Found out I had Sleep Apnea, had overnight sleep test ....

brians2000 · Post by **brians2000** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 5:17 pm

Wednesday I had to have an overnight sleep test with the CPAP machine hooked up and I am suppose to see my doctor again in one month. My technician said I will be getting my CPAP in a couple of weeks and I should use it so I can tell the doctor how I feel when I go back to him in a month. My question is does the doctor look at my results and order everything I need? If I am suppose to use it before I see him again, how will I know what to do, such as hooking it up and how much pressure I should use? During the sleep test I used the full mask because i didn't know whether I sleep with my mouth open or closed. I grind my teeth at night and have to use a night guard so I figured I keep my mouth closed. Since I used the full mask will the doctor order the full mask? Actually I would like to have the type mask that goes into the nose and also one that covers the mouth and nose in case my head is stuffy. Since everyone here probably went thru the same question maybe someone can give me some advice. Thanks, Brian

Stefernie · Post by **Stefernie** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 5:40 pm

brians2000 wrote:Wednesday I had to have an overnight sleep test with the CPAP machine hooked up and I am suppose to see my doctor again in one month. My technician said I will be getting my CPAP in a couple of weeks and I should use it so I can tell the doctor how I feel when I go back to him in a month. My question is does the doctor look at my results and order everything I need? If I am suppose to use it before I see him again, how will I know what to do, such as hooking it up and how much pressure I should use? During the sleep test I used the full mask because i didn't know whether I sleep with my mouth open or closed. I grind my teeth at night and have to use a night guard so I figured I keep my mouth closed. Since I used the full mask will the doctor order the full mask? Actually I would like to have the type mask that goes into the nose and also one that covers the mouth and nose in case my head is stuffy. Since everyone here probably went thru the same question maybe someone can give me some advice. Thanks, Brian

Hi Brian, welcome to CPAP life!

Each time you had an "apnea", or stopped breathing, the tech raised the air pressure of the machine. The sleep study with the mask will be scored and sent to the doctor. The doctor will basically write you a "prescription" that will say "CPAP at __ cm"...this will be your pressure setting. The sleep folks at your lab will then order your CPAP from whatever company they use. That company will check your insurance, and then a respiratory therapist will call you. She'll make an appointment for you to come in or her to come out to your house. Tell her the kind of mask you want. She'll deliver your machine and mask. Mine had several masks for me to choose from because I had them write "mask of choice" on the order. I just got the one I used at my titration study. She'll show you how to use the machine and clean it. She'll also discuss money matters, or in my case, say bye and tell you the insurance'll be billed.

You may also have a data card. The RT will show you how to use this feature as well. When you go back to your sleep doctor, insert the card into the machine before you go. It'll download your data...take it with you and the doctor will read it and be able to talk to you about how things are going.

I hope this helps and I cannot express to you how much better you will feel.

Sergey45 · Post by **Sergey45** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 5:42 pm

You can see all of my mask’s experience in my signature. It might give you some hints.
Sergey.

Stefernie · Post by **Stefernie** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 5:45 pm

Sergey45 wrote:You can see all of my mask’s experience in my signature. It might give you some hints.
Sergey.

I love my Swift...the only thing I don't like is the headgear sliding up the back of my head, but putting my hair up before bed fixes that. I found the inside of my nose a lil sore too. Perhaps I'll try some Vaseline like you did.

Stefernie · Post by **Stefernie** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 5:46 pm

I was also gonna say Brian, if you click in people's signatures, where people have posted what machines and masks they use, you can see exactly what they are. Do some research before the RT calls you. It'll help.

P.S. I got my EOB from the insurance a couple days ago. My portion will be $284.

Wulfman... · Post by **Wulfman...** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 5:52 pm

Don't depend on your doctor or sleep lab to order your equipment.
Get your prescription and shop around......buying online is also an option.
Start studying and reading about your condition and the equipment you'll be using. There are LOTS of options as far as equipment goes and you NEED to be well-informed so you aren't handed the cheapest, low-end stuff. They're going to charge your insurance the same amount whether it's the low-end or high-end equipment......the only difference is their profit and the machine capabilities. This is going to be YOUR therapy for a LONG, LONG time.....you need the best equipment to start with.

Go to near the top of the forum page and click on the yellow "light bulb" icon and read "Our Collective Wisdom".

Best wishes,

Den

Stefernie · Post by **Stefernie** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 5:54 pm

I hear ya Wulf. I pestered the SNOT out of my sleep lab.

"What mask are ya gonna order? Have you ordered it yet?"

I couldn't pick my machine, and she only brought me one. It was a nice machine though, only wish it had more data capability and EPR. She had a bag full of masks to choose from though, so that was good.

Brian, you should call your sleep lab and tell them to write "mask of choice" on your order. That way the RT can give you several mask choices. If you liked the one you used during your study, ask them to order that one. STAY ON TOP of your sleep lab. Like Wulf said, you are using this thing for a LONG, LONG time. Be insistent that you get what you want.

The doctor HAS to give you a copy of you RX by law, so as Wulf said, ordering online is another option you have. I think CPAP.com will even bill your insurance for you.

Patrick A · Post by **Patrick A** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 6:23 pm

Welcome to the forum Brian.

Feel free to ask any question you feel you need to ask. There are a lot of people where that have the info that you may need and if they don't they can probably tell you or point you to the correct answer.

Patrick A · Post by **Patrick A** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 6:25 pm

The doctor HAS to give you a copy of you RX by law, so as Wulf said, ordering online is another option you have. I think CPAP.com will even bill your insurance for you.

Yes they will

brians2000 · Post by **brians2000** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 10:14 pm

Hello to everyone and thanks for all the great information. I had no idea if I would even get one reply but this group forum has been extra special. I will call my sleep lab and tell them to put down mask of choice the first thing Monday morning. Will the sleep lab let me know if I should have a humidifier or not. What is the humidifier for and what does it do for us with sleep apnea? I will continue to read all information I can about the machines and mask. What should I expect to pay for a machine and which kind have had the best results. Which mask have the best results also and what should I expect to pay for one of those. Right now my day consist of me waking up and dosing off just for a second or two all throughout the day. Will the sleep apnea machine help with this problem. How long should I wear it before I start feeling better. Also how long does it take for someone to get use to it? I am sure I will have lots of questions and since I personally don't know anyone with it then I will continue my research and learn all I can. Thanks, Brian

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 5:18 am

The heated humidifier is to give moisture. Some find that they do better without the HH, but some of us need it to keep the nasal tissues from drying out. It wil help if you have a dry mouth, and may help with congestion. Once you have it you can use it without heat, in passover mode for the very least amount of moisture, or crank it all the way up for higher amounts of moisture. I need to keep mine on 3 or I get a bloody nose.
For prices I and most of the available cpap machines and masks I check at cpap.com the host of this site. You will find reviews for each of the items they have for sale also.
Masks are the hard part. Everyones face is different so what works for me may not work for you. I feel that everyone should have 1 full face mask that works well for them, for times when you have a cold or need a break from tape/poligrip. Nasal masks (just cover your nose), nasal pillows(meet the nares), nasal prongs(go into the nose), can all require that you tape your mouth shut to stop mouth breathing or mouth leaking. Breathing or leaking from your mouth will ruin the treatment as all the pressure is lost at the 'leak'. Many of us tape our mouths shut every night. Some find it better to use poligrip strips to seal the mouth.
I've read that it can take 4-6 weeks to get used to all of this. I took to it like a duck to water. Everyone is different, some feel great right away and some take months to notice even small improvements. But if you have any problems or questions just come back and post...someone will be here to help!

Brenda

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 7:33 am

Get the heated humidifier. You may find in the summer you don't use it much or use it as a passover, but when it is dry it is necessary for most of us.

On price.

Check your insurance copay and deductable yourself via phone. Don't depend on the DME.

Then get the DME to give you a quote (what you will be billed at the end of the day when the machine becomes yours, or and sometimes this is better because the DMEs don't understand or don't want to. "What will be billed to my insurance company" You can figure your own copay.

Then cross check your price on cpap.com for the same machine. Make sure you are not copaying more than you would pay cash out of pocket ignoring insurance.

Make sure you get the machine you want right at the start. It gets harder after that to make changes. Not impossible but harder

Get a data recording machine at the minimum.

roster · Post by **roster** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 7:59 am

[quote="Stefernie"]............. Perhaps I'll try some Vaseline like you did.

Stefernie · Post by **Stefernie** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 9:03 am

brians2000 wrote:Hello to everyone and thanks for all the great information. I had no idea if I would even get one reply but this group forum has been extra special. I will call my sleep lab and tell them to put down mask of choice the first thing Monday morning. Will the sleep lab let me know if I should have a humidifier or not. What is the humidifier for and what does it do for us with sleep apnea? I will continue to read all information I can about the machines and mask. What should I expect to pay for a machine and which kind have had the best results. Which mask have the best results also and what should I expect to pay for one of those. Right now my day consist of me waking up and dosing off just for a second or two all throughout the day. Will the sleep apnea machine help with this problem. How long should I wear it before I start feeling better. Also how long does it take for someone to get use to it? I am sure I will have lots of questions and since I personally don't know anyone with it then I will continue my research and learn all I can. Thanks, Brian

My whole setup was $975. I got a good mid-range machine and a good mask. And everyone's right, be proactive. Know what your $$$ responsibility will be after insurance. Look at your insurance benefits summary and look for "Durable Medical Equipment" to see what they cover. Call them if you have any questions.

All CPAP machines serve the main function of blowing air. Where they differ is in their features. CPAP.com has a feature list for each machine. Have fun shopping!

They'll probably automatically order you a humidifier, especially if you live in a dry climate. This will serve to keep your schnoz moist...plain dry air will dry out your nostrils and make you miserable. A heated humidifier is even nicer.

You should start feeling better right away. I felt better after my titration study. I only got 5 hours of sleep there, but I noticed immediately that my brain didn't feel "foggy". Keep in mind though, it does take a few weeks to get adjusted to sleeping with the mask on your face. The noise of the machine shouldn't bother you though, most machines are no louder than a fan.

*MY* setup is an S8 Escape with its companion heated humidifier and a Swift II nasal pillow mask. *I* love it, but it varies SO. MUCH. from person to person as to what they like and are comfy with. I could put a Swift II on another person and they'd HATE it. If you liked the full face, then get one. Get what ya like and what ya want. Don't be afraid to be firm.

If you look under everyone's posts where it shows their setup, you can click them. That's a good way to find out about different machines and masks.

JZ · Post by JZ » Sat Jun 30, 2007 2:08 pm

brians2000 wrote:I grind my teeth at night and have to use a night guard so I figured I keep my mouth closed.

brian 2000,

Being a tooth grinder and using a nightguard does not guarantee that you keep your mouth closed all night. I am not a healthcare professional, but I would assume that when a person is in deep restorative sleep (which I hope you will experience soon with CPAP), the jaw muscles relax and the mouth can flop open. Also, even if your jaws are clenched, one's lips can flutter open and the CPAP air can escape out the mouth rather than keeping the throat open like it is supposed to.

Different people experience improvement from CPAP at different times. Some people feel better immediately and others take weeks, months, or (shudder) longer. My best advice to you is to keep visiting this forum to learn more and to ask questions.

Best of luck to you.

Janna

Found out I had Sleep Apnea, had overnight sleep test ....

Found out I had Sleep Apnea, had overnight sleep test ....

Re: Found out I had Sleep Apnea, had overnight sleep test ..

Re: Found out I had Sleep Apnea, had overnight sleep test ..

Re: Found out I had Sleep Apnea, had overnight sleep test ..

Thanks so much for all the information

Re: Found out I had Sleep Apnea, had overnight sleep test ..

Re: Thanks so much for all the information

Re: Found out I had Sleep Apnea, had overnight sleep test ..

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