Question for the ladies here

[Kaibyrd]

Hi all, newbie here. I never expected to be diagnosed with sleep apnea since I've never had any indication that I might have it, but here I am. (I've had Lyme's Disease for many years now with some nerve damage so that could be the cause, I guess.) My sleep apnea is mild with a pressure setting of 5 but it's still going take a LOT for me to get used to the machine because I have claustrophobia. I had the worst time and had to take more sleep supplements to finally get to sleep during the pressure sleep study. I'm thinking of getting the Resperonics Dreamwear Nasal Mask as it looks like the least obstructive and most comfortable mask out there.

So my question is, would getting an auto machine be better than a regular CPAP? Right now my prescription is only for a regular CPAP and my choices from the company my insurance works with are just two; the Phillips Resperonics Dreamstation Pro or the Resmed Airsense 10. If I can get my doctor to change my prescription, would the Resmed Airsense 10 Auto for Her be better for me or would you recommend another auto?

TIA

[Cardsfan]

I recommend getting an Auto machine with full data.

[chunkyfrog]

Which would include the Resmed Airsense 10 Autoset (and the Autoset for her)

[Rose3130]

Hi Kalbyrd,

I couldn't tolerate CPAP or a full face mask on my first sleep study. So the tech immediately put me on Bipap, and gave me a 'hybrid' mask....and I slept the whole night for my study. I too get claustrophobic. At home, I first started with just nasal pillows but didn't tolerate them as I'm a mouth breather once asleep. So I use the 'hybrid' mask: a Liberty Mirage which has nasal pillows, plus the piece that covers the mouth. I've used it for 6 years now.

I don't know anything about the equipment you're using, maybe someone else on here could help. But I definitely feel like a BiPap and a hybrid mask was the way to go for me.

Rose

[Julie]

Get an auto! Autos can be run in plain Cpap mode, but Cpaps only do Cpap. Autos give you the option to switch over if and when you choose to.

[Kaibyrd]

Thanks everyone!

I've just hit a wall though. My doc won't prescribe an auto for me!!! I don't understand why he won't. Is there anything I can do?

Thanks Rose! I already knew I would be getting a nasal pillow mask. I'm looking at the Resmed Airfit P10 for her right now. It looks the most comfortable to me.

[Julie]

Change doctors! Tell yours that Cpap can be run on an auto, but not the other way around and you'd like the option for future if nothing else.

But, failing that, almost any med. pro can write you a script... your dentist, a nurse practitioner, etc. etc.

[Cardsfan]

Are you dealing with insurance to get it? Because my prescription says CPAP and I got an Auto. Contact your insurance co. And see what they require. Also, where are you getting your machine from? They can help, tell them exactly what you want and ask how to get it.

[Kaibyrd]

Change doctors! Tell yours that Cpap can be run on an auto, but not the other way around and you'd like the option for future if nothing else.

But, failing that, almost any med. pro can write you a script... your dentist, a nurse practitioner, etc. etc.

Thanks! I'll ask my other doctor. This doc isn't in office half the time and is booked the rest of the time. He won't do phone consults so I must make another appointment just to talk to him about this which could be several weeks.

[Kaibyrd]

Are you dealing with insurance to get it? Because my prescription says CPAP and I got an Auto. Contact your insurance co. And see what they require. Also, where are you getting your machine from? They can help, tell them exactly what you want and ask how to get it.

Yes, I talked to my DME about it. They won't give me an auto unless it says so on the script and it must say the specific one I want.

[BlackSpinner]

Are you dealing with insurance to get it? Because my prescription says CPAP and I got an Auto. Contact your insurance co. And see what they require. Also, where are you getting your machine from? They can help, tell them exactly what you want and ask how to get it.

Yes, I talked to my DME about it. They won't give me an auto unless it says so on the script and it must say the specific one I want.

That is because most insurance pay them the same and they would lose a few dollars in profit. As you can see their primary concern is their bottom line. And they are not allowed to charge you more. If you go online you can order an auto with your prescription. It depends on your insurance and your deductible but sometimes paying cash ends up cheaper the 13 months of rental copays.

[Michelle-OH]

Are you dealing with insurance to get it? Because my prescription says CPAP and I got an Auto. Contact your insurance co. And see what they require. Also, where are you getting your machine from? They can help, tell them exactly what you want and ask how to get it.

Yes, I talked to my DME about it. They won't give me an auto unless it says so on the script and it must say the specific one I want.

That is because most insurance pay them the same and they would lose a few dollars in profit. As you can see their primary concern is their bottom line. And they are not allowed to charge you more. If you go online you can order an auto with your prescription. It depends on your insurance and your deductible but sometimes paying cash ends up cheaper the 13 months of rental copays.

Yes, my paying cash was much less than the 9 mos. of rental my insurance requires.