Post-Sleep Study / Complete Newbie Questions

Hi all..

I've had two sleep studies so far. The first was a complete disaster and I only slept for 20 minutes, which apparently was enough time for the Doc to suspect I had severe OSA. But not enough time for him to know the right pressure settings for me to try CPAP. I finally dragged myself back in for a new study and managed to get enough sleep for what they called a split-night study. I took 3mg (the blue one) Lunesta and it didn't help a bit, but somehow I finally managed to fall asleep for 2 1/2 hours of normal sleep. Then the tech. woke me up and put a big uncomfortable CPAP mask on me and did the titration. When I finally woke up, she said the study was a success. What a relief!

My followup with the Doc is not till Sept. 15th but I just got a message today from the sleep clinic to ask which Home Healthcare providor I wanted to utilize. I haven't called back yet, but I guess I'm a little confused. I want to do some "shopping around" to make sure I get a good machine and a good-fitting mask. I sort of figured I would wait until I meet with the doctor before I contacted any CPAP dealers.

Can anyone give me any pointers on this process??

Thanks a bunch!!

Howdy sleeper,

Here is a helpful FAQ. Others will surely follow with their 2 cents.

https://www.cpap.com/cpap-faq/CPAP-and- ... tml#FGID-1

Johnny

You are quite wise to shop expensive equipment around. I had 2 sleep test just as you. Your test sounded exactly like mine, barely sleeping the first time. The second time, they put the mask on me and I went to sleep. I think the only thing that woke me was their tinkering with the settings to get the correct one for me. Anyway. I had a rental machine until my insurance ran out. They wanted to sell me the discontinued machine I had used for $3400. I purchased a bipap pro from cpap for $1550, I added a humidifier and it totalled about $1800, well below the providers cost. I suggest, talk to the Dr., see what he recommends and then purchase one online. Oh, be sure and get your prescription from your doctor, it will be needed.

Howdy,

It also is good to mention you can buy the CPAP as you want online:

Buy Cash https://www.cpap.com

Use Insurance http://www.billmyinsurance.com

Use Medicare http://www.cpapforseniors.com

Getting your Rx is a good idea and a big deal!

Johnny

Well, I've got my follow-up appointment with the sleep doctor late this afternoon and I'm trying to come up with some questions, to help guide me in choosing a device and providor.

I know I've got to make sure I get an actual prescription. I'm a still a bit confused about the question of a "home healthcare providor" and what these people (like Apria, et al) do for you compared with say, BillMyInsurance.com ... Does everyone need to see a HHC first, to sort of "get fitted", or can the doctor pretty much tell you what you need and write a script ?

Can anyone suggest any questions for the doc or certain features in these machines I can ask about or look for?

Thanks for all the help!

Sleeper,

This can be (and usually is) a very confusing time for everyone going on to this therapy.....lots of new technology and terminology to learn. Frankly, if you can read, you can grasp a good deal of it in short order. Do lots of reading on this website and CPAP.COM. Do some comparisons of equipment (features and prices) so you'll know what the doctor and DME supplier (whether you buy locally or online) are talking about. If you do buy online from CPAP.COM, they are VERY helpful (my recommendation).
Just be sure you take some time to think over your decision and don't let the "locals" try to railroad you into something you may not be happy with.

Best wishes,

Den