Cpap question for my dad

[select20]

Hey folks, my dad has had sleep apnea since I was born that i know of. To make a long story short, he's on state health insurance and when he called to make just a regular appointment it's like a 4 month wait. He hasn't had a physical in Lord knows how long, years. After looking at the sleep tests and all the costs, there is no way we can afford that. So I'm wondering if I bought a used one off ebay or somewhere like that, could he use it? How difficult would it be? Also, if we don't have a doctor telling us the pressures he should use, how do you figure that out?

Thanks ahead of time for the advice. I've really gotten worried about him since it has causes various health problems that aren't serious at this point, but after reading a lot about the problems sleep apnea can cause, I realize his symptoms now are just serious warning signs of what is to come if he doesn't do something.

[LSAT]

How do you know he has sleep apnea if he has not seen a doctor in a long time. IF...he does, in fact, have all the symptoms, and you would want to try a CPAP, there are used machines available. You would need an auto model. You would also need a prescription to purchase one from a dealer. Craigslist often has good deals, but, you would need to be very careful and know what you are purchasing.

[ramblingasian]

The only advice that I can give you is to schedule a proper appointment with his doctor.

It seems odd that you can attest that he has sleep apnea yet then attest that there are no other conditions that he has that aren't serious, especially since he hasn't seen a doctor in years.

[Pugsy]

While not ideal, you can self diagnose and self treat as long as there aren't any complicating factors.
We have several forum members who have done just that.
You would need to educate yourself (and your dad) and get a full data machine and the software so you could see the results. A mask would also be needed.
EBay doesn't allow cpap machine sales but you can sometimes find what would work on craigslist but you would need to educate yourself on which models will do what you need because they won't all do what you are going to need to self diagnose and self treat.

[select20]

Well he has all the symptoms. And waiting 4 months for his Doc appointment isn't really an option right now for me. Unless we just feel like standing by and not trying anything.

[yaconsult]

Yes, it's possible to do it this way. But it requires being very careful when buying a machine to get one that is both auto-adjusting and supported by the wonderful, free SleepyHead software. You start with the machine set to a large range of auto pressures and then examine the data and adjust as necessary. Pugsy has some very good posts about the process.

Without a prescription, you are mostly limited to buying either from craigslist or someone on this forum, although apparently some machines have also been showing up on amazon being sold by third parties. Buying from a trusted posted on this forum would probably be your best option. Many people have their previous machines or machines they've purchased as spares that they are willing to sell. Please ask for advice about machines you are considering before spending any money.

Although this isn't the best way to do it, it can be done. Some people don't realize what it's like to not have decent insurance and not have a lot of money to spend.

[select20]

Without quoting everyone, thanks so much for the replies. It's nice to have people to lean on a little bit. Like I said, I'm just really worried about him and want to get him on something as soon as we can and as soon as money allows.

[grayghost4]

I have a couple for sale. both have full data and I could include a used mask with it :

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/hab/5286997785.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/hab/5242995326.html

[Zoopshine]

Understand and sympathize with your situation, but you're playing a dangerous game. It's never a good idea to self-diagnose and treat, not even with the great support you have here. There are just too many serious conditions that can mimic some of the symptoms of sleep apnea. Among them are heart failure, pulmonary disease, even cancer!

I think it's great that you're trying to be proactive here, but please do schedule that appointment with his doctor as soon as possible. Even if it takes months, if you schedule today, that's one less day to wait. In the meantime, have you tried contacting any local agencies that may help you? For example, if your father is elderly, the Area Agency on Aging may be able to help with resources. Is there a free clinic where he might be able to get a basic health screening? How about the Red Cross? You can also try contacting the nearest sleep center and see what they can recommend. Start asking around and do what you can. And keep up the good work! It's great to see an involved family!

[WindCpap]

It took 7 months for me to get my CPAP from my family doctor referral until the day I got the machine. In that time I went through the following stages:

"I bet I only have sleep apnea when I lie on my side. There is no way I could use one of those machines"
"Maybe I have a little sleep apnea, but there is no way I could use a CPAP. I am too picky a sleeper"
"I think I have severe sleep apnea. I really would like to get a full nights sleep"
"I am ready to plunge head long into using a CPAP. I know I need it, and now I want it."

It takes a long time to get used to the idea of using CPAP for the rest of your life, so consider the 4 months to be time for your Dad to go through the phases until he gets to acceptance. If you put him on a machine tomorrow, it would probably be a disaster anyway.