What's the latest in the sleep apnea world?

I haven't been around for a few years. Had my last sleep study in 2015 which is the same year I got my last machine. Things are not going as well as they should though it's not too bad. I think it is time for a new machine so I have visit with doctor tomorrow.

Has anything changed in the way sleep studies are done? I just hate the thought of going to a sleep center and spending the night away from home.

Also, I wasn't on Medicare when I got my last machine in 2015. My insurance company at the time just paid for it outright.....no problems at all. But, I have heard that it is more difficult with Medicare.

I got my previous machine with corporate insurance 9 years ago (I've had 2 previous machines, I've using them for about 20 years). Last year I replaced it under Medicare. The ResMed 10 series is still a viable machine, but being replaced with the 11 series. My DME sent an S10, probably because that's what was in stock. I was just as happy to have a 10 since I had accessories for it, spare power supply etc. My old S10 had about 19,000 hours on it. I had to have a new sleep study, but it was an at home test. The home test was easy, much easier than my sleep center studies. The only bad part was having to sleep a whole night without a machine. Medicare then required a follow up with my doctor after 3 months. The doctor was required to report my usage, which in my case is 100%. The machine was leased to me for that time, after which I owned it. I had a small co-pay, $100. I'm not sure how much my supplemental paid vs. regular Medicare though. The process was pretty easy, but the doctor had a fair amount of paper work to get it done. They , only replaced my machine because it wasn't working. Fortunately I have a backup.
Hope this helps.

Thank you!!! Great information. Just what I was looking for. Hope I don't have that much of a co-pay. My co-pays under Medicare and my secondary overall have been very minor. I've never had a co-pay for CPAP supplies.

cherylann wrote: ↑

Tue Jul 15, 2025 9:48 pm

Thank you!!! Great information. Just what I was looking for. Hope I don't have that much of a co-pay. My co-pays under Medicare and my secondary overall have been very minor. I've never had a co-pay for CPAP supplies.

When switching to Medicare, you can get a new machine without having another sleep study. Your doctor does need to fill out paperwork to send to your DME.

Please don't let your doctor tell you another sleep study is required.

No, he did not order another sleep study which surprised me since it has been ten years. But, I'm certainly glad not to have to do it. He just ordered a new machine.

cherylann wrote: ↑

Fri Jul 18, 2025 11:15 pm

No, he did not order another sleep study which surprised me since it has been ten years. But, I'm certainly glad not to have to do it. He just ordered a new machine.

Hopefully this DME has a copy of your last sleep study?