Intro...

[DJ Sean]

Hey all...

My name is Sean and I was recently diagnosed with a 'mild' case of OSA (stopped breathing 15 x hour on avg.). This came after two sleep studies (which I finally went through with after much procrastination). At first, like many of you, I was disappointed with the news that the best solution for my problem would be the CPAP. However, I am now embracing it and looking at it as a positive- since I am:

A. Tired of being a zombie all the time.
B. Not really into the idea of being at risk for hypertension, stroke, heart attack, etc.

Last night was my first night with the CPAP. It wasn't terrible, but as I am typing this I can tell you I am quite exhausted. However, I do know that having a few beers certainly didn't help my case last night. I am also going to test drive a different mask tonight- last night I used the Swift FX Nasal Pillows (kind of irritating on the nose). Tonight I will try my Comfort Gel mask. Those cloth masks sure like nice...might have to pursue those in the future.

So as I previously stated, I am now embracing the notion of doing something to remedy my situation. I have been reading a lot about OSA and looking into the various 'extras' like aromatherapy, for example.

I look forward to 'meeting' you and discussing OSA, etc.

[cflame1]

Sean,
See if you can get your DME (equipment supplier) to upgrade your machine to at least a PRO if not an Auto. It's best to do the fussing on this within the first 30 days. Reasons: 1.) DS150 doesn't even give you CFLEX capabilities. 2.) It's good to have data if anything goes remotely wrong.

[DJ Sean]

So basically this is a piece of junk?

Is it the supplier who determines the machine? I thought it was the doctor. But I really don't know...

Will the supplier question why I want the switch made and do they generally comply?

Thanks for your advice...

[Hawthorne]

The machine you have will give you basic cpap therapy. If you want to get software in the future and monitor your own therapy, you need at least the Pro in that machine.

You will also get C-Flex and A-Flex with the Pro which are types of exhalation relief that most people find comfortable. The machine can be set to drop a bit for exhalation so it is easier to breathe out.

With the software (which you will have to buy yourself separately) you can see what is happening all night while you sleep - apneas, hypopneas, leak rate, etc. This is helpful if you want to manage your own therapy or if the doctor wants to know how things are going.

With the machine you have now, even your supplier or doctor cannot get ANY information except how long and how often you use the machine. The supplier often decides what model you get if it is not specified by your doctor. The one you have is the cheapest and also the one on which the supplier makes the biggest profit.

I understand that the code is the same for your machine and for the Pro. You may get a hassle from your supplier but push for the Pro at least. The Auto is even better because it can be run in straight cpap mode or in auto mode. You may have more of a problem getting the auto without it being specified on your prescription. An exchange within 30 days is possible. You may have to push a little.

By the way, get a copy of your prescription in your hands. It will come in very handy in the future.

[Slinky]

Welcome to the forum and the world of PAP therapy.

You want the Pro (or the Auto) because it is fully data capable, because if you have problems you want your sleep doctor to have access to the data that could well indicate what the problem is and because YOU are the one paying for it.

Call your insurance company and ask them what local DME CPAP providers they are contracted with. Hopefully you have the option of more than just this one. That gives you more bargaining/negotiating room when you go in to make arrangements for an exchange. (You have 30 days to return it and go elsewhere if necessary).

Be diplomatic but be firm. You can catch more flies w/honey than w/vinegar - BUT - stand your ground. It is your health and your therapy.

The Plus that you have now will provide as good therapy as the Pro and the Plus and Pro will provide as good therapy as the Auto. BUT the Pro and the Auto have the IMPORTANT bonus of being fully data capable. AND the Auto has the added advantage of being able to be used as a CPAP - or - in auto mode can be used to tweak your therapy needs w/o the need for another in-lab sleep study.

The Plus, the Pro and the Auto are all the same HCPCS (insurance) code and insurances pay for this equipment by HCPCS code NOT by brand and model. Of course the Auto costs a bit more than the Pro and the Pro costs a bit more than the Plus for the DME provider but insurances pays one set amount for that HCPCS code. So it is to the local DME provider's financial benefit to pawn off the entry level Plus on unsuspecting new clients. Most insurances do NOT allow the providers to make an upcharge so don't let them try to con you into paying extra for a Pro or an Auto.

Shop your local DME provider options, those that your insurance is contracted with before you burn your bridges w/your current DME provider, while shopping you just want to find out what your options are and what the DME suppliers are willing to provide.

Keep in mind that the humidifiers are proprietary, one brand's humidifier can not be used w/another brand's PAP. And whilst insurances usually purchase the PAPs on some form of rent to own plan the humidifiers, mask, etc. are paid for up front when you first take possession.

There's a lot to learn when dealing with local DME providers and insurances.

[DJ Sean]

Thanks, Hawthorne...

I will begin harassing the supplier for a new machine and my doc for a prescrip this week.

I am surprised docs don't specify to suppliers that patients should have machines that come with software so they could get a clearer picture as to how the patient is doing.

By the way, I was playing with the machine before (just examining or whatever) and took out the card for a second. When I put it back in, I was toggling through the 'Info' and saw it read, 'Four days'- I have barely had it for one. Not sure what that's about. It also said the card is 100% free...I hope I didn't erase it when I took it out.

[DJ Sean]

Wow...thanks, Slinky. Very insightful. Obviously I have never had to deal with anything like this, but you all make it very clear.

Thanks again!

[Julie]

Hi, I can't advise you on your machine, DME or insurance (I'm in Canada), but would suggest that all that beer just prior to bedtime is not going to help anything and could be a problem. Also, you're using only a nasal mask, and if you even think you might be mouth breathing while sleeping, it would be worthwhile to try a 'full face' mask like the Quattro, so you don't end up losing all the pumped in air out of your mouth. Won't help you feel better at all. Good luck with it all.

[DJ Sean]

Thanks, Julie...I already started thinking about getting one of those chinstraps.

And no, the beer is not good right before bed and is not usually part of my routine. I do drink wine every day, but not a lot and not late at night.

[rested gal]

Welcome to the forum, Sean. That was a good introductory post you wrote!
And that's a GREAT attitude you have.

I am now embracing it and looking at it as a positive

You're going to be a "cpap success" for sure. I'd bet on it!

cflame1, Slinky, and Hawthorne are tellin' you right.

Here's Janknitz's great info for anyone who is newly diagnosed and doesn't yet have a machine...or...someone who has recently received a machine:

What you need to know before you meet your DME

To help you sort out the names of machines, here's a link to my list of machines that record "full data" (AHI and leak info) and those that don't -- updated January 2011:
You'll want a machine that can record leak and AHI info. The ones in blue do that; the ones in red do not:
viewtopic.php?p=307168#p307168

[TalonNYC]

Hiya! I'm a newbie too (just started therapy 6 nights back. If you want to give the pillows another go at some point, try a little ayr saline gel on the edges of your nostrils (nares). It tends to lessen the overall discomfort for me. However, do indeed try other masks, the first one the DME gave me was a nasal mask that gave me a horrible irritation reaction under my nose, so I feel for you =)

[Slinky]

You're welcome. Another little "secret" out of the bag is that Resmed, Respironics and Fisher & Paykel wlll replace FREE to local DME providers most any of their mask models that patients have tried and been unsuccessful with IF the DME provider will fill out a form and return form and mask to the manufacturer W/IN 30 DAYS. So there really is little to no excuse for the provider to not offer a lenient mask exchange policy.

So what you want is a local DME provider who will supply you w/a fully data capable PAP, that has staff that you are comfortable working with AND that offers a lenient mask exchange polilcy. Once they've found your needed pressure setting THE MASK becomes THE KEY to SUCCESSFUL PAP therapy.

[DJ Sean]

Wow...that is tremendous article, RestedGal! I read the first page and will now go and finish. Totally not surprising that this is how the industry operates, but I just hope I can get them to give me the better type of machine.

[Hawthorne]

The cards on those machines use very little space per night. It will say 100% free for a looong time even after you have put many hours on it!

I doubt that you erased anything when you took it out and scrolling through "info" won't do anything. Not sure why it says "four days" but often these machines are left running for some time during testing.

[DJ Sean]

Hey Talon...

I may give the pillows another shot...I just wanted to test the other mask I got from the sleep study.

Can I get that saline gel anywhere like Walgreens or Rite Aid?