CPAP Study tomorrow

[TenmaNeko]

Hey all, I've been lurking here for a couple weeks and I've finally joined.

I had my sleep study last Tuesday, and I had an AHI of about 13.8. So not too terrible I suppose. My oxygen level only dipped a couple times, my average was 95% for the night I think.

So, my CPAP study is tomorrow night, it was moved up from next week due to an over scheduling conflict. Any tips or anything? What should I expect?

The DME used by the place is about 40 minutes south from me in Cincinnati, so I don't know what it's like. I'm going to get a hold of my insurance company (UHC) to see what they will cover from this place, or if they'll reimburse from cpap.com. The sleep place said they will just give me my prescription if I want to go someplace else. The doc also gave me a copy of my sleep study results with no problems, he actually offered it! Probably because of some research I had done on here beforehand

Well, I'm looking forward to being more awake and being less irritable, so wish me luck!

Oh and thanks for having such a helpful place on the net for apnea.

[klockemy]

If you are going to your titration study (to determine your pressure settings), it's the original sleep study plus wearing the mask. It's nothing to stress over, seeing as you have already done this once before and now know that you are on your way to recovery. All I can suggest is to relax and try to get some recooperative sleep. The techs will handle the rest. The big challenge is yet to come in the acquisition of prescriptions and equipment.

Welcome!

[harry33]

some apnea sufferers have no fall in oxygen levels

[TenmaNeko]

some apnea sufferers have no fall in oxygen levels

Ah okay, I did not know that.

[roster]

....... What should I expect?

.........

Expect to get a prescription for a machine and a prescribed pressure.

Plan to get a machine, software and card reader so you can figure out at home what pressure you really need. The sleep labs rarely get it right with just one night sleeping in a strange environment totally unlike the way you sleep at home.

[kteague]

Wow, 40 miles away is pretty far for a sleep center to be partnering with a DME. Before beginning a long distance relationship, I agree that you may want to do more homework on what other options you have. Have you asked the sleep center why they use that DME?

I've used a couple different ones in the Cincinnati area. More than anything, being a knowledgeable consumer can preempt some issues. Ask about their mask exchange policy and don't accept a machine you're not willing to keep. Ability to track treatment data is a deal breaker for me.

Hope your titration study goes well.

Kathy

[TenmaNeko]

Wow, 40 miles away is pretty far for a sleep center to be partnering with a DME. Before beginning a long distance relationship, I agree that you may want to do more homework on what other options you have. Have you asked the sleep center why they use that DME?

I've used a couple different ones in the Cincinnati area. More than anything, being a knowledgeable consumer can preempt some issues. Ask about their mask exchange policy and don't accept a machine you're not willing to keep. Ability to track treatment data is a deal breaker for me.

Hope your titration study goes well.

Kathy

Well, this sleep study place has several branches, and the main one is in Cincy. So I think that's why they use it. It's called Optimum Sleep Associates, as I recall and it's on Redbank. I'm up in Middletown, so it would be a pain in the butt to have to go down there.

I definitely want to be able to track my treatment data also.

Well, thanks for the well wishes and advice.

[TenmaNeko]

Well, last night went pretty well actually. I only got 6.5 hours of sleep, since I had to be awake by 5:00 to get my wife to work. But, when I did get up, I felt... pretty good actually. I was still kinda tired, but not nearly as groggy as I am typically. My one nostril (the smaller one) was kind of irritated and a little sore, but some KY made it feel better. The nurse said my pressure ended up being about 11, but I still had some light snoring due to mouth breathing. So she suggested looking into a chin strap. The mask I used was a Swift LT with small cushions. Overall it was fairly comfortable, a little weird at first, naturally. It was a little itchy under the straps at first, but I got used to it.

So, I'm actually looking forward to starting my therapy. Considering how good I feel with the sleep I got, I think this will really help me feel better in the long run.

Now to wait to hear from the DME and see how that goes. Wish me luck!

[Gerald]

"Listen to the chicken."

What Rooster is telling you is right on the point.

If you expect "luck" to carry you through this in fine style, a DME will invite you to lunch......and you won't be the guest.

You have a little time.....kick it into "passing gear".....and learn everything you can.....as fast as you can. Cram like you're facing "final exams"....and absorb everything you can from the yellow lightbulb at the top of the page.

You need a fully data capable machine,,,,and software.....to achieve what the Rooster is crowing about. Anything else means probable failure over the longhaul.

Gerald

[lanndi]

Ten -- I am a few weeks ahead of you (last night was first night on machine) -- you might want to read my posts for background. viewtopic.php?f=1&t=42528&st=0&sk=t&sd=a
Here is what I recommend you do.
1) talk w/ your ins co
- ask how much they pay, what DMEs you can go to, can you buy online?
- Do they have different contracts with the different DME's around (that happened to me and forced a change in DMEs)
- also ask what does the Rx needs to read to get fully data compatable machine -- and make sure you and they understand what that means: that you, the patient, have access to leaks, apneas, hypops, snores, flow limitations
2) Talk w/ DMEs while waiting for Rx. Ask to talk w/ someone knowledgeable about CPAPS -- preferably someone who has used them. Maybe visit a store and check out various machines. Be sure you understand what they need in the Rx to provide you what you want. Find out if they can issue you the type of machine you want.
3) Fax your doc a request that he/she write the script that will get you your machine. See notes from JoyD below. And have doc write it DAW (dispense as written). And have the script include "Detailed patient menu access turned on"

Good Luck!


JoyD.

Then, I'd do what Slinky suggested and "interview" the new DME's by phone to be sure they do the following: 1) Participate with your Insurance Company, 2) carry the "specific" machine you want (tell them exactly) & that they WILL dispense that specific machine to you with the Rx you plan to use [make/model specific would be best]. 3) Affirm that they will NOT tack any additional charges on you for the machine you want).

Find out from your Insurance Company what you will be paying for a CPAP/APAP (noting the above that it should be the SAME for either), then compare that amount to the cost of purchasing it outright w/o insurance from cpap.com as Wulfman suggested.

I'd agree with Slinky's recommendations on the Auto CPAP machines:

AutoCPAPs [like "2 machines in 1", can use in CPAP or Auto Mode]:
** ResMed S8 Autoset II + integrated Heated Humidifier
** Respironics M-Series Auto CPAP with A-Flex + integrated Heated Humidifier

- or - CPAPs:
** ResMed S8 "Elite II" CPAP + integrated Heated Humidifier
** Respironics M-Series "Pro" CPAP with C-Flex + Integrated Heated Humidifier

This would be my "two cents". Sounds like you are getting some good advice here, and that you are on your way to "taking the bull by the horns"!

[TenmaNeko]

Thank you guys! I will look things over and call my insurance today or tomorrow to find out what their policy is. I can borrow my mom's fax machine to send in my request to the doctor. I assume I should write the request as politely yet as firmly as I can? I definitely want to be in control of my therapy.

Thanks again guys. I feel sorry for the people who don't know about this site and are at the mercy of whoever they get stuck with.