New & Learning

[Pugsy]

Check the prices of other masks...$89 is considered cheap.
And that frame part will last forever with common sense care. I am running on 9 months with the one I have been using.
Main drawback to the Bleep cost is the nightly port things you stick on your nose...need a new one every night but insurance will pay for them if you can just get the DMEs to supply them.

You might also look at this mask. It got demoted to number 2 spot when I got the Bleep.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... k-headgear
There are some Padacheek.com strap pads that do help with diffusing the dents.

What kind of insurance and what if any deductible do you have?

You can take a stroll through all the other mask options if you want to. See what looks interesting to you.
https://www.cpap.com/category/cpap-masks
Be prepared for sticker shock though....the good masks...they are the pricey ones.
The not so good older models that are marked down....You get what you pay for with this stuff.

[WhiteAngel]

Looking at links now. Oh what is YMMV??

YMMV = Your Milage May Vary.

Method of advising, don't expect your results to be the same as others.

Thank you Dog Slobber. I made a couple of guesses and they weren't even close, lol

[WhiteAngel]

Check the prices of other masks...$89 is considered cheap.
And that frame part will last forever with common sense care. I am running on 9 months with the one I have been using.
Main drawback to the Bleep cost is the nightly port things you stick on your nose...need a new one every night but insurance will pay for them if you can just get the DMEs to supply them.

You might also look at this mask. It got demoted to number 2 spot when I got the Bleep.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... k-headgear
There are some Padacheek.com strap pads that do help with diffusing the dents.

What kind of insurance and what if any deductible do you have?

You can take a stroll through all the other mask options if you want to. See what looks interesting to you.
https://www.cpap.com/category/cpap-masks
Be prepared for sticker shock though....the good masks...they are the pricey ones.
The not so good older models that are marked down....You get what you pay for with this stuff.

BCBS and we don't pay anything on the oxygen machine or tubing. I think at the beginning of the year there might be a small deductible but I meet the out of pocket before the end of January because of the Nucala shots (too many eosinophils). For the tubing, they just mail it for 6 months worth at a time. Not sure if where I get my DME (finally figured that one out - durable medical equipment, right?) will also do the PAP machines and supplies. They asked me in my last appointment where I got my oxygen from and they said that would work.

Are masks usually covered?

[Pugsy]

Yes, masks and most of the cpap accessories are covered expenses.
Yes, DME is Durable Medical Equipment and in the term way we use it...the place we get our equipment from.

Below is the Medicare replacement schedule and most insurance plans will follow it pretty close.
Some plans will pay above what is normally covered if a doctor says it is "medically necessary"...or writes a special RX.

[Janknitz]

Told husband yesterday, he had to go in. Period. I wanted to sleep in our bed again and can't because of the racket and movement he makes when sleeping. He gave me the eye roll and said he would look into it when he ends his job next month. A big lay-off and he got stung this time.

NO DON'T LET HIM PUT THIS OFF!!!! My husband lost his job and I got my latest machine the DAY before we went on ACA health insurance. The sleep tech whisked me in and got me the machine immediately because she know I'd be SOL otherwise. Now we have an ACA plan with a huge deductible and no real DME coverage (Maybe crutches if I break my leg, but I'm not even sure about that). If you let him wait until the job is over, then neither of you might get the coverage you need. So you both need to step it up!!!

It IS possible to buy your own machine, used for reasonable cost and we can help with settings. But use that insurance while you have it!

[TropicalDiver]

Is there any type of machine or head gear I shouldn't let them try to push on me.

Short answer: Yes.

In terms of machines, to some extent the appropriate model depends on the pressure support you might need (as well as a few other issues).

To start, there are two major players in the machine world I would consider: Phillips Respironics (DreamStation) and ResMed (AirCurve 10 or AirSense 10). Both make good quality machines although I personally have a strong preference for ResMed (the breathing feels more natural to me -- and I have tried both). There are fans of both on this site (although ResMed seems to be the more popular one).

But now you need to decide on models. I will speak about ResMed models. I would want a machine that is: a) auto adjusting (our needs can vary depending on colds, sleep positions, med changes, etc.); b) full data (rather than compliance data only); and c) meets my needs medically (more on that later). Auto, Full Data, Bi-Level or other (if needed).

Any machine keeps your airway from collapsing by using positive air pressure. Two of the ResMed machines in this category (auto and full data) are the AirSense 10 AutoSet and AirSense AutoSet For Her. These machines support pressure needs up to 20, are auto adjusting, and full data. You can also set the pressure to be somewhat lower during exhalation. This can help with comfort. The for her is more than just branding -- Pugsy had a great post recently talking about her use of a feature unique to the "for her."

However, some people need a particular category of machines called bi-level. These offer a higher max pressure (25), and the ability to create a larger pressure differential between inhalation and exhalation. One example is the AirCurve 10 VAuto (what I own). Think of this as being an AutoSet except it can do more pressure and allows more tweaking. This can be especially useful for things like active asthma.

So, why not always pick the VAuto? Well, it is a lot more expensive than the AutoSet. Insurance will typically pay for the more expensive machine -- but only with a documented medical need. What might those needs be? The need for greater pressures provided by the VAuto and/or the need for a larger pressure differential between inhalation and exhalation.

So, if I needed that, I would be asking for the VAuto. If I didn't I would be asking for the AirSense 10 AutoSet For Her. (Note: there are other categories of bi-level machines that are used for specific issues -- if you have those needs, come back and ask questions.)

So, just get an auto machine now or get a titration study? If you are paying out-of-pocket, I would be inclined to do the auto; otherwise I would do the study.

Here is what can be good about the study: The monitoring equipment in a sleep lab is way more comprehensive than it is in an auto machine. It will give them more data. Ideally, you have a chance to try out several different mask styles. Ideally, they can detect whether you have any specific needs for something like the VAuto (or one of the more specialized machines) and establish a starting point in terms of pressures.

Here is what is not so good about the study: It is hard to sleep in a strange bed with a bunch of wires. It is a sample size of one night. You still need to be asleep to get the data. It costs money -- for something you can likely get to via trial and error with an auto machine.

[WhiteAngel]

Told husband yesterday, he had to go in. Period. I wanted to sleep in our bed again and can't because of the racket and movement he makes when sleeping. He gave me the eye roll and said he would look into it when he ends his job next month. A big lay-off and he got stung this time.

NO DON'T LET HIM PUT THIS OFF!!!! My husband lost his job and I got my latest machine the DAY before we went on ACA health insurance. The sleep tech whisked me in and got me the machine immediately because she know I'd be SOL otherwise. Now we have an ACA plan with a huge deductible and no real DME coverage (Maybe crutches if I break my leg, but I'm not even sure about that). If you let him wait until the job is over, then neither of you might get the coverage you need. So you both need to step it up!!!

It IS possible to buy your own machine, used for reasonable cost and we can help with settings. But use that insurance while you have it!

Thank you for caring about that......

We don't get our insurance through his main job - it used to be great but now after all the junk with Obama care, we would have been paying out $1,200 a month for a family of 4 (it had been 350) to $1,600 a month now. We'd have lost our home on that. He works a few hours a night now at UPS and gets the insurance for $40 a month. AND it is great insurance.

[WhiteAngel]

Is there any type of machine or head gear I shouldn't let them try to push on me.

Short answer: Yes.

In terms of machines, to some extent the appropriate model depends on the pressure support you might need (as well as a few other issues).

To start, there are two major players in the machine world I would consider: Phillips Respironics (DreamStation) and ResMed (AirCurve 10 or AirSense 10). Both make good quality machines although I personally have a strong preference for ResMed (the breathing feels more natural to me -- and I have tried both). There are fans of both on this site (although ResMed seems to be the more popular one).

But now you need to decide on models. I will speak about ResMed models. I would want a machine that is: a) auto adjusting (our needs can vary depending on colds, sleep positions, med changes, etc.); b) full data (rather than compliance data only); and c) meets my needs medically (more on that later). Auto, Full Data, Bi-Level or other (if needed).

Any machine keeps your airway from collapsing by using positive air pressure. Two of the ResMed machines in this category (auto and full data) are the AirSense 10 AutoSet and AirSense AutoSet For Her. These machines support pressure needs up to 20, are auto adjusting, and full data. You can also set the pressure to be somewhat lower during exhalation. This can help with comfort. The for her is more than just branding -- Pugsy had a great post recently talking about her use of a feature unique to the "for her."

However, some people need a particular category of machines called bi-level. These offer a higher max pressure (25), and the ability to create a larger pressure differential between inhalation and exhalation. One example is the AirCurve 10 VAuto (what I own). Think of this as being an AutoSet except it can do more pressure and allows more tweaking. This can be especially useful for things like active asthma.

So, why not always pick the VAuto? Well, it is a lot more expensive than the AutoSet. Insurance will typically pay for the more expensive machine -- but only with a documented medical need. What might those needs be? The need for greater pressures provided by the VAuto and/or the need for a larger pressure differential between inhalation and exhalation.

So, if I needed that, I would be asking for the VAuto. If I didn't I would be asking for the AirSense 10 AutoSet For Her. (Note: there are other categories of bi-level machines that are used for specific issues -- if you have those needs, come back and ask questions.)

So, just get an auto machine now or get a titration study? If you are paying out-of-pocket, I would be inclined to do the auto; otherwise I would do the study.

Here is what can be good about the study: The monitoring equipment in a sleep lab is way more comprehensive than it is in an auto machine. It will give them more data. Ideally, you have a chance to try out several different mask styles. Ideally, they can detect whether you have any specific needs for something like the VAuto (or one of the more specialized machines) and establish a starting point in terms of pressures.

Here is what is not so good about the study: It is hard to sleep in a strange bed with a bunch of wires. It is a sample size of one night. You still need to be asleep to get the data. It costs money -- for something you can likely get to via trial and error with an auto machine.

Thank you so much for the above , TropicalDiver
It is just what I needed. Likely will need the VAuto or close to that one. I have a hard time getting the air back out and the CO2 builds up - severe asthmatics have this issue even without the obstruction going on. They do plan to use a CO2 monitor this time - Dr forgot to ask for this the first time and she was irked with herself. I only laughed and said "Welcome to MY world."

The overnight titration will be paid for once approved that is. I don't want to do it but also know this will be for the best be getting the settings as close to normal as possible. At least this time they are giving me sleeping aids, plus I will take Benadryl to help that along and yes, I have a ride home the next morning. I plan on sleeping this time, at least enough to get the results needed.

[RobertS975]

Without any disrespect meant to the original poster, if I were a smoker or recent ex-smoker with a BMI of 50 (that translates to 5'4" and 295 lbs.), I would be less suspicious of my doctors and more welcoming of any kind of medical assistance that might help end the potential death spiral that I was currently in. The pulse oximetry readings from your sleep study are really miserable, and assuming that supplemental oxygen alone did not lead to better results, I would vigorously continue to seek answers. Read about Pickwickian Syndrome, aka obese hypoventilation syndrome: https://www.healthline.com/health/pickwickian-syndrome

[WhiteAngel]

Finally finished the overnight sleep titration and Monday Dec 2, will have DME company come out to set me up with CPAP.

On one hand I am looking forward to this since my sleep is only getting worse. There are usually 3 days in a row where I only get 5 hours of sleep total. My husband and daughter are both telling me my sleep is worse now than it has ever been. I actually dread going to sleep

Here's hoping I adjust quickly and easily to CPAP

[chunkyfrog]

Here is where the skepticism should kick in--not in diagnosis, or the prescription;
but how the prescription will be filled.
Use the weekend to familiarize yourself with the range of machines available.
Do not let the DME stick you with a machine that does not have FULL DATA.
Most of us strongly recommend an apap, as our pressure needs normally vary through the night.
A heated hose is essential if cold weather chills your nights.

[peelunkins]

Being overweight is now often thought to be a result of OAS, not the other way around.

Have you read the latest on vaping? It's considered to be very damaging very early on and was not tested in asthmatics, more so in generally younger otherwise healthy people. You need to stop yesterday if you're still doing it.

You need to get your information regarding vaping from actual studies instead of Facebook shares.

Didn't you not notice the OP say she recently quit smoking and now vapes occasionally? Vaping has demonstrated itself to be the most effective tobacco cessation products used to date. The harm reduction, compared to tobacco products is 100 fold.

I'm not suggesting that people should take up vaping, nor that vaping is good for you, but vaping to stop smoking has saves thousands upon thousands of lives yearly, despite uninformed people scaring people away and trying to get it banned.

Your'e hurting people, stop.

+1

[Julie]

DS - Just saw last note - I am NOT and have never been on Facebook (or any of the other sites like IG, Twit, etc) and my info comes not only from the news that relative loads of people are dying from vaping (however often or not they do it) but from research - which unfortunately is not always up to date with actual news.

If your personal vaping habit is sending guilty vibes, stop doing it and find other ways to quit smoking, but don't attack a messenger.

[palerider]

DS - Just saw last note - I am NOT and have never been on Facebook (or any of the other sites like IG, Twit, etc) and my info comes not only from the news that relative loads of people are dying from vaping (however often or not they do it) but from research - which unfortunately is not always up to date with actual news.

If your personal vaping habit is sending guilty vibes, stop doing it and find other ways to quit smoking, but don't attack a messenger.

You are ignorant of facts, and talking like you actually know something, when you don't.

Nobody, certainly not "loads" of people have died from vaping.

There have been a few deaths and considerably more hospitalizations from lipid pneumonia, caused by inhaling oils that some people have adulterated legitimate vaping liquid with. These oils have caused lung damage, not the vaping itself.

It has the same risk as smearing your CPAP mask with vasoline,

Would you say that someone died of CPAP in that case? I hope not.

And before you accuse me of some bullshit like "sending guilty vibes", I have never vaped, or had a desire to do so, and I have only been around a couple of people who have done it, and they're both quite alive at present.

[Jack Burton]

<snip>my info comes not only from the news that relative loads of people are dying from vaping (however often or not they do it) but from research - which unfortunately is not always up to date with actual news.

Please quantify "relative loads".
Please cite the research you mention.
Thanks in advance.