Just tested Newbe

So I just got tested Monday night, the place I got tested will help get a machine and equipment but I know that from reading posts here the 1st step is to get the best fit on a mask and then worry about the machine. The place I was test seems to only carry "We carry Respironics System One CPAP machines" one brand of machine and not a wide variety of masks.

I'm trying to find in the Twins Cities West Metro the best place to test and get fitted for a mask, and eventually a machine, I have Aetna Insurance so finding something that's "In network" is best but I do want to get the best fit I can since I'll need to be using this daily into the far future..

This is all really new to me so I thank you all for the help/advice in advance.

EarlyBird

Trying to replace my DME (key person quit) so in similar boat. Started with the Insurance Co's search of local DMEs - now asking the ones that look good online (many don't even mention CPAP) what they carry and how they can support me. Not a good start with the first two - who have not replied to e-mails in 2 days!-). And I've already found my perfect mask from 6 I tried...

Get a list from Aetna for "in network" providers and then start calling.

Questions to ask:
1. Will you provide a ResMed Autoset? Don't ask them if they can or if they are willing, ask if they will. Read my blog post in my signature below "What you need to know BEFORE you meet your DME "(a Respironics auto is a fine machine, too, BTW, but you need a variety of mask options to choose).
2. What brands of masks do you carry?
3. How do you handle mask fittings?
4. What is the return policy for masks?

Janknitz has some good advice. Know that finding a comfortable mask that doesn't leak is the key to successful cpap therapy. If the airways in your nose is clear, try nasal pillows. They are less intrusive, but you must keep your mouth closed all night. If you mouth-breath a lot OR your nostrils plug, you may need to try a full face mask. A full face mask will allow you to mouth-breath without losing therapy. Most folks can go thru a half a dozen masks before finding a comfortable mask that doesn't leak. Don't "settle" for an uncomfortable mask. Keep us updated and work all your issues here.

Sheriff

I'm only a couple months into this, but I can relate to the limited brand selection situation. My DME pushes a certain brand and I have to really push back to receive a different product. I'm at my insurance limit for equipment, and since my DME has demonstrated a lack of professionalism *ahem* I'm now shopping privately. I can only echo the statement that you should not settle on a mask. I'm moving on to mask number 5 in hopes of finding the right one. The one thing I've been told over and over is that the mask will make the treatment, without a good mask the likelihood of continuing with CPAP drops drastically. Good luck.

I have a Respironics APAP machine. Lovely therapy, quiet...it works 100% for my purposes. I've also got a bunch of extra stuff. Hoses, masks, liners etc. The hoses are Respironics (also work fine), the masks are all ResMed. Don't sweat it if the mask selection is limited. You might find one that works well for you. Check a couple out before panicking. You never know, you might find one that everyone else HATES, but fits YOU comfortably.
If you get a "for now" mask, you can always go somewhere like CPAP.com and browse a HUGE selection to find one that might work better. Plus they have quick shipping, so you won't have long to wait.

EarlyBird,

Welcome to the forum. My standard advice to those newly diagnosed with OSA can be found on my blog at http://adventures-in-hosehead-land.blog ... -with.html

EarlyBird wrote:So I just got tested Monday night, the place I got tested will help get a machine and equipment but I know that from reading posts here the 1st step is to get the best fit on a mask and then worry about the machine.

I'd actually say you need to worry about the machine FIRST and the mask SECOND.

Here's why: You will likely be sleeping with the same machine for five (or more) years. And DMEs tend to set up newbies with machines that record only compliance data---as in the hours you use the machine. But you should insist on getting a machine that records full efficacy data---as in both AHI and leak data---in addition to the compliance data. You may never need that efficacy data, but if you hit any of the very common newbie stumbling blocks, the efficacy data can make a critical difference in solving the problems. Moreover, the efficacy data is the only way to know for sure that the machine is doing its job at night. But if you accept a machine that records only compliance data (just to get started more quickly), you will find that the DME will most likely refuse to swap the so-called "brick" out for a better full efficacy data machine. (If your insurance company is paying for the machine, the DME will get the same amount of money for selling you a compliance data "brick" as it will get for selling you a top-of-the-line Auto PAP with all the bells and whistles.)

The mask, on the other hand, is a "consumable" item, and you will replace the mask many times during the 5+ years you are sleeping with your PAP machine. Most insurance companies will pay for a new mask every 3-6 months. And because the mask is so critically important in making PAP therapy work, the mask manufacturers have pretty generous mask return policies that most (but not all) DMEs honor: If your first mask is clearly not working out for you, the DME should allow you to exchange it free of charge at least once in the first 30 days.

The place I was test seems to only carry "We carry Respironics System One CPAP machines" one brand of machine and not a wide variety of masks.

The Philips Respironics System One 60 Series Pro CPAP (model 460) and Philips Respironics System One 60 Series Auto CPAP (model 560) are fine machines that record full efficacy data. The Auto CPAP is more flexible because it can be run in Auto mode, but if you wind up with the Pro model, you still have a high quality machine.

The models to avoid are the Philips Resprionics System One 60 Series Plus CPAP (model 260) and the Philips Resprionics System One 60 Series SE CPAP (model 220). Both of these machines record only the compliance data. You won't get any efficacy data with either of them.

Good machine info!! Thanks..

Next question, are all the mask brands interchangeable with any machine?? or if I get a Philips Respironics machine can I only get a mask from that maker??

EarlyBird wrote:Good machine info!! Thanks..

Next question, are all the mask brands interchangeable with any machine?? or if I get a Philips Respironics machine can I only get a mask from that maker??

yes, even though, of course, the manufacturers of machines would *prefer* you to use their brand, because, $$$

How about the humidity features?? are they separate parts from the machine or built in?? I'm guessing both as I see people here listing their machines, masks, and humidifiers on the bottom of posts.

The only other thing I'm worried about is I do tend to travel a bit, mostly by car but at times by air so I'm hoping that these things are not all bricks!! I have enough crap to carry around as it is, also I'm worried about them being out in my car for extended periods of weather, both cold, or freezing, or hot weather, I'm not one to trust leaving thing in hotels/motels while I'm out during the day on trips, I've had a few problems.

the humdifiers snap on if desired.

just look on cpap.com for respironics system one machines to see what they look like.

The two big brands are ResMed and Respironics, and both their high end machines are good. Look for full data, auto and exhalation relief at the minimum. If you have friends using CPAP poll them.

I'm in Rochester MN, and I use the cpap store that is part of Mayo Clinic, but there is a small DME with 5 or 6 stores in Twin Cities and Southern MN that you might look into: http://www.cornermedical.com. They sell other medical supplies as well; walkers, O2 concentrators, etc.

I have been to the Rochester branch for mask liners as they are cheaper there than at Mayo. I have seen two rows of masks along their back wall but I don't know what machines they carry. It might be worth looking into; I have found over the entire business spectrum small companies care more. I recall that they have stores in Bloomington, Osseo and Red Wing. I think another suburb East of St Paul. My machine is a PR System One 560 (full data efficacy), my masks are from ResMed.

Ok, for all you bearded guys!!

Clean shaved now but in the winter I like to leave a little cover on the cheeks, any advice, issues, things I should look for??? I never come close to the Duck Dynasty type beard, usually it's about the length of the smallest or next size up guard on the clipper..

Only just started myself with the CPAP, but I have been using a full face mask and have a beard about 1cm long and have been informed by my doctor today I had no leaks.