No Prescription

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
bt_rox88@yahoo.com

No Prescription

Post by bt_rox88@yahoo.com » Fri Jan 27, 2017 11:58 pm

I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea about 10 years ago. At the time I couldn't sleep with the machine, and I gave it away. My sleep apnea is worse than ever so I decided to purchase one on Amazon. I am setting it up, and I see where it is recommended that I have a clinician set some values. Is this really necessary? Seems that since they sell these devices on Amazon that many people may be self prescribing using the device.

Thanks,
BT

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zoocrewphoto
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Re: No Prescription

Post by zoocrewphoto » Sat Jan 28, 2017 12:29 am

Which machine did you get? Hopefully, it is one with data. You can start with some basic settings and then use the data to optimize your settings.

Most people do not do well at a pressure of 4 or 5, so I would recommend starting at at least 6. If you have an auto machine, I would set a small range and see how it goes. You usually want to use the lowest pressure you can get away with while still having good results AND feeling good. Fo example, if you set the machine for 6-10, and you feel good and the ahi is below 2 or so,then you probably have great settings. If you find that the machine spends the whole night at 10, you will need to raise both the minimum and maximum. We can help you figure out when you need to raise it.

To start off with, tell us your equipment, get sleepyhead to download your data and post it, and tell us what kind of problems you have. We can help with leaks, uncomfortable mask, feeling like you can't get enough air, feeling like you have too much air, gas pain, trouble falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, etc.

You have come to the right place!

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Mask: Quattro™ FX Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control
Additional Comments: Resmed S9 autoset pressure range 11-17
Who would have thought it would be this challenging to sleep and breathe at the same time?

bt_rox88
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Re: No Prescription

Post by bt_rox88 » Sat Jan 28, 2017 6:36 pm

Thanks for the information, I appreciate it.

The machine I purchased is Apex XT Fit. The mask is a Philips Respironics Nuance Pro. I can set the starting pressure, ramp time and therapy pressure.

I have crappy insurance, and I don't want to go through the steps of seeing a Dr, then having to see a sleep therapist as well as a sleep study. The last time I went through this there were multiple visits to the Dr, as well as multiple visits to the Sleep therapist and then multiple sleep studies. My insurance was much better back then. Now I am sure I would be in the thousands of dollars. I would have to pay for all of that out of my pocket. Since I had already been determined to have sleep apnea, I would rather just purchase a nice machine. Are there any nice models that anyone would suggest that I purchase? Mine does not seems to track the AHI, so I might want one that does.

Thanks,
BT
Machine: Phillips Respironics Dreamstation
Mask: Phillips Respironics Nuance Pro

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LSAT
Posts: 13328
Joined: Sun Nov 16, 2008 10:11 am
Location: SE Wisconsin

Re: No Prescription

Post by LSAT » Sat Jan 28, 2017 8:02 pm

Here is a great deal...no prescription needed. Great machine..fully data capable.
https://www.amazon.com/Respironics-dx50 ... ap+machine

SewTired
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Location: Minneapolis area

Re: No Prescription

Post by SewTired » Sun Jan 29, 2017 6:55 pm

bt_rox88 wrote: The machine I purchased is Apex XT Fit. The mask is a Philips Respironics Nuance Pro. I can set the starting pressure, ramp time and therapy pressure.
Apex XT Fit is a travel machine. It gives no data at all, so is a complete brick. Fine for a backup. What you need is something that gives you data in order to determine what you need. Spend some time with the stickies at the top of the forum. You'll find a lot of info but moreover, you will find recommendations for machines. As already indicated you can get some machines via Amazon without a prescription.

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