Help! No time for titration before vacation

[SapphireCat]

My DH recently had a sleep test and was diagnosed with sleep apnea. The problem is we will be heading on a long trip (land/sea Alaska & Canada) before he can have his titration sleep test and get his cpap machine. The doctor recommends that he at least (continue with) an oxygen generator while we are away. I was thinking we could buy (out of pocket) an auto-cpap machine online that self-titrates until we get back and he has his study. He could then have it reset to cpap mode if he wants. The thing is: renting a travel size oxy./gen. for two weeks will cost almost $600 dollars (out of pocket), so we may as well buy a machine and we'll have an extra one for travel/backup once he gets a machine through our insurance following the titration.

As far as a mask, I use a cpap and can lend him headgear. I use extra small nasal pillows, so I could give him the small, medium, or large nasal pillows that I never need, but come with my set every time.

I'm planning on buying him an AirSense™ 10 AutoSet CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier.

I figure this plan is better than using nothing for over two weeks - especially since he's used to sleeping with oxygen normally.

Thoughts???

[SewTired]

My first question is - will the machine REPLACE the oxygen? Ask the pulmonologist about that. It can in some instances. If the doc thinks that will work, I think your plan is reasonable and prudent. Some therapy is better than none and you don't want to ruin your vacation.

[LSAT]

The CPAP will not replace oxygen. What it will do is keep the airway open so he doesn't stop breathing.

[SewTired]

The CPAP will not replace oxygen. What it will do is keep the airway open so he doesn't stop breathing.

LSAT, we've discussed this before in another thread. I agree with you that they generally are not interchangeable, but experience with family members indicates that it CAN be under certain circumstances. That is why I recommended that she speak with the pulmonologist in charge of her husband's case. He's going to know better than either of us.

The doctor recommends that he at least (continue with) an oxygen generator while we are away.

This seems pretty clear, but that is under the assumption that you won't have an auto-cpap. Is he using this just at night? Other health issues? That's the million dollar question. In my personal case, my problem is solved with either a cpap or oxygen, but I have to have one or the other. Apnea is not my main problem - it's low oxygen due to slow heart rate.

[palerider]

I figure this plan is better than using nothing for over two weeks - especially since he's used to sleeping with oxygen normally.

Thoughts???

why is he used to sleeping with o2?

[Okie bipap]

My oxygen level was dropping very low while sleeping, so I was prescribed oxygen when sleeping until I could get me sleep studies done and get started on bipap. My oxygen level dropped to 63% during my sleep study before they put me on oxygen to finish the test.

[palerider]

My oxygen level was dropping very low while sleeping, so I was prescribed oxygen when sleeping until I could get me sleep studies done and get started on bipap. My oxygen level dropped to 63% during my sleep study before they put me on oxygen to finish the test.

well, yeah, the OP said her husband is "used to sleeping with oxygen normally." and he *just* had a sleep test to identify apnea... so, ???

[SapphireCat]

My DH was diagnosed with borderline sleep apnea a few years ago, and was simply placed on oxygen (by his pcp) to keep up his sats while sleeping. We have a large oxygen generator in our bedroom. Recently, my husband got a new pcp who revisited the sleep apnea and called for a new sleep study. The report showed definite sleep apnea, so he will be receiving cpap therapy after his titration instead of oxygen. The cpap machine is a much better solution to the problem, but in the meanwhile the oxygen he already uses at bedtime is better than nothing. When we found out the cost for renting the travel machine, it seemed like a major waste of a lot of money for two weeks. The doc doesn't recommend going to Alaska with nothing to help with breathing while sleeping.

Thanks for the replies I've received.

[palerider]

My DH was diagnosed with borderline sleep apnea a few years ago, and was simply placed on oxygen (by his pcp) to keep up his sats while sleeping.

ok, in the absence of other respiratory problems, I'd think that your idea of buying an autoset and self titrating would work, and if you get the settings right for him, by the time you get back, there may be no need for a titration study, it's becoming more common for insurance to pay for an autosetting machine instead of paying for a titration study (the machines are usually cheaper than the studies).

take a laptop, and sleepyhead, and post here if you've got internet, if not, read pugsy pointers at the top of the forum for interpretation guidelines.

[Goofproof]

Just a reminder, PULSED O2, isn't for use with a XPAP. Don't buy a pulsed O2 with the idea it's OK with CPAP. Jim

[Pap-Daddy]

Not knowing any of your dates for travel I will suggest that you contact the sleep center and ask they put him on their cancellation list. This will expedite finding the correct pressure for him.

Keeping your plan for an auto cpap either new or used will also expedite his care. To bad you don't have an extra machine?
Having someone who is experienced at cpap is great help but this going route can be especially difficult while traveling. Bring plenty of extra supplies with you and your script in case you need to buy other items either forgotten of broken. Even an old mask you didn't like may help.

Not know what your pressure is or if it collects data I might be inclined to use it to get him used to wearing something before we left. If it does collect data give it a go even for a nap.

Here's hoping hubby adapts like a fish to water.

[SapphireCat]

Actually, we leave Saturday! The Auto Cpap machine is due to arrive tomorrow (Tuesday). I do have an extra cpap, but it is set for me, and my pressure is likely higher than what he needs. I don't know how to change the pressure, but even if I did, I don't know what pressure he needs, thus, ordering the autoset cpap. The machine I ordered is very good for data collection. I paid extra so that we'll get it tomorrow and can start tweaking it and getting him used to it.

Thanks for your good wishes.

[ChicagoGranny]

so, ???

Many here just feel good posting about themselves.

I like your approach better - focused on the person who needs help.