Uninsured friend with Sleep Apnea?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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AEmedic
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Uninsured friend with Sleep Apnea?

Post by AEmedic » Fri Oct 24, 2014 3:36 pm

We have a good friend of the family that lives in San Antonio, TX. We believe that he has severe Sleep Apnea based on what I have learned about myself. Here is the catch, he does not have insurance or the money to have a sleep study...

He is to the point that he has unexplained heart issues and other issues that seem to match what I have read could be related to SA. He snores worse than anyone I have ever heard and my mother swears he stops breathing when he comes to visit every year.

Part of me thinks he should just find an inexpensive auto machine and let do what it can to help him. The issue I see is that he would never have a baseline diagnosis.

What other choices does he have?

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Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
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Wulfman...
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Re: Uninsured friend with Sleep Apnea?

Post by Wulfman... » Fri Oct 24, 2014 3:50 pm

AEmedic wrote:We have a good friend of the family that lives in San Antonio, TX. We believe that he has severe Sleep Apnea based on what I have learned about myself. Here is the catch, he does not have insurance or the money to have a sleep study...

He is to the point that he has unexplained heart issues and other issues that seem to match what I have read could be related to SA. He snores worse than anyone I have ever heard and my mother swears he stops breathing when he comes to visit every year.

Part of me thinks he should just find an inexpensive auto machine and let do what it can to help him. The issue I see is that he would never have a baseline diagnosis.

What other choices does he have?
Do you think this friend of yours would be WILLING to get involved with self-therapy? If he's not, there may not be much use in pursuing it.

If he IS, then there are ways around the "system". Getting a decent, data-capable machine, comfortable mask and monitoring therapy with software would be the way to go.

Even configuring a straight-pressure, data-capable CPAP can work. Using an initial pressure of about 10 cm. and reviewing the reports will show whether he has OSA. Chances are, not all of the events will be taken care of at that pressure and viewing the residuals in the data will give more information.


Den

.
(5) REMstar Autos w/C-Flex & (6) REMstar Pro 2 CPAPs w/C-Flex - Pressure Setting = 14 cm.
"Passover" Humidification - ResMed Ultra Mirage FF - Encore Pro w/Card Reader & MyEncore software - Chiroflow pillow
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cathyf
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Re: Uninsured friend with Sleep Apnea?

Post by cathyf » Fri Oct 24, 2014 3:53 pm

Before I did the sleep lab study, I did an ApneaLink home study. In my case it was free -- when my community hospital set up the sleep lab, the hospital auxiliary bought the ApneaLink device. They send it home with patients, and the only consumables are the plastic nasal tubes and some tape. The RT who manages the cardiac rehab lab runs the computer program. They are able to do the tests for free with the support of the hospital fundraisers, and of course they are planning to make money when the test shows high AHIs and/or low desats and they can have the sleep lab bill insurance for an in-lab test.

But, anyway, ask around. One of the hospitals might have a free ApneaLink, or might be willing to give it to a needy person. Many hospitals have to do a certain amount of charity care and might just do it for free or very low cost.

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Re: Uninsured friend with Sleep Apnea?

Post by palerider » Fri Oct 24, 2014 3:57 pm

AEmedic wrote:Part of me thinks he should just find an inexpensive auto machine and let do what it can to help him. The issue I see is that he would never have a baseline diagnosis.

What other choices does he have?
I've never had a sleep study either, don't really care what my no machine apnea level was... craigslist has been good to me.

if you really want to do some testing here's one place that offers diy tests

http://www.easybreathe.com/Easy-Sleep-A ... ew-82.html there's probably others, and i'm not recommending this one, it's just one I've heard of.

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Accounts to put on the foe list: dataq1, clownbell, gearchange, lynninnj, mper!?, DreamDiver, Geer1, almostadoctor, sleepgeek, ajack, stom, mogy, D.H., They often post misleading, timewasting stuff.

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Re: Uninsured friend with Sleep Apnea?

Post by palerider » Fri Oct 24, 2014 3:59 pm

Wulfman... wrote:Even configuring a straight-pressure, data-capable CPAP can work. Using an initial pressure of about 10 cm. and reviewing the reports will show whether he has OSA.
that's how my first four and a half years were done

_________________
Mask: Bleep DreamPort CPAP Mask Solution
Additional Comments: S9 VPAP Auto
Get OSCAR

Accounts to put on the foe list: dataq1, clownbell, gearchange, lynninnj, mper!?, DreamDiver, Geer1, almostadoctor, sleepgeek, ajack, stom, mogy, D.H., They often post misleading, timewasting stuff.

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AEmedic
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Re: Uninsured friend with Sleep Apnea?

Post by AEmedic » Fri Oct 24, 2014 4:41 pm

Wulfman... wrote:Do you think this friend of yours would be WILLING to get involved with self-therapy? If he's not, there may not be much use in pursuing it.

If he IS, then there are ways around the "system". Getting a decent, data-capable machine, comfortable mask and monitoring therapy with software would be the way to go.

Even configuring a straight-pressure, data-capable CPAP can work. Using an initial pressure of about 10 cm. and reviewing the reports will show whether he has OSA. Chances are, not all of the events will be taken care of at that pressure and viewing the residuals in the data will give more information.


Den
He is willing, the issues he is having really put a damper on his quality of life so he is open to the idea that this might help.

My concern is that without a definitive diagnosis, he might thing that the CPAP/BPAP isn't working since it takes awhile for results to be apparent. With a diagnosis it is easier to keep going.

With that said, like was mentioned, the machine can help diagnose his severity...

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control
Additional Comments: ClimateLine Heated hose and an Hybrid FFM for when the sinuses dictate...
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Wulfman...
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Re: Uninsured friend with Sleep Apnea?

Post by Wulfman... » Fri Oct 24, 2014 4:54 pm

AEmedic wrote:
Wulfman... wrote:Do you think this friend of yours would be WILLING to get involved with self-therapy? If he's not, there may not be much use in pursuing it.

If he IS, then there are ways around the "system". Getting a decent, data-capable machine, comfortable mask and monitoring therapy with software would be the way to go.

Even configuring a straight-pressure, data-capable CPAP can work. Using an initial pressure of about 10 cm. and reviewing the reports will show whether he has OSA. Chances are, not all of the events will be taken care of at that pressure and viewing the residuals in the data will give more information.


Den
He is willing, the issues he is having really put a damper on his quality of life so he is open to the idea that this might help.

My concern is that without a definitive diagnosis, he might thing that the CPAP/BPAP isn't working since it takes awhile for results to be apparent. With a diagnosis it is easier to keep going.

With that said, like was mentioned, the machine can help diagnose his severity...
Good. It would be virtually impossible if he was in denial and resisted this.
I would say "proceed". Either an Auto or data-capable straight-pressure CPAP. Auto would offer more options, but it's not mandatory. Whatever he's comfortable with and can afford. Since you probably already have a prescription, a machine could be "acquired" for him......hint, hint. Or, they're available from other sources without a prescription. Just use caution when buying from sellers you don't know or know little about.
Have him look through the mask selections at CPAP.COM to study what styles, features and sizes may be appropriate.
I did lots of research on which mask I thought I wanted and it turned out to be a winner. Not all people are that lucky, but it CAN be done.
I would say he has a "good friend" in you.


Den

.
(5) REMstar Autos w/C-Flex & (6) REMstar Pro 2 CPAPs w/C-Flex - Pressure Setting = 14 cm.
"Passover" Humidification - ResMed Ultra Mirage FF - Encore Pro w/Card Reader & MyEncore software - Chiroflow pillow
User since 05/14/05

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Sheriff Buford
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Re: Uninsured friend with Sleep Apnea?

Post by Sheriff Buford » Fri Oct 24, 2014 4:59 pm

Keep in mind that a data capable machine will not tell how bad the apnea really is. It will only tell you what the ahi is with the machine on. If you take Den's suggestion of straight cpap with a pressure of 10 l/h2o, the machine will indicate what the ahi was last night with a treatment pressure of 10. Until properly tested, he will never know what his untreated cpap therapy ahi is. If I knew I had sleep apnea, was treating it with a machine and getting an acceptable ahi every day, with minimal leak rates, I guess I really don't need to know what the untreated diagnosis is.

Sheriff

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sleep_quest
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Re: Uninsured friend with Sleep Apnea?

Post by sleep_quest » Fri Oct 24, 2014 5:03 pm

Hi Chris,

Check your inbox.

d

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AEmedic
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Re: Uninsured friend with Sleep Apnea?

Post by AEmedic » Fri Oct 24, 2014 5:14 pm

cathyf wrote:Before I did the sleep lab study, I did an ApneaLink home study. In my case it was free -- when my community hospital set up the sleep lab, the hospital auxiliary bought the ApneaLink device. They send it home with patients, and the only consumables are the plastic nasal tubes and some tape. The RT who manages the cardiac rehab lab runs the computer program. They are able to do the tests for free with the support of the hospital fundraisers, and of course they are planning to make money when the test shows high AHIs and/or low desats and they can have the sleep lab bill insurance for an in-lab test.

But, anyway, ask around. One of the hospitals might have a free ApneaLink, or might be willing to give it to a needy person. Many hospitals have to do a certain amount of charity care and might just do it for free or very low cost.
I'm going to do some hunting in his area and see if I can come up with some take home tests, hopefully free...

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control
Additional Comments: ClimateLine Heated hose and an Hybrid FFM for when the sinuses dictate...
Chris

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Re: Uninsured friend with Sleep Apnea?

Post by AEmedic » Fri Oct 24, 2014 5:16 pm

palerider wrote:
AEmedic wrote:Part of me thinks he should just find an inexpensive auto machine and let do what it can to help him. The issue I see is that he would never have a baseline diagnosis.

What other choices does he have?
I've never had a sleep study either, don't really care what my no machine apnea level was... craigslist has been good to me.

if you really want to do some testing here's one place that offers diy tests

http://www.easybreathe.com/Easy-Sleep-A ... ew-82.html there's probably others, and i'm not recommending this one, it's just one I've heard of.
Baring any free take home tests, Craigslist or another source of equipment might be in order...

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control
Additional Comments: ClimateLine Heated hose and an Hybrid FFM for when the sinuses dictate...
Chris

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Re: Uninsured friend with Sleep Apnea?

Post by Guest » Fri Oct 24, 2014 5:19 pm

If he is a veteran he can get tested at the VA - they also provide some good equipment.

If not there is always Craigslist, you just have to be sharp enuff to know which models provide data and what a fair price is.

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AEmedic
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Re: Uninsured friend with Sleep Apnea?

Post by AEmedic » Fri Oct 24, 2014 5:22 pm

Wulfman... wrote:Good. It would be virtually impossible if he was in denial and resisted this.
I would say "proceed". Either an Auto or data-capable straight-pressure CPAP. Auto would offer more options, but it's not mandatory. Whatever he's comfortable with and can afford. Since you probably already have a prescription, a machine could be "acquired" for him......hint, hint. Or, they're available from other sources without a prescription. Just use caution when buying from sellers you don't know or know little about.
Have him look through the mask selections at CPAP.COM to study what styles, features and sizes may be appropriate.
I did lots of research on which mask I thought I wanted and it turned out to be a winner. Not all people are that lucky, but it CAN be done.
I would say he has a "good friend" in you.


Den
I'd like to get him one just like mine, that way I can help him with everything I learn and trying to describe features and settings would be easier. That, and I like my machine so far.

I think finding a mask will be the hard part since sizing might be hard to guess correctly.

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control
Additional Comments: ClimateLine Heated hose and an Hybrid FFM for when the sinuses dictate...
Chris

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AEmedic
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Re: Uninsured friend with Sleep Apnea?

Post by AEmedic » Fri Oct 24, 2014 5:25 pm

Guest wrote:If he is a veteran he can get tested at the VA - they also provide some good equipment.

If not there is always Craigslist, you just have to be sharp enuff to know which models provide data and what a fair price is.
I wish he could use the VA!

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control
Additional Comments: ClimateLine Heated hose and an Hybrid FFM for when the sinuses dictate...
Chris

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Wulfman...
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Re: Uninsured friend with Sleep Apnea?

Post by Wulfman... » Fri Oct 24, 2014 5:41 pm

Here's one on the front page. Decent price if it's still available.

viewtopic/t101545/resmed-s9-auto-set-for-sale-250.html


Den

.
(5) REMstar Autos w/C-Flex & (6) REMstar Pro 2 CPAPs w/C-Flex - Pressure Setting = 14 cm.
"Passover" Humidification - ResMed Ultra Mirage FF - Encore Pro w/Card Reader & MyEncore software - Chiroflow pillow
User since 05/14/05