I feel it works but is it kosher?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
hankzzz
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Joined: Tue May 22, 2007 9:53 am

I feel it works but is it kosher?

Post by hankzzz » Mon May 28, 2007 4:55 pm

O.k., I have a resmed S8 elite, which I like, however I was originally prescribed with a full mask. It worked fine, except my eyes were messed up. I have problems with watery eyes this time of year, but my vision stayed blurry most of the day.

Called the sleep company and they told me changing masks would require new rx from PCP. Now he's a nice guy and all, but doesn't know that much about CPAP. I think the sleep co therapist knows more, actually.

So, like some others doing things on their own, I went out and bought a resmed swift nasal pillows mask and a chin strap. Well, the chin strap was not quite strong enough to keep my mouth shut, so I used this other elastic band I had which works great.

Bottom line, it appears to work (you definately know it if you open your mouth as it is very loud). I set the S-8 to the appropriate mask setting and used it. No eye problems! The only other indicator I have is that I use a small O2 sat monitor and O2 sat has usually been at 96% in the AM. I think it was slightly lower with the full mask.

Now, it would take a lot of convincing to get me back to the full mask and I am very confident my mouth stays shut as it is not dry in the morning and I would most certainly hear the loud air rushing out. Still, I feel a little guilty doing it on my own. I do like the pressure (13) and feel anything lower would not be beneficial.

Perhaps I should discuss changing masks with someone again to make sure I'm getting the correct treatment. I did buy the clinicians manual and will study it, but don't want to change anything else on the machine.


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rested gal
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Location: Tennessee

Re: I feel it works but is it kosher?

Post by rested gal » Mon May 28, 2007 5:25 pm

hankzzz wrote:Still, I feel a little guilty doing it on my own.
Don't feel guilty. You're making YOUR treatment work for YOU. You are doing the right thing, imho. Of course, I'm not a doctor.
ResMed S9 VPAP Auto (ASV)
Humidifier: Integrated + Climate Control hose
Mask: Aeiomed Headrest (deconstructed, with homemade straps
3M painters tape over mouth
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snoozeandlose
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Post by snoozeandlose » Mon May 28, 2007 7:42 pm

Hey an Sp O2 level of 96% is excellent and perfectly normal. Even people without apnea aren't always that high.

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Additional Comments: Pressure 14.5, compliant since 2004

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Jere
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Location: Maryland

Post by Jere » Mon May 28, 2007 8:38 pm

If you wait for the Dr. and the DME to resolve your problems, you will be here a year from now with no improvement. Many of us order masks on CPAP.com (or elsewhere) and I believe you still don't need an RX for a mask.

Good luck!

"First rule of holes: when you are in one, stop digging"

hankzzz
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Joined: Tue May 22, 2007 9:53 am

I should add....

Post by hankzzz » Mon May 28, 2007 8:54 pm

I should ad that using this little finger o2 meter usually gives me a 93% or even sometimes 91 % when awake. I don't put too much stock in it, but it is easy to use. It's kind of interesting as you can do some deep breathing exercises and move the 02 level up. Today, I took a brief nap without cpap and O2 sat was like at 85 after I got up.

Generally I feel a little more energy on cpap, but not a whole lot. They said that I had a low O2 sat of 67% during the sleep study.


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blarg
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Location: Sydney, Australia

Post by blarg » Tue May 29, 2007 1:14 am

Put simply:

They're trying to make a buck off of you. Just like any other service you receive, are you satisfied? If the answer is no, then look into the competition. Believe me, if they can pinch a penny out of you, they will, and that's a GOOD thing. It's called capitalism.

So vote with your feet.

My DME thought it was a riot when I called up and said, "Ok, here's how this is going to work. You're going to give me a Twilight NP, and you're going to bill my insurance."
"But sir, we have to have a mask fitting appoin..."
"Yes, I've been to one. I know exactly which mask I want. Either you're getting it for me, or I'll get it elsewhere."
"Oh, good luck finding supplies for less than 300 dollars."
"cpap.com. Done. Now, do you want my business?"
"Well, you'll have to come in for a mask fitting app"
*hangs up*

I'm a programmer Jim, not a doctor!

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Julie
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Post by Julie » Tue May 29, 2007 3:20 am

Sometimes I get the feeling robots are starting to rule the world ("I" must be teaching them) and mostly come in chirpy, cheerful clerk sizes! I really don't want this to offend anyone, but why is it that brains seem to run a distant ... 5th or something when it comes to criteria for hiring front line people these days? Are being cheery and chirpy the only things that count?