Getting first machine

salton · Post by **salton** » Tue Feb 12, 2013 10:38 pm

So Thursday I am going to see the respiratory therapist to get setup for cpap. I would like to know what questions I should ask, and what to look out for. I have no idea what to expect, and don't like the feeling of "If I knew then......"
So if anyone can offer any tips, I would be grateful.
I do not know if I will be given any choice of machines, or if I just get what my ins. co. gives me, or even if they will give me one or I have to buy it.
I guess I don't know much, I just want to do my sleeping at night, not all afternoon at work.

Pugsy · Post by **Pugsy** » Tue Feb 12, 2013 10:49 pm

Read these 2 blogs from one of our forum members

http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/

http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/what-y ... me-part-i/

cosmo · Post by **cosmo** » Tue Feb 12, 2013 11:24 pm

Do you have a prescription in hand? If not, call tomorrow and ask what type of equipment you will be picking up on Thursday.

salton · Post by **salton** » Wed Feb 13, 2013 12:26 am

I do not. I had to call the MD today to find out why I hadn't heard anything for two weeks. The therapist called me an hour later to set the appointment. Should I call the Doc or the Therapy place?

Sheriff Buford · Post by **Sheriff Buford** » Wed Feb 13, 2013 8:27 am

The link Pugs gave you probably says this, but make sure you get a prescription from your doctor that requires a data capable machine. I like the Resmed Autoset S9. You can use the S9 in straight cpap mode or in the autoset mode... whichever you prefer. It will give you data to track your progress. Tell the doctor what you want and don't take anything less or take any lip from the DME (the place you pick up your equipment).

Make sure the doctor prescribes a separate prescription for the mask and it states "mask that the patient prefers". Make sure the DME will allow you to return the mask within 30 days. That will give you time (and be long enough) to see if the mask you have is the right mask for you. People are different and masks are different. What I like, you may not like and vise versa. Mask shopping is a journey we all go thru. I went thru a half-dozen masks before I found one that I like. A mask should be comfortable to you and doesn't leak. Get the DME to show you how to adjust the straps on the mask. Make a copy of the prescriptions so you have it for replacements or if you want to go to a different DME or buy a mask on-line.

Work all your issues here. Your body will get ticked off at you for trying to sleep with a dang mask on, but it will succumb to you... you will win out. Hope the best for you and keep us updated.

Sheriff

salton · Post by **salton** » Wed Feb 13, 2013 9:13 am

Very helpful info. Those links were just what I was looking for. Lets me know what to expect. I suspect I will be given a basic machine, as the insurance company policy is that DME "fullfills basic needs, not personal preference or range of capabilities."
The good news is there is no copay. I suppose if I get stuck with a brick, I can keep an eye out for a good used unit to buy later. I live in "God's waiting room" so folks are always checking out,and I am sure there are lightly used units around.
Thank You for the guidance.

Dewain · Post by **Dewain** » Wed Feb 13, 2013 9:39 am

I just strated on this forum today and have found the info very usefull, Im trying to get used to this Cpap machine its a S9 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine & H5i™ Heated Humidifier that I just started using Saturday 9th of feb. I have a full mask but its hurting my nose Im still trying different thing's. Would like to figure out if there is software that will let me see my results from the previouse night's sleep.

Pugsy · Post by **Pugsy** » Wed Feb 13, 2013 11:43 am

Dewain wrote:I just strated on this forum today and have found the info very usefull, Im trying to get used to this Cpap machine its a S9 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine & H5i™ Heated Humidifier that I just started using Saturday 9th of feb. I have a full mask but its hurting my nose Im still trying different thing's. Would like to figure out if there is software that will let me see my results from the previouse night's sleep.

Yes, there is software available.
You can use SleepyHead. I have links in my signature line. It also has a Mac version.

You can also used ResMed's software. Look in UncleBob's signature line for information on how to find ResScan.
memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=38643

Video tutorial on using ResScan here
http://montfordhouse.com/cpap/resscan_tutorial/

Sheriff Buford · Post by **Sheriff Buford** » Wed Feb 13, 2013 1:03 pm

salton wrote: I live in "God's waiting room" so folks are always checking out,and I am sure there are lightly used units around.

What's "God's Waiting Room"?

Sheriff

cosmo · Post by **cosmo** » Wed Feb 13, 2013 1:45 pm

Old people home.

DiverCTHunter · Post by **DiverCTHunter** » Wed Feb 13, 2013 2:41 pm

Sheriff Buford wrote:
salton wrote: I live in "God's waiting room" so folks are always checking out,and I am sure there are lightly used units around.
What's "God's Waiting Room"?

Sheriff

That would be Miami Florida - the Nursing Home capital of the world. Also known as the 6th Borough of New York

salton · Post by **salton** » Wed Feb 13, 2013 2:51 pm

Sheriff Buford wrote:
salton wrote: I live in "God's waiting room" so folks are always checking out,and I am sure there are lightly used units around.
What's "God's Waiting Room"?

Sheriff

That is what we call Palm Springs Ca. A lot of older folks here, retirees.

archangle · Post by **archangle** » Wed Feb 13, 2013 11:36 pm

You should find out who's "in network" for your insurance.

You may not have a choice of machines, in theory, but you usually have a choice of DMEs. (CPAP sellers.) Don't be afraid to walk out. You choose your supplier, not your doctor.

Also check the links in my signature line for what machines to get.

salton · Post by **salton** » Fri Feb 15, 2013 10:42 am

I checked my insurance, and they make it very clear that they provide what the want to meet your basic needs. The RT who did my study made it clear I needed heat and humidity, which were my main concerns.
They gave me a Respronics System One. I chose nose pillows.
Last night was not too bad. I only got up once, which was nice. Had some issues falling asleep, but I used the ramp feature and managed to drift off. My nose is slightly tender, but nothing severe, at least not yet.
I found out my AHI was 58. O2 Saturation was 75%.
I tried to download the software, but it sid it is incompatible with Windows 8. Does anyone know if there is a new version?

Pugsy · Post by **Pugsy** » Fri Feb 15, 2013 10:45 am

salton wrote:I tried to download the software, but it sid it is incompatible with Windows 8. Does anyone know if there is a new version?

Which software?
Encore? Which version?
The problem with Encore installation is with the installer. It's not compatible with Windows 8 and there is no Encore version that is compatible. There is a work around though. Do you have access to a Windows 7 or older computer?

Also, look on the bottom of your machine for the 3 digit model number...what is that 3 digit number?
It's important to know.

Getting first machine

Getting first machine

Re: Getting first machine

Re: Getting first machine

Re: Getting first machine

Re: Getting first machine

Re: Getting first machine

Re: Getting first machine

Re: Getting first machine

Re: Getting first machine

Re: Getting first machine

Re: Getting first machine

Re: Getting first machine

Re: Getting first machine

Re: Getting first machine

Re: Getting first machine