Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
Jaym
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Sep 25, 2012 4:42 pm

Re: Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

Post by Jaym » Tue Sep 25, 2012 4:56 pm

Hello,

I was diagnosed in 2006-2008 (I never remember medical dates with how many appointments/event I constantly have!) with severe Sleep Apnea that requires a Bi-Pap machine (according to the sleep study nurses, who were freaking out saying mine was horrific in its severity).

I have had no treatment since my diagnoses because I've been unemployed almost 10 years now due to generalized anxiety disorder that I've had since 1991. I'm unable to receive full, quality, extended, no-cost physical and mental health care that I require PRIOR to being able to return to the workforce and make income. I've been denied disability at the state and federal level twice each now (told I can work positions I can't, such as lumberjack- hahahaha (there are no lumberjacks in my city, I can't work physical labor, I can't work outside, I can't use tools or power tools, can't work in a dangerous or potentially fatal enviornment... but no, I can't get aid because I can be my city's first lumberjack!)

So I have $0 to my name, no means to earn income, do not receive financial aid, and have no assets, and no insurance (I have state coverage that is not considered insurance but pays my community clinic costs and such.)

I have a right to a healthy, long life that transcends money, so I'm seeking someplace to get a new Bi-pap machine and supplies for free. I would not feel comfortable with a used device, as I do not understand how they would sterilize the inside of the machine itself from another person's aerosolized saliva. All I'd be thinking of with each breath is "great, I just got another lung full of some gross 82 year old's saliva particles" and would be unable to continue using the machine comfortably. (Hey, I don't share food or utensils even with someone I'm close to- I have my boundaries!)

Are there any services around for those of us who have no ability to pay to receive the treatment we require to prevent being murdered over lack of money? I'm getting more and more tired each day, starting to wake up with big headaches that take 30 minutes to clear while my brain sucks down air. I wouldn't survive a stroke or heart attack, and I'm too young to just pack it in and go wait in a corner to die.

There MUST be a service somewhere that provides new $2,000- $4,000 machines for those in need while they're unable to pay. Any leads?

Thanks.

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spire01
Posts: 7
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2012 6:19 pm
Location: France

Re: Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

Post by spire01 » Fri Sep 28, 2012 6:40 pm

hello,
what surprising forum!
I am a service provider dommicile and I therefore provided all the necessary apneic patient.

A France know that this treatment being free, I know all machines and masks available on the market (European).

Do not hesitate to ask me.
well surround is better live
ResScan 3.16.018 / encore pro2 2.5.7.0 / F&P InfoSmart

suzyq1234
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Oct 07, 2012 12:21 pm

Re: Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

Post by suzyq1234 » Sun Oct 07, 2012 12:57 pm

I don"t know what I am doing so help me if you will. I am a newbie. I went to sleep lab tuesday Oct 2. I had 84 wake ups in one minute.

2kittymom
Posts: 134
Joined: Mon Jul 16, 2012 1:21 pm
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota

Re: Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

Post by 2kittymom » Sun Oct 07, 2012 8:45 pm

Welcome SuzyQ1234
You've come to the right place. Plan on spending time reading lots of posts about CPAP therapy. Since you just had your sleep study, you will not have a lot of info to share yet. What I did first was search this forum, and the internet to find out about the different kinds of machines. You certainly want to get one of the top of the line ones, if possible. You will want one with a sim card that records your sleep. Then you can download software that will enable you to see how your therapy is going. You will also want to get a copy of your sleep study. You can look online at many different types of masks. The right CPAP mask for you will be crucial to your success. Good suppliers will let you exchange masks the first 30 days. You won't know until you lay down with the mask, with your prescribed pressure, if it's comfortable and doesn't leak air.
For now, read, read, and read. Ask any questions you have, and when you get your equipment, post it in your profile. That way the "experts" here can more easily answer any questions you have about your therapy.

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grapeshly
Posts: 59
Joined: Fri Oct 05, 2012 10:38 pm

Re: Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

Post by grapeshly » Mon Oct 08, 2012 7:14 pm

Hi Jaym,

Sounds like you have a tough problem, especially as it may well be likely that sleep apnea could be at the bottom of your other issues.

I don't have specific advice, since I don't know what state you live in, and that may make a difference in what you might get for help. However, here are some general thoughts:

A. Although I am unsure about your exact status, you must be getting some sort of income, such as Social Security disability. Is it possible for you to perhaps rent some equipment from a medical supply place? The rental costs may be affordable, with only perhaps a little sacrifice.

B. Have you considered asking a charitable organization for help towards paying for the equipment? Our parish has a fund that provides one-time funds for people to help meet their bills. Perhaps there is an organization that could do this where you live. (If it was me, I'd start with Goodwill, the Salvation Army, or St. Vincent's.)

One practical consideration for you, assuming you can raise the funds, is how will you determine you machine settings? I had a home sleep study done, so there was no titration done with it. I was prescribed an auto CPAP machine, which actually has worked well for me (so far). The Doc figured if the machine couldn't zero in on the optimum pressure, we'd do the titration then, if we had to. (Luckily, my data after the first week shows my AHI's are now down around 2, and the pressure bounces between 5 and 12. Once they get my compliance data, I figure I'm good to go.) Anyway, all this is to say you may have to start with an auto CpAp. Even more $$.

But, I would also encourage you to leave no stone unturned. As I said before, it may well be your underlying cause is OSA. Resolving this may help you make progress with other issues. It may not, either, but it is definitely a real health issue.

ldgalaxy
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Oct 12, 2012 8:04 pm

Re: Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

Post by ldgalaxy » Wed Oct 17, 2012 7:16 pm

I am new to this forum and to the CPAP club. I took my sleep tests about three months ago and have had my CPAP for about a month. I have experienced the usual ups and downs adjusting to this new part of my life. And I have had a few good days in a row and then some not so good days, but I am keeping with the program.

I am using a chin strap along with the equipment I have listed and found that I have adjusted to wearing them with little discomfort. Its the various settings on the CPAP that I am experimenting with to make my sleep more productive.

When I was first referred to a sleep study I had second thoughts about following through with the process, but as I researched OSA on the Internet I began to realize that it is a serious problem. And plus, my dad and younger brother have used a CPAP for a number of years.

I am looking forward to benefiting from my CPAP and following this forum.

DANIELORME

Re: Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

Post by DANIELORME » Sat Oct 20, 2012 11:47 am

LOOKING FOR A USED BIPAP SAW A SITE CPAPAUCTION IS IT A GOOD PLACE TO START AS THERE IS ONE ON SALE THERE CURRENTLY

jlinder
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Mar 06, 2012 10:09 pm

Re: Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

Post by jlinder » Thu Nov 01, 2012 1:55 pm

There are so many helpful articles and forums to talk about learning to use and get used to the CPAP machine. Best advice I could share is don't get discouraged and whatever you do keep using it. Get encouragement and buy in from a bed partner who will benefit the second most from you no longer snoring and getting better rest. Keep the faith and take it from a long time user, it works!

insylem
Posts: 125
Joined: Sat May 12, 2012 6:49 pm
Location: Alabama!

Re: Where a newbie should start

Post by insylem » Mon Nov 19, 2012 10:46 am

Phreak4u wrote:Okay as many times as I see it on here what does the "bump" apply to?
"bump" is something that is typed in as a responce to a message.

Most forums post the message thread with the most recent post first.
So when some one posts "Bump" it's for the porpous of 'bumping' the
thread back to the top of the list so that it's more readily found.

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NICKI763
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Nov 30, 2012 10:41 pm

Re: Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

Post by NICKI763 » Mon Dec 03, 2012 11:09 am

I am new to all this , Not very computer savvy and have no Idea what I am really doing can anyone give me any advice on this site and how to use it and my Cpap macine

NICKI763
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Nov 30, 2012 10:41 pm

Re: Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

Post by NICKI763 » Mon Dec 03, 2012 11:19 am

How do I find where to update my information? I am lost. SMH

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MerMade
Posts: 8
Joined: Fri Nov 30, 2012 6:27 pm
Location: North Florida

Re: Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

Post by MerMade » Tue Dec 11, 2012 3:22 pm

Freshly hatched newbie
Just got back from the DME with my new machine.
According to the resp tech I had 19 apnic episodes when last tested. Oh Boy!
So begins my journey in hose land.

Cheers all!

MerMade

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melodramaticmel
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Dec 26, 2012 4:38 pm

Re: Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

Post by melodramaticmel » Wed Dec 26, 2012 4:44 pm

This is great info! Tonight will be night 1 with my APAP machine!

According to my sleep study, my o2 dropped at the lowest point to 66%. Anything below 85% oxygen saturation could result in "sudden death!" AHHHHH.....
No Bueno!

During "normal sleep" I was waking up an average of 30x an hour. During REM sleep I was waking up an average of 90x an hour.

My air pressure is starting off at 13#.

I've been preparing myself for life with this machine...
So I'm happy and I'm satisfied with my choices, and I'm just hoping to finally wake up and feel refreshed.

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Re: Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

Post by Guest » Thu Dec 27, 2012 9:38 pm

exactly as the post above me said.

plus my fiance re-arranged the bedroom so i could be near a power plug.

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yoyoyomonica
Posts: 90
Joined: Tue Dec 18, 2012 11:47 am

Re: Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

Post by yoyoyomonica » Sun Jan 06, 2013 6:10 pm

Now I am very overwhelmed. Seems like lots is involved in this cpap situation. I dont have a machine yet. and go back for the second study on the 15th for the fitting. Just very overwhelmed. I did read this whole thread and dont know where I should begin.

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Additional Comments: Heated climate line hose.