Questions on type of machine

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
SewTired
Posts: 1737
Joined: Thu Apr 16, 2015 8:33 am
Location: Minneapolis area

Questions on type of machine

Post by SewTired » Tue May 05, 2015 9:55 pm

I got the sleep study report today. I noticed while waiting that this office pushes Respironics, while I want to get Resmed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet For Her. My GUESS is that they only have the software for the Respironics brand. What argument can I use to get the script for the machine I prefer.

My results indicate that I have mild apnea. I had 3 central apneas and my SP02 goes as low as 83%. Also had a 2 minute period where there were several blips on the heart EKG (I have bradycardia - possibly related?). The good news is not much actual apnea, mostly hypopnea and RERA (which is a term I don't really understand). Given how absolutely exhausted I have been the last week, I honestly think I had a GOOD night the night I had this test done. I was also able to confirm that it is not Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) that is causing me to wake up. It makes it hard to fall asleep, but is not occurring while I am asleep. Also, I was happy that my heart rate averaged 53 bpm. Better than the low 40s when it was diagnosed (and that was AWAKE!).

Since the Resmed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet For Her appears to specialize in RERA reporting, seems to be a good choice anyway. They have several AHI values here on the report - AHI, REM AHI, Supine AHI and RDI. I get that the Restricted AHI is geared toward Medicare requirements (for which I barely qualify). What is the one that is usually followed when using the Sleepyhead software?

Sorry, kind of a disjointed post. It's late and I still have the lack-of-sleep pounding headache going on.

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Sleepyhead
Diabetes 2, RLS & bradycardia
Airsense For Her; Settings: range 8-12, Airfit P10 (M)

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Bill44133
Posts: 1087
Joined: Tue Jul 09, 2013 8:34 pm
Location: North Royalton, OH

Re: Questions on type of machine

Post by Bill44133 » Tue May 05, 2015 10:32 pm

The only thing you could really do is ask the doctor to write the prescription for the specific machine you wanted if the DME would give you what you ask for.

Good Luck getting it all worked out.. It's terrible to have to go through all this when you feel like hell.


I wish you well...

_________________
Machine: DreamStation BiPAP® Auto Machine
Mask: Zzz-Mask Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
Humidifier: DreamStation Heated Humidifier
Additional Comments: Settings are IPap 23 EPap 19

Deep Sleep
Posts: 45
Joined: Thu Apr 02, 2015 6:53 am
Location: SW Ohio, USA

Re: Questions on type of machine

Post by Deep Sleep » Wed May 06, 2015 4:49 am

FWIW, the Respironics System One 60 Series Remstar Auto also reports RERAs.

If it is your doctor's recommended brand, it's probably because he/she uses the Respironics software and would prefer not to have to install and learn the ResMed version for one patient. If you intend to continue seeing that doctor, it maybe a good idea to go with whatever they're used to.

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Sheriff Buford
Posts: 4080
Joined: Mon Aug 09, 2010 8:01 am
Location: Kingwood, Texas

Re: Questions on type of machine

Post by Sheriff Buford » Wed May 06, 2015 5:37 am

I disagree. I think you should get the machine you want. It's your health. Forget the software requirements. You can download sleepyhead here for free. Tell the doctor you have researched machines and you want the resmed. Tell the doctor you want the autoset for comfort reasons. You are asking for the top of the line machine... the doctor should want the best for his patients, at very little cost difference. The DME makes less profit, but who cares? Make sure the doctor specifically asks for the Resmed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet For Her on the prescription or the DME will stick you with a machine of their choice. Also ask for a second prescription for "Mask of Patient's Choice", and make a copy.

Best wishes and keep us updated.

Sheriff

JDS74
Posts: 3397
Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2011 2:57 pm
Location: South Carolina

Re: Questions on type of machine

Post by JDS74 » Wed May 06, 2015 6:05 am

I agree with the Sheriff. Its your health and your dollars.
However, get both SleepyHead and ResScan software so that you can bring either or both reports to your doctor.
It may work out that your doctor is more comfortable with the manufacturer's software so having it available will be helpful
My docs like either.

_________________
Mask: Oracle HC452 Oral CPAP Mask
Humidifier: DreamStation Heated Humidifier
Additional Comments: EverFlo Q 3.0 Liters O2 PR DSX900 ASV
Oracle 452 Lessons Learned Updated
DSX900 AutoSV with HC150 extra humidifier and Hibernite heated hose
Settings: EPAP Min-10.0, EPAP Max-17, PS Min-3, PS Max-10, Max Pressure-20, Rate-Auto, Biflex-1.
Sleepyhead and Encore Pro 2.21.