Don't have perscription but want to use CPAP

Like the heading says, I don't have a prescription nor have I gone to do a sleep study, but I want to use a CPAP.

I would like to know if they are dangerous to use without a prescription (can I die?)

What pressure setting would be best if I don't have one perscribed?

Any suggestions?

Why do you want a Cpap? What evidence do you have that you need one? It's easy to diagnose yourself based on all kinds of info online or friends' experiences, but if you're wrong, you're not only not treating what could be a serious and maybe worsening problem, but treating what doesn't need treating with Cpap. There are so many med conditions that symptoms overlap for and that only lab testing and knowledgable docs can interpret and put together... things you've likely never heard of, and do you really want to cheat yourself of the answer? We can help you sort things out, and tell you the info you asked for, but it would be nice if you could also let us in a bit on the above.

Julie wrote:Why do you want a Cpap? What evidence do you have that you need one? It's easy to diagnose yourself based on all kinds of info online or friends' experiences, but if you're wrong, you're not only not treating what could be a serious and maybe worsening problem, but treating what doesn't need treating with Cpap. There are so many med conditions that symptoms overlap for and that only lab testing and knowledgable docs can interpret and put together... things you've likely never heard of, and do you really want to cheat yourself of the answer? We can help you sort things out, and tell you the info you asked for, but it would be nice if you could also let us in a bit on the above.

Well, my wife tells me I snore loud to the point where it sounds like I am choking, I wake up each morning feeling like I haven't got very good sleep, I wake up with a very dry throat many days and many times when I am suddenly woken, I feel like I haven't been getting good oxygen while sleeping. I am sluggish and I am not overweight (although I have been getting heavier than usual and it has been increasing). Almost all the symptoms of apnea are present in me, I know it's not a good idea to self diagnose, but I do not have health insurance and can't afford to take the test.

Hi, well, there are home tests you can take (and inexpensive and/or 2nd hand machines) and someone here will steer you there... but has your MD done recent lab testing to rule out things like thyroid problems, anemia of some kind, respiratory tests, etc. etc? Your symptoms sound pretty classic, but you really should at least do some of the above as well because you're not doing your family any favors if you don't.

Julie wrote:Hi, well, there are home tests you can take (and inexpensive and/or 2nd hand machines) and someone here will steer you there... but has your MD done recent lab testing to rule out things like thyroid problems, anemia of some kind, respiratory tests, etc. etc? Your symptoms sound pretty classic, but you really should at least do some of the above as well because you're not doing your family any favors if you don't.

Yea, I am fairly sure I have sleep apnea, my father had it and his father before him. My real concern is whether or not the wrong pressure can cause damage. And if not, what pressure setting should I start with?

I see used CPAPS online all the time. I tried to buy a new one but they wanted a prescription which doesn't sound right to me.

With no medical insurance, there are local providers of medical treatment for the needy.
Use your telephone book or the internet to find them.

There are machines for sale all the time on the forum... the thing is that you want an Apap (which normally can run in Cpap mode anyway, tho' not the other way around), plus one that gives data - not just compliance, but the different features you'll want to follow and see how you're doing and what to tweak when necessary. We can help with that too - letting you know which machines are which. Secondwind.com is a great place to look, but be careful of Craig's list ones unless they give blower hrs used, etc. And of course the mask is all important as it can make or break things. If you sleep on your back, it's more likely you'll snore and much more likely you'll have lots more apneas, so work hard at not doing that now. When you try masks on - lie down as your face changes a lot when you do. If you think (and it sounds that way) your mouth will be open when sleeping, you should probably try to find the right 'full face' mask in your size and properly fitted, even if you also get just a nasal mask, because leaks can make a big diff. and if you have a cold a nasal mask won't be much help. Start looking at postings here and if you see something likely, ask if we think it's a good deal and we'll let you know - there are some very dependable and well known sellers here, and some not so much. And you can download software here free to track everything.

Adam, you want an auto-adjusting cpap (APAP) machine. The two major makes are ResMed and Philips Respironics. You find your needed pressure(s) by starting with pressure settings fairly wide open (usually around 4 min, 20 max) letting the APAP pressure go where it wants to go. Then you begin narrowing the pressure range until you find your sweet spot. You use SleepyHead software to monitor your progress -- you can track apnea events, mask leaks, etc. We can help with the process.

Your symptoms and family history are big red flags. If you have plain old obstructive sleep apnea the DIY approach should work well for you. Kaiser Permanente routinely sends patients home with APAP machines, then after a week of use the doc looks at the data and decides on pressure(s). In a straightforward case of OSA it's really not rocket science.

Send a PM to STLMark and ask what machines he has available now or in the near future.

And do register here on the forum so you can send private messages, post SleepyHead screenshots, etc.

Adam12 wrote:

Julie wrote:Hi, well, there are home tests you can take (and inexpensive and/or 2nd hand machines) and someone here will steer you there... but has your MD done recent lab testing to rule out things like thyroid problems, anemia of some kind, respiratory tests, etc. etc? Your symptoms sound pretty classic, but you really should at least do some of the above as well because you're not doing your family any favors if you don't.

Yea, I am fairly sure I have sleep apnea, my father had it and his father before him. My real concern is whether or not the wrong pressure can cause damage. And if not, what pressure setting should I start with?

I see used CPAPS online all the time. I tried to buy a new one but they wanted a prescription which doesn't sound right to me.

Adam12, I have a PRS1 560 auto (either new or used, your choice) that I can offer to you. Please do register and if you are interested in purchasing, PM me.

This offer is open to anyone who needs a low hour (under 60) PRS1 machine with humidifier as I have multiple units for sale.

d

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You can go to Amazon or Ebay and get supplies. If it was me, I'd get a Resmed S9 machine and a Resmed F10 mask. Download sleepy head, educate yourself here. Educating yourself is most important and can be dangerous if you don't. We will help you.

Sheriff

Well I am 23 and yes I got my sleep test at home after a tonsillectomy went bad and I had to get it done at home i could not even sleep well after my surgery I had the most vivid dreams I felt like I was in my own nightmare I was not breathing and I was close to death I had to be watched by my mom so my door was open i snored a lot even with no tonsils but I have a 17 inch neck you should measure your neck to see 18 is high and 16 is borderline with your report looks like your a back sleeper I am booth I take sleeping pills zobiclone the doc told me there not addictive but there so addictive it's scary like a bad low high ride look at a home test from a respatory doctor I have one I have asthma on top of this I am 23 and I did not want my dads fate all the bloody exercise and dieting will not save my neck talk to your doctor ok

APAPs should not be used in certain conditions:

"A task force of the Standards of Practice Committee of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine has reviewed the literature published since the 2002 practice parameter on the use of APAP. Current recommendations follow: (1) APAP devices are not recommended to diagnose OSA; (2) patients with congestive heart failure, patients with significant lung disease such as chronic ob¬structive pulmonary disease; patients expected to have nocturnal arte¬rial oxyhemoglobin desaturation due to conditions other than OSA (e.g., obesity hypoventilation syndrome); patients who do not snore (either naturally or as a result of palate surgery); and patients who have central sleep apnea syndromes are not currently candidates for APAP titration or treatment; "

Source:

Practice Parameters for the Use of Autotitrating Continuous Positive Airway
Pressure Devices for Titrating Pressures and Treating Adult Patients with
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: An Update for 2007
An American Academy of Sleep Medicine Report

Julie wrote:There are machines for sale all the time on the forum... the thing is that you want an Apap (which normally can run in Cpap mode anyway, tho' not the other way around), plus one that gives data - not just compliance, but the different features you'll want to follow and see how you're doing and what to tweak when necessary. We can help with that too - letting you know which machines are which. Secondwind.com is a great place to look, but be careful of Craig's list ones unless they give blower hrs used, etc. And of course the mask is all important as it can make or break things. If you sleep on your back, it's more likely you'll snore and much more likely you'll have lots more apneas, so work hard at not doing that now. When you try masks on - lie down as your face changes a lot when you do. If you think (and it sounds that way) your mouth will be open when sleeping, you should probably try to find the right 'full face' mask in your size and properly fitted, even if you also get just a nasal mask, because leaks can make a big diff. and if you have a cold a nasal mask won't be much help. Start looking at postings here and if you see something likely, ask if we think it's a good deal and we'll let you know - there are some very dependable and well known sellers here, and some not so much. And you can download software here free to track everything.

Thanks for the info, here is what I found so far:

Resmed c9 for $400 (talked him down) has only 6 hours on it
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/ha ... 68396.html

RESPIRONICS DS560HS for $400 brand new
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/ha ... 91531.html

Phillips auto cpap machine - $300 brand new
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/hab/5017492080.html

Respironics RemStar Plus M series - $200 with 139 hours on it
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/hab/5020447667.html

What are your thoughts on those?

Adam12 wrote: Resmed c9 for $400 (talked him down) has only 6 hours on it
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/ha ... 68396.html

RESPIRONICS DS560HS for $400 brand new
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/ha ... 91531.html

Phillips auto cpap machine - $300 brand new
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/hab/5017492080.html

Respironics RemStar Plus M series - $200 with 139 hours on it
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/hab/5020447667.html

What are your thoughts on those?

1) no such thing, don't know what he's selling.
2) best machine out of the list
3) older version of #2, history of having problems.
4) really old crap.

avoid anything with "plus" or "escape" in the name, like the plague.

you'll get a safer deal with sleep_quest.

Yes to all of that - he definitely knows more about those than I do and won't steer you wrong technically! Good luck!