Newly Diagnosed - CONFUSED - Need Help

Chesantra · Post by **Chesantra** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 11:59 am

I have recently been diagnosed with Mild Sleep Apnea. I have been given a script for a CPAP machine to be put on a pressure of 8.

I have tried to research this - there is so much confusing info out there I have no clue what most of this stuff means. But here is my biggest problem. I have a $3000 deductible on my insurance which means pretty much the cost of this machine and all that is needed with it is coming out of my pocket. So naturally I want the best deal possible.

The Medical supply Company my doctor sent me to wants to rent me a respironics (I think) machine and all the supplies with a $300 initial payment and then a $100 monthly payment. My Insurance will allow me to rent - apply it all to my deductible and once I meet my ded they will buy a new machine and pay 100%. Its not likely I will reach my deductible so I would be stuck with making this rental payment or buying the equipment myself.

So.. I have struck out on my own.. trying to find the best price for me.. as well as equipment that will work for my needs. There was no indication on the Script that I needed a Humidifier so I dont know if I need one or if it is optional.

Anyone have any suggestions on brands of machines they would recommend?

TXKajun · Post by **TXKajun** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 12:15 pm

Hi, Chesantra and welcome to the forum! You're just where you need to be.

For starters, click on the "Our Collective Wisdom" lightbulb at the top of the page and start reading before you do anything else! Get a full copy of your sleep study AND a copy of your prescription. After that, keep checking in here and ask any and all questions you have. There's a wealth of knowledge here and tons of helpful folks.

As far as purchasing a CPAP, about the best and least expensive place is our host's site, cpap.com. They have all the latest models and all the bells and whistles and accessories you could want. Also, they have a site, Billmyinsurance.com that you could contact to see if they could help with payment.

And don't feel alone! We were all exactly right where you are when we started!! It DOES get better.

Kajun

Babette · Post by **Babette** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 12:18 pm

My deductible was completely cleared by the $10,000 sleep study bill. You might want to check into that before you go crazy.

Also, I second the idea of purchasing everything from cpap.com. Very easy, fast, cheap.

Rent the machine for two months, then return it, and buy your machine at cpap.com.

I personally recommend the machines and mask I've listed in my profile.

Good luck!
B.

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 12:25 pm

You can get everything you need CONSIDERABLY CHEAPER - and most likely a better quality machine - by purchasing online from a reputable online DME supplier such as our host, cpap.com

Start at cpap.com and shop for a better price from there. IF you find a better price for the same machine cpap.com will meet that price if you provide proof via giving them the URL.

Your CPAP script can be generic w/no problem purchasing online. It doesn't have to specify a specific machine.

I would suggest a Respironics M Series Auto w/A-Flex WITH the integrated, heated humidifier. Most people need a heated humidifier but if you don't you can run the machine w/o the humidifier. If you prefer you purchase the machine first and then if you have problem order the humidifier, but it is considerably cheaper to buy them as a package deal and the odds are that you WILL need that humidifier.

Check out this machine and humidifier at cpap.com - and elsewhere.

How did you do during your titratio study with the mask they had you wear? Did you have trouble w/it? Or did you do well with it? If you did well w/it that would be the one to

Chesantra · Post by **Chesantra** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 12:28 pm

My Sleep Study was $2200 and I did not have to pay any of it. All Diagnositcs are covered at 100% on my insurance and it does not apply to my deductible. My Insurance will pay 100% of durable medical equipment after I meet my deductible of $3000.

So what I really need is some info on which machine is best for me.. here are the ones I have been seriously considering:

Manufacturer: Respironics
M Series Plus C-Flex CPAP Machine

Manufacturer: Puritan Bennett
GoodKnight 420G Travel CPAP Machine

I want to make sure I am buying the right equipment.. there are so many choices. Thanks for the feedback so far and I look forward to coming here more often.

Brookbank · Post by **Brookbank** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 12:31 pm

I also had a large deductible. My insurance treated the sleep study as an office visit under the PPO so The mask and machine was on me.

Long story short, my $450 machine cost me $1200 (for 4 months rental plus the upfront charge for hoses, filters, and extra humidifier chamber and at least one other items included at no cost when you purchase directly), a $180 mask $400.

As previously stated, I recommend that you get copies of the prescription and the sleep study summary and order through CPAP.com. I have had nothing but honest service from them at a low price. Also recommend that if you do purchase the mask online, get the return insurance. Each mask fits differently on different users and don't get stuck with one you do not like.

Good luck

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 12:54 pm

Chesantra, I think the Respironics machine with C-flex would be good.

Two things you want in your machine:
1. Full data
2. Pressure relief on exhale. (called C-Flex or EPR)

You don't REALLY need the C-Flex though. A lot of people swear by it, but with your pressure at 8, you should be okay. That feature is better for people who have high pressures. My pressure's 9 and I've gotten used to it without the pressure relief on exhale.

I have an Resmed S8 Escape. My only complaint is that I wish it had full data. It'd be nice if it had the pressure relief, but I really don't need it.

TXKajun · Post by **TXKajun** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 12:55 pm

Chesantra, if you're considering the Puritan Bennet line, I would suggest you look at the "bundle" deal that cpap.com has for the 420E. It's an auto titrating CPAP and can also be run in straight CPAP mode. The bundle comes with a humidifier (which you will need!) and the software to monitor your therapy (something that most of us here do in order to make it the most effective therapy possible). Most folks will recommend getting a CPAP with full data capabilities, not one that just records compliance.

Good luck.

Kajun

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 12:57 pm

TXKajun wrote:Most folks will recommend getting a CPAP with full data capabilities, not one that just records compliance.

Good luck.

Kajun

Amen. Mine doesn't have it and I wish it did.

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 1:06 pm

[quote="Chesantra"]I have recently been diagnosed with Mild Sleep Apnea. I have been given a script for a CPAP machine to be put on a pressure of 8.

I have tried to research this - there is so much confusing info out there I have no clue what most of this stuff means. But here is my biggest problem. I have a $3000 deductible on my insurance which means pretty much the cost of this machine and all that is needed with it is coming out of my pocket. So naturally I want the best deal possible.

The Medical supply Company my doctor sent me to wants to rent me a respironics (I think) machine and all the supplies with a $300 initial payment and then a $100 monthly payment. My Insurance will allow me to rent - apply it all to my deductible and once I meet my ded they will buy a new machine and pay 100%. Its not likely I will reach my deductible so I would be stuck with making this rental payment or buying the equipment myself.

So.. I have struck out on my own.. trying to find the best price for me.. as well as equipment that will work for my needs. There was no indication on the Script that I needed a Humidifier so I dont know if I need one or if it is optional.

Anyone have any suggestions on brands of machines they would recommend?

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 2:38 pm

Snoredog wrote:I would suggest getting the F&P HC150, then you can use it with any machine you buy:
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/fisher ... ifier.html

I agree with Snoredog about getting the Fisher & Paykel HC150 heated humidifier, instead of an integrated humidifier with a machine. As he said, the F&P humidifier can be used with any machine. If you change brands of machines in the future, or if you get a second machine as a backup, you'll already have an excellent humidifier that can work with any of them.

The two machines you mentioned that you were considering are both good machines, but they don't record full data...they record just hours of use. If you want to be proactive about your own treatment, and want an inexpensive cpap machine, I'd go a bit deeper into my pocketbook and get one of these, which do record full data to let you see how your treatment is going:

Manufacturer: Respironics
M Series Pro C-Flex CPAP Machine ($120 more than the "Plus")
https://www.cpap.com/productpage-advanced.php?PNum=2170

Manufacturer: Puritan Bennett
GoodKnight 420SP Travel CPAP Machine ($130 more than the "G")
https://www.cpap.com/productpage-advanced.php?PNum=140

Chesantra, if you'll register on this message board so that you can receive private messages, I'd like to send you a PM with more info.

Patrick A · Post by **Patrick A** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 5:53 pm

rested gal wrote:
Snoredog wrote:I would suggest getting the F&P HC150, then you can use it with any machine you buy:
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/fisher ... ifier.html
I agree with Snoredog about getting the Fisher & Paykel HC150 heated humidifier, instead of an integrated humidifier with a machine. As he said, the F&P humidifier can be used with any machine. If you change brands of machines in the future, or if you get a second machine as a backup, you'll already have an excellent humidifier that can work with any of them.

The two machines you mentioned that you were considering are both good machines, but they don't record full data...they record just hours of use. If you want to be proactive about your own treatment, and want an inexpensive cpap machine, I'd go a bit deeper into my pocketbook and get one of these, which do record full data to let you see how your treatment is going:

Manufacturer: Respironics
M Series Pro C-Flex CPAP Machine ($120 more than the "Plus")
https://www.cpap.com/productpage-advanced.php?PNum=2170

Manufacturer: Puritan Bennett
GoodKnight 420SP Travel CPAP Machine ($130 more than the "G")
https://www.cpap.com/productpage-advanced.php?PNum=140

Chesantra, if you'll register on this message board so that you can receive private messages, I'd like to send you a PM with more info.

I have that Humidifier and it will work with any machine.
I recomend the M Series with Cflex.

roster · Post by **roster** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 7:06 pm

I am considering buying a machine from cpap.com. Is a photocopy of my prescription acceptable or do they require an original?

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 7:10 pm

I believe that a photocopy is fine. You have to scan it into your computer or mail it to them anyway. If in doubt call them, they are very easy to talk to.

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 8:23 pm

I just faxed mine over to them. Sooo easy.

Brenda

Newly Diagnosed - CONFUSED - Need Help

Newly Diagnosed - CONFUSED - Need Help

Deductible

Buy it and be done with it

Re: Newly Diagnosed - CONFUSED - Need Help