Newbie presentation + success story + advises request

[Edo-Edo]

Hello,

First thanks a million for the forum and all the users I have read for months now looking for info about CPAP and reassure me about my own experience.

I haven’t found the section to present myself in the forum so I will start here to present myself, to provide an almost success story and to ask a question.
I’m Edo, 30 years old French guy (sorry for my English) living in Ireland for 3 years now.

I always had sleep issues since I’m child. As far as I (and my parents) remember, I have never made normal nights due to insomnia and fear of sleep. Those insomnias reduced a bit during teenage but with years it has been harder and harder for me to rest.

For 10 years now, more I sleep, more I’m tired. If I sleep 12hours in a row, I’m more tired than if I sleep 6hours for example.

Turning 30 I realized that it was impacting my social and professional life more and more (as well as my health I guess).

When friends who slept in the same place they told me that I snored horribly and my girlfriend was scared by the way I breathed and stopped breathing during the night.
I’ve heard about sleep apnea on radio shows, magazines, etc... and I matched almost all the symptoms.
I decided to talk to my doctor about this and told him I would like to have a sleep study to confirm my doubts.

The results of the sleep apnea showed that I had a lots of apnea events when I sleep. I do not remember exactly the number but was something like 24. My sleep study results says 22.47 event of A+H (not sure if it means Apnea + Hypopnea). Anyway, the consultant offered me to wear a dental device (sorry I do not find the name in English) to help me to breath because for my age it would be the most convenient solution to wear. I refused as my sister got it and it didn’t work very well and was painful. I told him that I was ready for a CPAP machine as I wanted the most effective solution (I was starting to go crazy due to the lack of rest).

So, this year in March a CPAP service provider booked by my consultant came home to set up a CPAP machine for me.
I started to use it straight away and felt rested for the first time since long time. It worked 3days then I fell asleep without, woke up without the machine without remembering that I took the mask off my face and turn off the machine during the night, etc.... So, I use it every day but not complete night. I force myself to try to keep it all night as I know I will feel a lot better and happier the day after (more energy, less depressed, more social and productive).

To reassure new users, I have a fear to fall asleep sometimes (randomly) and claustrophobia (randomly too). So, imagine me sleeping with this on my face. The good thing is I can do it and really enjoy feeling rested the day after willing to go out all night after work.

Now technical, question part:
I’m renting the machine, and I would like to buy one by myself.
For now, I have a Devilbiss, SleepCube Autodjust DV54-UK with heater and a nasal pillow mask.
It works well for me and I already looked online to buy one. Unfortunately, it is not easy to find one in Europe with all the parts (especially at a good price) as I would like to have the software I do not have for now.
The provider offered me 1500€ (1650$)to buy this machine from them. I laugh and chocked before asking if they were serious about the price (without mask and software ofcourse).
I found this machine online in the USA with all the parts and delivered to Europe for 600-800€ (delivery included). But ordering from the US is not the most convenient way for me (in case of dysfunction, problem etc...).
After hours of online search all around the world for this machine, I conclude that it would maybe a good idea to purchase a different machine. Probably better and cheaper.

So, I would like to have your opinion and advises about the best machines under 900€ (1000$).

I can set up the machine myself, so I do not need a service provider to do it for me.

I have read this forum for hours every weeks since I have the machine and I know there are some experts here.

I have the machine for 6months now and it works pretty well for me (it is why I wanted the same). So I can use the setup of this machine and apply them to the new one and adjust it if needed according to the results shown on the software.

I would prefer a popular machine with good feedbacks from users, but the choice is very large and I’m a bit lost as I have no experience with CPAP a part from my machine.

I thanks every members of this forum in advance for the advises you could provide to me.

If there is anything unclear in my presentation or my request or if you need yourself any advises from me, do not hesitate, it will be a pleasure to help you.

Also, If I can provide any further info like my sleep study results, my actual settings etc... do not hesitate to ask.


Have a great day all and a good night

[Pugsy]

ordering from the US is not the most convenient way for me (in case of dysfunction, problem etc...).
After hours of online search all around the world for this machine, I conclude that it would maybe a good idea to purchase a different machine. Probably better and cheaper.

So, I would like to have your opinion and advises about the best machines under 900€ (1000$).

I don't know which machines are available in that price range in your area.
If you could tell us the choices we could advise as to the pros and cons among your choices in your area.

But... check out secondwindcpap.com Prices are good, warranty is available and while maybe not quite as convenient as local...they are good people to work with.
http://www.secondwindcpap.com/
for pricing...they have some really good deals on some really nice machines (both gently used or new open box zero hour machines) where you can almost get 2 really good machines for your $1000.

If you want to use the software then stick with models that are on the newer side that use a SD card for data storage and transfer to the software.

ResMed and Respironics are probably the 2 main players in the cpap department.
Learn your models because not all models will furnish useful data on that SD card. Some just store hours of use.

The very latest ResMed model cpap/apap is the AirSense 10 series model line
So these would be a good choice
AirSense 10 Elite (fixed cpap only but full data)
AirSense 10 AutoSet or the AutoSet for 10...cpap/apap machine or auto adjusting...which would be the "top of the line"...full data and software is easy (free) to obtain and use.

The prior model line in the ResMed machines was the S9 model line
So these would be a good choice.
S9 Elite (fixed cpap mode only but full data)
S9 Autoset cpap/apap with the 2 modes and auto adjusting
These are great machines and since the release of the AirSense 10 models the price on the S9 models have become fairly attractive.

Avoid anything in the S9 model line with the word "Escape" in it.
Avoid the AirSense 10 CPAP model..it's fixed cpap
Both of these models don't gather full data but mainly gather hours of use on the SD cards they contain.

In the Respironics brand
The DreamStation is the newest model and these machines would be full data with easy to obtain and use software
The DreamStation Pro is a fixed cpap machine and it's full data
The DreamStation Auto CPAP is the cpap/apap model with auto adjusting pressures and it's full data

the prior model...PR System One 60 Series machines
PR System One 60 series Pro (fixed cpap)
PR System One 60 series Auto cpap (fixed and auto adjusting).

When given a choice...the Auto cpaps with auto adjusting pressure capabilities are probably the ideal choice because they have both fixed cpap mode and auto adjusting modes available...so they are like 2 machines in one.

[Edo-Edo]

Thank you a lot Pugsy. I really appreciate your detailed answer. You help me a lot to choose a machine.

I will take time to review all possibilities.

I have another question you maybe can answer or I will post a new subject:

I see that in the USA to buy/order a CPAP machine a Doctor prescription is mandatory.
The prescription has to be made by a sleep consultant or a simple GP (General Practitioner Doctor) prescription is enough?

[ckeith]

Thank you a lot Pugsy. I really appreciate your detailed answer. You help me a lot to choose a machine.

There are GOOD & Compassionate people here -
people who take Time & Effort to help

Meanwhile they have me practicing my Newbie Comfy Techniques with my new CPAP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpDbk1sNH7A

.

[Julie]

In the US a prescription can be written by any doctor, by licensed physician's assistants, by dentists, etc.