Not sure what to do

[Kim A]

Going to try and get it thru insurance. Here locally I have Aerocare and Alliance. They carry Respironics and Resmed. There may be other places here but these are the best known.

[Pugsy]

Respironics is coming out with a brand new model line in October.

There is one brick (not full data) in the bunch that you want to avoid.
It's called the DreamStation CPAP....I don't know model number on it yet but if Respironics goes like that have done in the past it will like be 2xx.
In the current PR S1 model line it is called the PR S1 60 series CPAP Plus and model number is 260.

Full data Respironics machines
PR S1 60 series CPAP Pro...model 460
DreamStation CPAP Pro...model #unknown

and the apap capable machines
PR S1 60 Series Auto CPAP model 560
DreamStation Auto CPAP..model # unknown

ResMed has the new AirSense model line which has been out for a year now so most likely that will be what they have.

4 models in total

AirSense 10 CPAP.....avoid this model as it isn't full efficacy data...it offers a generic AHI only..no leak or event category breakdown to the AH

The full data models
AirSense 10 Elite ... fixed cpap mode only
Airsense 10 AutoSet ...has both cpap mode and apap (auto adjusting mode)
AirSense 10 AutoSet for Her....has the same as the regular AutoSet but also has another special apap mode...so it is like 3 machines in one.

Read this before doing anything
https://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/what- ... me-part-i/
and call your insurance to find out exactly how they do things. Do NOT take the word of the DME without doing your own homework directly with your insurance company. At best DMEs can't possibly know how all the plans pay and at worst they often just plain out lie to people.

[Pugsy]

APAP (auto adjusting) machines are preferable because they all have cpap mode available...like 2 machines in one.
You may or may not need or want apap mode but it's nice to have it just in case.
Always better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

[Kim A]

Hang Fire, Yes it's an S8 vpap. Found a card reader but for the cost I'm going to wait and get a new machine. I do have a copy of my sleep study.

Chicago Granny, I am working on things in my life. Going to bed the same time at night, I don't take naps, no caffeine after noon, I know I don't eat right or exercise like I should but trying. I'm wanting to get off the ambien. That's what got me on this journey. I was having a problem sleeping some years ago when my wife passed away suddenly. The doctor gave me some and it helped but wanting to get off of them. That's when I went for a sleep study. Tried a couple of times to sleep without them but never totally go to sleep and I'm in and out all night. Sorry that may have been to much info.

Pugsy, Thanks for the info and article on machines. Will be checking with my insurance company to.

[49er]

Hang Fire, Yes it's an S8 vpap. Found a card reader but for the cost I'm going to wait and get a new machine. I do have a copy of my sleep study.

Chicago Granny, I am working on things in my life. Going to bed the same time at night, I don't take naps, no caffeine after noon, I know I don't eat right or exercise like I should but trying. I'm wanting to get off the ambien. That's what got me on this journey. I was having a problem sleeping some years ago when my wife passed away suddenly. The doctor gave me some and it helped but wanting to get off of them. That's when I went for a sleep study. Tried a couple of times to sleep without them but never totally go to sleep and I'm in and out all night. Sorry that may have been to much info.

Pugsy, Thanks for the info and article on machines. Will be checking with my insurance company to.

Kim,

If you decide to get off of the ambien, you might want to try a gradual taper. Maybe start with 3/4 of a tablet and stay on that dose for two to three weeks and then try making a 1/4 of a cut. Of course, discuss this with your doctor as always.

Best of luck.

49er

[Kim A]

Thanks 49er, may start doing that.

[ChicagoGranny]

never totally go to sleep and I'm in and out all night.

It is common for humans to awaken several times during the night. A normal sleeper will fall back to sleep with fifteen minutes or less. When you awaken during the night, try not to think about sleep. Distract your mind with thoughts about some pleasant times. Thinking about lazing on a warm, sunny beach helps me.

no caffeine after noon

People often underestimate how long caffeine can stay in the body. My recommendations for people with any sleep difficulties are always to taper entirely off caffeine. Consider all sources, especially chocolate (sigh).

Remember to taper because sudden cessation of caffeine can cause withdrawal headaches for a day or two.

I think if you get a new machine and can check that the therapy is working well and tweak the therapy if necessary, you will be able to succeed.

Good luck,

[Kim A]

ChicagoGranny, I have a problem with chocolate to! Really excited about getting a new machine and knowing what is happening. I do think about pleasant things like retiring at the end of the year. But I get excited and can't go back to sleep.

[ChicagoGranny]

retiring at the end of the year

Congratulations!!!

[Tdub210]

I would take aim at that Ambien. See if you can get off it (with Dr. advice of course). The tapering idea is pretty good. I took an anti-anxiety when I first started cpap. Helped me fall asleep but I was a zombie during the day. Took it twice and threw the rest away. I haven't taken Ambien but understand it's pretty strong.

[Kim A]

UPDATE..... Well I saw my doctor yesterday and was really discouraged. Had decided before hand to change doctors but wanted to get a full function machine to see what is going on before I changed. Been with this doctor for 2 years and not seen any results. Saw him just 4 weeks ago and he read my card and said the machine was doing what it suppose to do. I asked him about a new machine and if that might help. He said all machines were pretty much the same and didn't think it would. Told him this time I was really tired and can't stay focused and did he see anything on my card. Told me he couldn't read it because it was an old machine and they were getting Resmed to install new software to read older cards but they haven't. He said I do need a new machine but He needed a new sleep study first. Said he has made all of the adjustments to the machine he knew to try ( he has adjusted it 2-3 times) . He said we needed to start over and look and see if this is regular apnea or I have central apnea. He said a new machine would not help if it was central. I have had 3 good nights in this time frame and 1 time I didn't wear my mask and almost suffocated so the machine is doing something. So he has ordered a new study and I don't have a new prescription for anything. I know this is a 6 million dollar question but how do you find a good doctor? Sorry this was long and may have jumped around a bit. Just want to see some results.

[itsjustme]

Google, and ask around at places like your local pharmacy. They usually know all the gossip on which doctors are good and not so good. I have been very blessed as I have found a great PCP, DME, and sleep clinic, which I accomplished by doing what I suggested above.

I know this is a 6 million dollar question but how do you find a good doctor?

[Kim A]

Thanks for the reply it's just me. That's what I'm trying but so far either people don't like the one they have and quit going or the doctor retired. Still looking though.

[Zoopshine]

One of the most common side effects I've seen with ambien is daytime drowsiness. The reason is that ambien generally pushes your body into one type of sleep, and it's not the most restful kind. The other reason I don't like it is that there are so many problems with elderly people, including nightmares, increased confusion, increased falls, and sexual difficulties. Younger people can have the same problems, but it seems far more pronounced in the elderly. I don't have figures on this, just what I've seen, so here's your grain of salt.

Unfortunately, ambien, like most sleep aids, is also highly addictive.

I agree with the suggestions to taper/wean yourself off of the ambien in order to, hopefully, reduce the withdrawal effect. Do so as soon as possible! Please understand that it is highly unlikely you will experience a deep, restful sleep until you do, and your nights may involve a lot of wakefullness during the weaning-off period. But once you're off the med, you may actually find yourself sleeping better. Weird, I know.

PS - No, I'm not calling anyone old!!

[Kim A]

Lolololol WEll I'm not as young as I used to be. I really do want to get off these pills. But it's the only thing to keep me asleep. Going to get me a new doctor and sleep study real soon so I can get a new machine to know what's going on.