BiPAP vs Auto CPAP

[Elapid]

My Insurance Co screwed me first by not accepting me for an in house sleep study so I had a Home study. Well surprise surprise I have Apena and the insurance didn't pay anything because I haven't met my $3,000 out of pocket minimum. Then a DME called and wanted to "fit" me with a CPAP and when I asked how much out of pocket it was they told me by the end of the first year it would be $1,200. SO I go to CPAP.com and buy an Auto CPAP and everything, heated tube, humidifer and a couple of mask for under $800. I've had experience with getting ripped off on DME and insurance before so I knew to look around and see how much I could save, good move Elapid! Now they want a titration study to set my pressures. But reading as much as I can about the Auto CPAP I'm getting the idea that the machine will read my breathing and set the pressure I need without me doing anything. So would I really need a titration study if my AHI for the last week was .6? The initial pressure on the prescription was 4-10 and I bumped it up to 6-12 to help keep the mask sealed and interestingly have more comfort. The Insurance isn't going to pay for the titration study, I have to spend 3k first and my medical bills are already high from my prior insurance. Am I wrong in thinking I would be alright if I monitor my levels and would go if something isn't correct? I haven't been able to get my phone to sync with the bluetooth feature yet so this is what I have for you to help with my question. Any help or information would be appreciated. Thank you ahead for helping me with my Apnea, OSA buy the way, question. This board is the most help I think anyone can get on Sleep Apnea, you're my support group

[Pugsy]

Exactly which machine brand and model did you end up buying?
Where is the BiPap vs AutoCPAP part of the subject coming into your question?

Finally...in general yes...you can easily use the auto adjusting pressures of an APAP machine and bypass the titration sleep study as long as there aren't any complicating factors and that's what I would do.
Put the in lab titration on the back burner for now. It can always be done later if need be.

Bluetooth? I would use the available software to see in detail what is going on. The Bluetooth data is usually fairly limited and since the software is free and easy to use and shows so much more I wouldn't even mess with the Bluetooth.

[grayghost4]

With many insurance co. a two week loaner of a autopap is the titration study.
Many of us here have done exactly what you are starting to do ... with great success.
Download Sleepyheads software and monitor your progress and make small adjustment over time... it may take a little time to get the ideal setting for you.
If you need help, post some graphs and ask questions.
Good luck.

[Elapid]

Thanks for the info, looks like I'm getting into the learning curve a little. I downloaded Sleepyhead but will have to get a SD reader to get the data in my computer. The seasoned users on this board are such a help to us newbies, I'm so glad I found this forum and the information here. I think I can speak for most of the newbies here that your effort to help others is greatly appreciated.

[Wulfman...]

To rephrase or re-ask Pugsy's question.........
How does your post relate to BiPAP therapy?


Den

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[Elapid]

I should have made the title more clear, there isn't any question about BiPAP. I didn't want to put the generic "Help" and didn't title the thread right. I'm just getting familiar with nomenclature and the jargon on all this, bear with me I'll get better. Pugsy answered my question.

[Pugsy]

No problem. Just wanted to make sure that you didn't have a specific question that went unanswered.
There is a pretty good sized learning curve when it comes to all this.