Oxygen and APAP

[LarryD]

I've been using supplemental oxygen overnight for 30 days now. The impact on my AHI has been dramatic. I went from an average of 3.8 to 2.0 with only one reading over 3.0. I was very surprised at the impact oxygen had on my numbers. I've never had more than 18 days with my AHI less than 5.0 since Feb 2011.

The downside is my medicare insurer wouldn't pay for the equipment I wanted. I contacted all the providers in my "network" and got the same answer. The insurer said that I would have to get a written justification from my Dr. for the portable oxygen concentrator I wanted. When I called the Dr.'s office and asked for the justification, I received no reply. Subsequently, I purchased the POC I wanted off the internet. The unit meets its advertising and I'm happy with it.

[Stormynights]

I've been using supplemental oxygen overnight for 30 days now. The impact on my AHI has been dramatic. I went from an average of 3.8 to 2.0 with only one reading over 3.0. I was very surprised at the impact oxygen had on my numbers. I've never had more than 18 days with my AHI less than 5.0 since Feb 2011.

The downside is my medicare insurer wouldn't pay for the equipment I wanted. I contacted all the providers in my "network" and got the same answer. The insurer said that I would have to get a written justification from my Dr. for the portable oxygen concentrator I wanted. When I called the Dr.'s office and asked for the justification, I received no reply. Subsequently, I purchased the POC I wanted off the internet. The unit meets its advertising and I'm happy with it.

Oxygen doesn't change my AHI but it does change how I feel. Last night I forgot to turn on my oxygen. I woke up foggy and a terrible headache. My AHI goes up and down. Thursday night it was 5.60 and I felt great. Last night it was 0.0 and I feel like crap.