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doa · Post by **doa** » Mon Dec 20, 2004 8:29 pm

Hi,
to all been looking here for a while thanks for all the good info.And have a few questions. 1. Doc.said I have slight OAS 11.7 events in first stage of sleep then 19 in rem sleep what ever that means. I have high stress job and I think he is covering his tail. any way my next ques. I have $1000. deductible then 20% on ins. I looked on cpap.com and can purchase out wright cheaper than DEM.provider any suggestions on a machine (pressure 7cmh2o) sleep tec. gave me actavia resmed mask and head gear at study so I can make due with that a while thanks again

Sorry about the grammar part of the high stress job let me know about the Doc. then i'll tell the job

chrisp · Post by **chrisp** » Mon Dec 20, 2004 9:23 pm

I'd try a Autotitrating unit..Makes a big difference not being pumped at your worst case pressure. PB 420E works good for me. I also have a resmed Spirit.. Works well also..A bit quieter also. .......I really think an auto is the way to go...It will only give you what you need ..

Cheers ,

Chris

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Tue Dec 21, 2004 8:55 am

Hi doa,

You can get the PB420E with the software for $599 at cpap.com. Add another $190 for a F&P HC150 heated humidifier and for $800 you can get a top of the line set-up... That's less than your deductable!

Your lucky you got the Activa mask from the sleep tech. It should do more more than just make do for you.

Good luck!

doa · Post by **doa** » Tue Dec 21, 2004 6:49 pm

Thanks, for the help on machines I was thinking of trying something on the cheep side. too see if it worked the Doc. seamed more interested in the fact that I'm a commercial truck driver than the severity of the apnea I don't fall asleep driving or any other time I just don't have any energy when i get home in the evening and wondered if this would really help me or cover his tail thanks again

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Tue Dec 21, 2004 7:19 pm

Hi doa,

If it's cheap your looking for, you can get the Puritan Bennett 420G at cpap.com for $299. It's their basic fixed pressure cpap. If you require a pressure of 7cm (same as me) you don't need any of the fancy cflex features of the more expensive remstars. The nice thing about the PB 420 series machines is that there simple, small and for $35 you can get a DC cord to plug directly into the power outlet in your truck. Many other machines require a special kind of inverter to connect to DC current. If your livelyhood depends on staying alert behind the wheel I would definately give it a try. CPAP has done wonders for my alertness.

Any more questions... just ask!

doa · Post by **doa** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 9:36 pm

Hi muck,

thanks for the advise. one more question maybe, you said your pressure is(7) with that psi. do you think a autoset machine like the resmed respond would be worth the money or just stay with basic machine with heated humidifier thanks

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 9:51 pm

Hi doa,

At a pressure of 7cm you would probably do fine with a staight cpap. The benefit of the auto unit is that if your pressure requirements change the machine will change along with you. I have read stories from people who's success diminished for several years before it finally got so bad they had another sleep study done only to find out they needed a pressure of 10cm. There also are day to day variations in your needs depending on alcohol consumption, sickness etc... My feeling is that with an auto you're more sure you are getting the treatment you need. You also get the software that will help you verify that you are. But don't let the price stop you from getting treatment. You're better off with a straight cpap than without any at all.

doa · Post by **doa** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 10:09 pm

wow quick reply thanks.

the money is some issue I just want to get the most bang for the buck not needing all the bells & wistles. I also have read of the cm changing over time. and having to go back several times to get cm right from the start .
And thought the auto would help about this. Is the software that benifital.

Thanks ,

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 10:29 pm

doa,

The software is confirmation that things are working for you. It also shows if your having mask leaks or mouth leaks. It's definately useful.

If you think that you may need to have another sleep study (and more out-of-pocket expenses) to get your pressure right, I would go for the auto unit. This will save you the time, effort and money associated with another sleep study.

All that being said, if need be, the straight cpap will get you the treatment you need.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 11:09 pm

doa, I was not a commercial driver, but did have to travel a lot - long out of state trips - showing dogs for over 30 years. Mild as my apnea is (never felt the fatigue that others talk about) I did often get drowsy driving. Many's the time I pulled over to take a nap. The only close call I had was once I found myself starting to drive down an exit ramp at a curve - in the mountains near Asheville, at night. This was in mid-trip - not an exit I intended to take at all. No accident. I was lucky.

Since getting on cpap therapy I've been wide awake with no effort at all, on any trip - and throughout the day/evening. I'm no doctor, but I really recommend it if a person has even the mildest OSA and gets the least bit drowsy in just about any situation when they'd rather be awake - even if it's just to watch TV at home.

My choice: An autopap with heated humidifier and software. The masks in my rotating arsenal: Activa nasal mask, Breeze/nasal pillows, Swift/nasal pillows, ResMed Ultra Mirage FF for congested nights. If I didn't have the software to monitor and tweak my treatment myself, I'd feel like I was driving blind....on a foggy mountain.

doa · Post by **doa** » Thu Dec 23, 2004 10:43 pm

Thanks for all the help. I ordered the autospirit with heated hum.& software. You will probably be sick of me before I learn how to turn it on. lol

Thanks again, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!!