Should I fight to get an APAP rather than CPAP?

baldbaby wrote:Wulfman,

I think that could be done but it probably takes a vist to him. I guess one thing is that I don't really like the doctor that much and am wondering if I could just dial in my machine and take him out of the loop. I wouldn't be surprised if he'd want me to go in for another sleep study. I've already spent 2 nights there and this stuff gets expensive even with insurance.

Worked for me.
Yeah, they get expensive......doctor visits and sleep studies. At least my sleep doc DID prescribe an overnight pulse-oximetry test. However, that was AFTER I had informed him that I had almost immediately lowered my pressure to 10 (from 18) and provided him with printouts from my software reports on my first follow-up visit. I was originally prescribed additional oxygen, which I didn't use, either. I never saw him again after I did the over-night pulse-ox test. (we had a rather hostile relationship)


Den

Den, I presume your overnight pulse/oximetry test was OK then? I'm sure you had that Dr talking to himself.

If I read your response properly, it appears that your pressure is set to 6 cms. Why not try increasing the pressure to 9 cms and see if that has a positive effect on your AI number? Based upon the results at the new level, it would be easier to recommend increasing or decreasing at much smaller increments.


Paul

spitintheocean wrote: First off, there's something wrong if you can't read your pressure setting on that machine, I believe it should be the first number reported when you go into the menu in the morning, furthermore at any time during operation, the pressure should be showing during real time.
Paul

Actually, there is nothing wrong with the machine. The straight CPAP does not show the pressure, because it is a set pressure. You already know what it is . The 95% pressure will only show when you have an Autoset.

baldbaby wrote:I'm starting to wonder if I should just order one and pay for it myself.

I ended up buying mine out of pocket near the end of my first month, because I did not want to be tied to insurance company requirements for constant DME checks of my already 100% compliance, and because I wanted to dump the DME which was lying to me and doing everything imaginable to obstruct my managing my treatment. It was by far the best move for me to have made.

However, you will still need a prescription to buy your APAP out of pocket, unless you go somewhere like Craig's List. I wanted new and unused. Interestingly, the sleep doc connected with the sleep lab I used, simply shrugged and said "okay" when I requested APAP on the Rx rather than the CPAP he originally wrote.