Hi-
I'm new to this whole "thing" - even to "chat rooms".
I've read alot of what is on the board and I'm impressed with everyone's honesty and attitude and helpfullness.
Just got the call today-----actually I'm kinda excited.
Although I hate the fact that I'll probably have to sleep with a MACHINE the rest of my days - the day after my cpap study - I felt better than I have in ................I can't remember when. I thought it was just stress.
Anyway- My "local provider" called me and told me that they "rent" these for $133/month untill blue cross tells them it is paid for??????? I asked how much is that. They told me @$1350.00!!!!!
Sounded kinda hokey - so I checked the web and found you.
I do have insurance - but I don't want to rip them off eather - I'll probply have to pay for part of it.
I want to get the best machine available -
Would you please tell me your opinion and why!!!
Thank you in advance-
Please help me with your experience
3 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Hi, hd and welcome to cpaptalk.com. You've found a great place. Let me say, before we go any further, I am NOT a doctor, RT or in any way associated with the medical profession. The information I share is what I have found over the last 9 months of being a hosehead. It is NOT to be construed as medical advice or treatment advice. k? Ok. With that said:
Sounds like you have a severe case of OSA (you may as well get used to the lingo. You're going to get a bunch of it quickly here! LOL). Before you go any further, get on the phone to your Doctor and get a full copy of your sleep study and your prescription. Make sure the Doctor includes on the prescription "Autotitrating CPAP" and "Heated Humidifier". With your sleep study and the prescription (worded like recommended) in hand, you can start taking control of your treatment options instead of being at the mercy of your insurance company and DME.
Yep, the insurance/DME deals are generally a major ripoff, IMHO. Check out our host's cpap.com for the absolute best deals going, anywhere. They have (had??) a site going called billmyinsurance.com that would work with you and your insurance company. Another great idea! But, if worst comes to worst, then call your insurance company directly and show them how you can save them somewhere between $400 and $1000 by either the insurance company purchasing direct from cpap.com or you purchasing directly and then getting reimbursed by the insurance company. But be sure to get any agreement IN WRITING!!! Take down notes of all conversations including who, what, when, where, how and how much! (You're going to soon find out why we use the term "Evil DMEs")
As for which is the best, most folks here agree an autotitrating unit such as the PB 420E or the equivalent with a heated humidifier is the way to go. I use a 420E and love it. The more snazzy units (translated: more expensive) include software options that allow you to monitor your treatment and make adjustments to your APAP. These are very handy options to have available.
It may be that you will respond immediately to the therapy, or it may take as much as a couple of months or more to see marked improvement. The main thing it to keep at it! Don't give up. Good luck and like I say in all my posts:
This therapy WORKS!!! (But only if you use it every night! and every nap!)
Sounds like you have a severe case of OSA (you may as well get used to the lingo. You're going to get a bunch of it quickly here! LOL). Before you go any further, get on the phone to your Doctor and get a full copy of your sleep study and your prescription. Make sure the Doctor includes on the prescription "Autotitrating CPAP" and "Heated Humidifier". With your sleep study and the prescription (worded like recommended) in hand, you can start taking control of your treatment options instead of being at the mercy of your insurance company and DME.
Yep, the insurance/DME deals are generally a major ripoff, IMHO. Check out our host's cpap.com for the absolute best deals going, anywhere. They have (had??) a site going called billmyinsurance.com that would work with you and your insurance company. Another great idea! But, if worst comes to worst, then call your insurance company directly and show them how you can save them somewhere between $400 and $1000 by either the insurance company purchasing direct from cpap.com or you purchasing directly and then getting reimbursed by the insurance company. But be sure to get any agreement IN WRITING!!! Take down notes of all conversations including who, what, when, where, how and how much! (You're going to soon find out why we use the term "Evil DMEs")
As for which is the best, most folks here agree an autotitrating unit such as the PB 420E or the equivalent with a heated humidifier is the way to go. I use a 420E and love it. The more snazzy units (translated: more expensive) include software options that allow you to monitor your treatment and make adjustments to your APAP. These are very handy options to have available.
It may be that you will respond immediately to the therapy, or it may take as much as a couple of months or more to see marked improvement. The main thing it to keep at it! Don't give up. Good luck and like I say in all my posts:
This therapy WORKS!!! (But only if you use it every night! and every nap!)
_________________
| Mask: Ultra Mirage™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: APAP, 8-14 cm H2O. |
This therapy WORKS!!!
-
Colorado Jan
Hi....
I think if you want the best equipment, that yes you should try to get an Autopap machine instead of a straight CPAP. All Autopaps CAN be used as straight CPAPs if that is what you determine works best for you. But then you also have that capability for Autopap, which lots of people prefer (the machine senses what pressure you need within preset parameters and provides just that exact pressure you need and varies it as the night goes on). And most if not all Autopaps have Software capability. CPAP.com sells the clinician's software for the machines, so you can find out exactly how you did during the night or during the past week or month. How many Apneas, how many hypopneas, all of that information is available to you at home. So you have documentation to help you decide which mask is working best for you, which pressure is working best for you, etc.
The Puritan Bennet 420E is a really nice machine, very lightweight and good for travel as well. Other "favorite" machines around here are the Resmed S8 Autopap and the Respironics Auto with C-flex. (C-flex diminishes the pressure a bit when you exhale...) Any of those machines are probably good choices. I also have the PB420E because that is the only brand my DME carries.....
This is a really good site all in all. Not only is the information on this board excellent, but the prices on all the equipment here at CPAP.com are very competitive and the customer service is quite good as well.
Good luck to you! (oh, actually the MASK that you use is almost the most important part of therapy....read up on the various masks available so you can choose your first one wisely!! And don't think you can only have one...most people have at least a couple to switch around occasionally)
Jan in Colo.
I think if you want the best equipment, that yes you should try to get an Autopap machine instead of a straight CPAP. All Autopaps CAN be used as straight CPAPs if that is what you determine works best for you. But then you also have that capability for Autopap, which lots of people prefer (the machine senses what pressure you need within preset parameters and provides just that exact pressure you need and varies it as the night goes on). And most if not all Autopaps have Software capability. CPAP.com sells the clinician's software for the machines, so you can find out exactly how you did during the night or during the past week or month. How many Apneas, how many hypopneas, all of that information is available to you at home. So you have documentation to help you decide which mask is working best for you, which pressure is working best for you, etc.
The Puritan Bennet 420E is a really nice machine, very lightweight and good for travel as well. Other "favorite" machines around here are the Resmed S8 Autopap and the Respironics Auto with C-flex. (C-flex diminishes the pressure a bit when you exhale...) Any of those machines are probably good choices. I also have the PB420E because that is the only brand my DME carries.....
This is a really good site all in all. Not only is the information on this board excellent, but the prices on all the equipment here at CPAP.com are very competitive and the customer service is quite good as well.
Good luck to you! (oh, actually the MASK that you use is almost the most important part of therapy....read up on the various masks available so you can choose your first one wisely!! And don't think you can only have one...most people have at least a couple to switch around occasionally)
Jan in Colo.
3 posts
• Page 1 of 1