getting machine/mask today from doctor--questions

svh · Post by **svh** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 6:00 am

So, I've had my sleep study and my titration study, and have an appointment w/ the sleep doctor today to get the titration results. When I made the appointment, they said I will come home with a machine and mask, from the doctor's office. This sounds off compared to everything I've read here....At the sleep study, the tech showed me the kind of machine they give out and, though I hadn't read up on them yet, I'm pretty sure it's some sort of Respironics machine, since I recall it looking like a black shoebox....

I've read the wonderful information here, and I will ask for a humidifier. I would love to be able to self moonitor--I'm tech savy and DH is a MIT engineer, so I'm sure between us we could handle it. Is the software, etc. ever included, or is that something I would have to add on myself? I have Blue Cross HMO, fwiw.

I just don't know what the odds are for getting anything fancier than basic. It seems like they have a routine, giving out a particular type of equipment. I'm going to ask for a hybrid mask, since I know I do mouth breath, and am not sure if I can stop. I figure I should get them to provide the Hybrid, then if I want, I can buy the less expensive Swift myself, if I choose to.

Any advice? My appointment is at 11:45 today. I plan to play with the equipment this afternoon, watch TV with it, etc., so that I have some sort of handle on things before I try to sleep.

Pirate · Post by **Pirate** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 6:21 am

Your doc probably has a limited supply of machines and masks. I'd be real surprised if the doc had hybrid masks available. Take what they give you (the best mask that fits, then buy what you want from cpap.com. And software is usually never included with machines you receive from a doc or dme. You will have to buy that yourself if the machine the doc gives you will support it. My first machine which was given to me by Apria was a remstar plus which does not support software. The software is fun, but it is not in anyway necessary for proper treatment. Good luck.

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bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 7:03 am

I use the hybrid mask and if the Doctor can order you one I think it would be worth the wait. As for the swift, All resmed products are going to have a price increase if you by them on line. You might want to check what the prices will be next week.

Brenda

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 7:03 am

I disagree with "take what they give you"

If you do that and have decent insurance you can not use insurance to pay for the machine you want.

If they give you a a Respironics that can record data and you don't want or feel you need APAP then fine as long as your out of pocket copay is not greater than the price online for the machine.

But DO NOT WALK out of there without your prescription even if you are happy with the machine they have. You may want it later. Also a copy of both sleep studies.

If you are one of those lucky people whose insurance will pay 100% or even 90% and/or will approve an APAP or a cash purchase from CPAP.com then you do not want to take the plain vanilla machine they shove at you (Probably a Plus model).

Go to the appt with an open mind but be careful what you sign up for and come away with your paperwork. Chances are with a setup like this they won't want to give it up. Be firm, it is yours.