First CPAP advice

PattyMN · Post by **PattyMN** » Mon Jan 18, 2016 8:52 am

Recent sleep study for exercise shortness of breath issues. No snoring, no daytime sleepiness, side sleeper. 20 AHI.
HMO/HealthPartners will dispense a CPAP and mask. First time user: what should I be thinking about? What should I ask for? CPAP features? Models? Cost? How useful is/was your first machine? Did you decide to replace it? Thanks for your advice.

ChicagoGranny · Post by **ChicagoGranny** » Mon Jan 18, 2016 8:58 am

PattyMN wrote:20 AHI.

Obstructive? Central? Complex?

Sleeprider · Post by **Sleeprider** » Mon Jan 18, 2016 9:12 am

Since you say your HMO will issue CPAP, you need to become educated on the different types and models of machines that are available. You want (and need) a machine that will provide treatment efficacy data. This page contains information that can get you started: https://sleep.tnet.com/equipment/cpapmachines

If you can request an Auto CPAP rather than fixed cpap, you will probably end up with a better and more flexible machine. Post your sleep study results. If you did not have a titration study, you may be getting an auto CPAP for self-titration anyway.

PattyMN · Post by **PattyMN** » Mon Jan 18, 2016 9:36 am

Obstructive. The results sheet issued from the sleep study facility seems general- not specific. States AHI: 20 and Inspiratory pressure: 10 - no other readings. Would there be another more technical and useful report filed with the pulmonary doc? Specs for machine listed on the sheet include optional advanced monitoring capabilities, and optional permanent auto capabilities. Other features stated yes: nasal mask, nasal pillows, nasal cushion, full face mask cushion, tubing, chinstrap, headgear, both disposable and non disposable filter, humidifier chamber.. I assume these are standard features and are always yes. How would I be sure the machine will provide data for Sleephead software analysis? I appreciate your advice, and continue to read the forum. Oh, and are masks interchangeable with machine brands? The sleep technician suggested a Fisher Paykel Simplus mask. Would that work with any brand/type of machine?

grayghost4 · Post by **grayghost4** » Mon Jan 18, 2016 10:40 am

Welcome Patty:
All masks are interchangeable with any machine, and the Simplex is a decent mask. I use one my self at times.
As far as machine Ask for and insist on a "For Her " model of the Resmed line of machines,(that will give you a full data machine with one extra option), And if the "MN" means your are for the Minnesota get a heated hose for the machine, that will help control condensation in the hose.

PoolQ · Post by **PoolQ** » Mon Jan 18, 2016 12:05 pm

"exercise shortness of breath issues. No snoring, no daytime sleepiness" would there be any reason you might have COPD? Smoke, dust, small particle breathing? If there might be a reason get it checked out, if not, well then good to know it's not COPD.

ChicagoGranny · Post by **ChicagoGranny** » Mon Jan 18, 2016 12:18 pm

PattyMN wrote:Would there be another more technical and useful report filed with the pulmonary doc

Not likely. You have pretty basic obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). You got the diagnosis that is needed to get insurance to pay for the therapy. Time to forget the sleep study and move on to treating your condition.

PattyMN wrote: optional advanced monitoring capabilities, and optional permanent auto capabilities

I would insist on both of this. The difference between the cost of such a machine and the cost of a "brick" is minimal.

PattyMN wrote:How would I be sure the machine will provide data for Sleephead software analysis?

My advice is to go with Respironics or ResMed machine current models. You can't go wrong with this machine -

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... idair.html

I'll let a Respironics user recommend their model.

Make sure you understand the exact model number of machine that the DME has for you before taking delivery of the machine. If there is any doubt, walk out and come here to ask about the model number.

PattyMN · Post by **PattyMN** » Mon Jan 18, 2016 12:58 pm

Thank you, thank you.. will note all of this when I visit on Wednesday to get the unit. Interestingly (only to me, I know) I just now got word from the pulmonary doc that I need more tests because the completed work up tests he's read indicate an autoimmune disease.I'm a 10 year breast cancer survivor treated with surgery/chemo/radiation. I've been thinking this is from radiation treatment.. Hmm... Maybe not so much! What "fresh hell" could THIS be?

Sleeprider · Post by **Sleeprider** » Mon Jan 18, 2016 1:09 pm

Good luck with the additional work-up and hopefully nothing serious. As far as CPAP goes, if you can focus on two auto-cpap alternatives, I think it will be easier. The Resmed Airsense 10 Autoset (regular or For Her) is very highly regarded and works with Sleepyhead and Resmed software. The Philips Respironics DreamStation Auto is the recent replacement of the System One 60 Series RemStar Auto. Very good machine however Sleepyhead has not yet been updated to read the data, so EncorePro is the current software. If you are offered a PRS1 60 Series Auto it is a very good machine and fully compatible with all software.

Try to avoid Resmed Airsense 10 CPAP and the DreamStation CPAP. Both are bottom of the line and don't record anything but compliance data. Either the Airsense 10 Elite, or Remstar Pro are fixed CPAP that record useful data.

ChicagoGranny · Post by **ChicagoGranny** » Mon Jan 18, 2016 1:50 pm

Sleeprider wrote: Both are bottom of the line and don't record anything but compliance data.

PattyMN, Those are what are known on the forums as "bricks" - dumb as dried mud.

PattyMN · Post by **PattyMN** » Mon Jan 25, 2016 6:58 pm

Ordered a USED CPAP from CPAP Liquidators - will they actually ship the unit? Ordered on Friday - today I'm told they are out-of-stock for "3-4 business days".
Has anyone used this source? Reliable? Thank for your advice!

OkyDoky · Post by **OkyDoky** » Mon Jan 25, 2016 7:32 pm

PattyMN wrote:Ordered a USED CPAP from CPAP Liquidators - will they actually ship the unit? Ordered on Friday - today I'm told they are out-of-stock for "3-4 business days".
Has anyone used this source? Reliable? Thank for your advice!

Did you get the machine from your HMO. What machine did you get?
I'm not familiar with CPAP Liquidators. Did they tell you the run hours on the used machine and if it is out of stock how do they know the run hours? What machine were you ordering from them?
Maybe someone will reply that has knowledge of them.
For used machines and even new open box specials http://www.secondwindcpap.com/ has a good report here on the forum. You might give them a call.

PattyMN · Post by **PattyMN** » Mon Jan 25, 2016 8:54 pm

CPAP Liquidators is related to SecondwindCPAP- the shipping manager who emailed about being out-of-stock has a secondwindcpap email address and the same phone number is provided on both the liquidators and second wind web sites. The machine I ordered is a "ResMed S10 AiResMed AirSense AutoSet For Her with EPR and Integrated Heated Humidifier - ClimatelineAir Tubing Included". The white one, decorated with ivy. The "Used" price is $599. I've been offered the same unit in its place - just not "for Her" ---- The general description is "Low hours, gently used".

I didn't go through the HMO because I was given the run-around - the representative couldn't give me a straight answer about cost of the machine. I was quoted 3 separate prices for the unit and a separate humidifier, billed over 10, 12 or 13 months (as a rental to buy) depending on who was answering the question (insurance plan Customer Service Rep, DME rep, or insurance plan biller). Then there is a one time $250 cost for "accessories": a water chamber for the humidifier, pack of filters, heated hose. All together, the cost for me would be around $1250 - granted, applied to my $1500 deductible, but out of my pocket even so.

In addition, the DME participates in a "Wake Up Call" program where they robo-call at regular intervals to have me use the phone number pad to enter numbers which are answers to questions like number of nights a week I use the unit, the number of hours a night of use and various questions about my need for supplies.

I don't mind waiting if they are likely to come through.

OkyDoky · Post by **OkyDoky** » Mon Jan 25, 2016 9:07 pm

The For Her would have been nice just in case. But the Autoset is very nice. Since the two businesses are related they will probably follow through and you will have your machine soon. Sounds like the only thing you will need is a mask.

PattyMN · Post by **PattyMN** » Wed Jan 27, 2016 8:30 pm

Home run customer service from CPAP Liquidators/SecondWind CPAP: they were out of stock for their $599 rebuilt S10 Autosense for Her with Climatelineair, and shipped instead a new S10 Autosense for Her unit w/o the Climatelineair, currently selling on their website for $789. How great is that! Got a Simplus Mask on the way from Amazon-- I'll be nose to the hose by Monday. Reading everyone's advice for noobs: the information and support is very encouraging.

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Re: First CPAP advice- home run customer service!