humidifier, but it was the one my dr. wrote down I guess. I find that I cannot use the humidifier. Even at the lowest level it makes breathing difficult if not impossible! I feel as though I'm suffocating. Also, every time I tried it I got a huge amount of water in the hose & my mask which about drowned me when I turned over or moved my head. I do have asthma & don't know if that's why the humidifier bothers me. I use a squirt of saline spray in my nose before putting my mask on at night & have never had trouble with dry nose or throat even with the humidifier off. I would think if you requested to have a machine with a humidifier the dr. would comply, but in my case I've found it to be quite useless. Good luck getting it all figured out!

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Tue Nov 23, 2004 12:00 pm

Hi karmich,

I think I read in a post of yours on another topic that your prescribed pressure will be 18/14 ? A BiPap machine, I'm guessing.

18 is going to be a LOT of air blowing at you. I really think you should insist that the doctor prescribe a heated humidifier for you. I'm not a doctor, but I think your doc is greatly exaggerating reason for not prescribing heated humidification - probably because he doesn't want to bother writing a simple letter of "Medical Necessity" to justify the slightly higher cost of a heated humidifier to the insurance company. Or perhaps he just wants to play "god" and say "No."

True, some people do fine with no humidification or passive humidifiers. But many (including me) do much better with a bit of warmth to carry the humidity better. If you found you didn't need it or didn't like it, you can always turn the heat off. There is absolutely no good reason that I can see (certainly not the two he cited) for the doctor to be stubborn about prescribing heated humidification for you, if you want to have it available "just in case".

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Tue Nov 23, 2004 5:34 pm

Hi karmich,

Funny you say your Doc thinks the heated humidifier was not necessary. My regular Doc was the one that prescribed my cpap equipment and didn't much care what machine or mask I got, but he insisted that I get a heated humidifier. I guess the medical profession is an imperfect science. That's why I whole heatedly agree with the idea of taking charge of your own treatment.

sgrol · Post by **sgrol** » Tue Nov 23, 2004 7:32 pm

I started out without any humidifier. After a few days I noticed quite a bit of congestion so I called the doc's office and they told me I needed a humidifier. I picked up a heated humidifier and have been a happy 'hosehead' camper.

karmich · Post by **karmich** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 10:19 am

I called my doc back today and gently insisted on getting a heated humidifier and he hesitantly agreed to put it on the script. He also felt the need to let me know it could delay things and insurance company could refuse that portion. Thanks everyone for the advice and the information to help me stand up for myself and give me the best start on succeeding on BiPap.

Anxiously awaiting my first night on BiPap 11/30/04