CPAP shopping

[TonyBonanzas]

Hello all. I'm picking out my cpap device I need this week and I'm wondering what things I should make sure/consider getting. During my titration I slept fine without the full face mask (I can't remember what the nose only one was called). My mouth stayed shut, so a mouth strap isn't necessary. I would like a humidifier though. Other than those things, what else would you guys suggest I look into?

[cflame1]

full data machines... don't go with anything that says Escape or Compact if it's Resmed, Plus if it's Respironics.

make sure that you can get to Leak, and AHI data.

[brazospearl]

Tony, welcome to the forum! You're smart to do your research before you get your equipment, this will save you hassles and money in the long term. The minimum requirements should be: FULL DATA CAPABILITY, not just compliance (and if the DME tries to get you to take something that isn't fully data capable walk away!), AUTO (might as well, because it gives you the most options), and HUMIDIFIER. If you're purchasing from a local DME, it's important to know their mask return policy, because many people have to try many masks before they find the best one (and the one you used at the sleep study might be the best, but it might not--time will tell!) Good luck, and let us know how things go.

[Slinky]

Fully data capable means capable of providing Leak, AHI and AI data each night. If your doctor will include "access to Leak, AHI and AI" on your equipment order (script) so much the better. That takes the hassle out of your getting a fully data capable CPAP. Just because a CPAP has a data card does NOT mean it is fully data capable. Full data capability is more important than whether your PAP is a straight CPAP or an APAP (auto titrating CPAP). Insurances pay be HCPCS (insurance) code rather than by brand or model and both straight CPAPs and APAPs are the exact same HCPCS code, i.e. HCPCS code e0601. ASK your sleep lab WHICH mask you used during your titration. Since you did well w/it during your in-lab titration study its a good one to start with - or to at least keep in mind the name of it should you decide after trying several AT the local DME provider's to take a different one home.

When trying masks a PROPER mask fitting involves your trying and fitting the mask while laying down and w/a CPAP turned on to your set pressure or 10 cms of pressure whichever is higher. The mask fitting should give you a good idea of just how good and knowledgeable your local DME provider's staff is.