New to xPAP need to pick equipment Dr is no help.

[blackvelvet]

This is the over view of the first study they are mailing me the full report.
AHI was 26
25% were Obstructive apneas and 75% were obstructive Hypopneas
mean oxygen saturation was 93.6 with the lowest at 83%
no. off awakenings 5 sleep efficiency 92.5%
NREM AHI was 27.1 and REM AHI was 17.9 AHI is greater in a Non-supine position REM did not occur in Supine position.
no electomyographic events. patient snored while sleeping on sides and supine.

Titration study two weeks later

The nasal pressures were inceased to a level of 14 cm H2O. The patients snoring was eliminated. The patient used a small Quattro Full face mask with heated humidification.
No. of awakenings 16 sleep effiency 79%

I know the mask leaked really bad during the night as the technician had to come in and help me get it back on three times. The mask never sealed on my nose and blew in my eyes.

So I went in and the doctor gave me a script for CPAP @14 small quattro full face mask and heated humidification. I ask him about APAP and he said that is just for people who can't afford a sleep study I needed CPAP. He said the APAP is no good at detecting AHI and is usless and expensive.

I have been looking and think I want the Goodnight 420E with humidification. I also did a check on masks and the Quattro is not recomended for my face (I'm not sure why but all the "guides" direct me away from it)

I know they gave me the full face mask becasue I have bad allergies blocking my nose so I'm a mouth breather.

I know I can go to a local DME and get the equipment but the prices they quated me on the phone are really high and most didn't want to let me pick a differnt mask. I looked at CPAP.com and though I could buy there and save money but don't know what to buy.

[Slinky]

First off, do you have medical insurance?
If so does it provide durable medical equipment benefits?
If so what are those benefits?
Limits?
Deductables?
CoPays?
Outright purchase?
Rental? How many months?
Capped rental? How many months?
What local DME CPAP suppliers are they contracted with?
Do you have a copy of the equipment order (script)?
How well do you get along w/your family doctor?
Will your family doctor write the order (script) for the equipment you want?

Ask the doctor to re-write the script for a "Full Face Mask of patient's choice" or "Full Face, Nasal Cusion or Nasal Pillows mask of patient's choice" or even just "Mask of Patient's Choice". That allows the DME supplier the freedom to let you try various masks and select the one that best fits and is most comfortable. They "can't" provide you w/any other mask except the Quattro given the way your order (script) is currently written.

You might want to remind this sleep doctor that YOU are the one paying for the equipment, not him.
If you have insurance then you might want to tell him that all straight CPAPs from bare bones not even compliance data capable thru fully date capable autoPAPs (NOT including bi-levels, SVs, etc) are billed as HCPCS code E0601 and reimbursed by insurance at the same amount so WHY should you have to accept a compliance data only straight CPAP when your insurance will be paying just as much for it as they would if you received a fully data capable autoPAP?
Then flat out tell him you REFUSE to accept ANYTHING LESS THAN A FULLY DATA CAPABLE CPAP.
Be diplomatic as you can catch more flies w/honey than you can w/vinegar. But also be firm in what you want but be willing to negotiate and willing to accept a fully data capable straight CPAP w/either EPR or C-Flex.
And keep in mind that any doctor can write that equipment order (script) as long as you have the full sleep and titration reports.

[RipVW]

Amazing! Most of us would disagree regarding your doc's opinion about APAP. My suggestion is that you acquire a Respironics M Series Auto with APAP--the most comfortable machine with the most features. It's a "dream machine!"

"You are getting sleepy . . ."

[snoregirl]

I second much of the previous replies.

Don't need a script fo mask online. Jut buy what you want.

Check out all you numbers, copay, deductale, etc and decide which way is cheaper (cpap.com or brick and mortar)

Your cpap script is god for an auto online.

Get what you want.

[blackvelvet]

CPAP @14 small quattro full face mask and heated humidification.

My insurance will pay 55% or a purchase online or 75% of a rental from the local DME (they are not national just a local company)

I didn't know I couple pick any mask online since the scrip specified one. Does that mean I should be able to go to a DME store and pick a mask, provded they let me?

[RipVW]

I would think that you'd be able to choose any mask--just call that DME and ask, though. You don't need a prescription to purchase CPAP masks--maybe that local insurace company you mention is specific though regarding what they pay for--might need to check with them as well.

[TossinNTurnin]

CPAP @14 small quattro full face mask and heated humidification.

My insurance will pay 55% or a purchase online or 75% of a rental from the local DME (they are not national just a local company)

I didn't know I couple pick any mask online since the scrip specified one. Does that mean I should be able to go to a DME store and pick a mask, provded they let me?

Have you seen your script?

Mine specified a particular mask... but also checked of "patient choice". So, at the very least... the DME had to give me particular mask (they couldn't stick me with just any old thing they had hanging around.) But thankfully he also checked off "patient choice" and my DME said I had 3 weeks to return a mask and find one that worked better for me. Which I did end up doing.

[Mile High Sleeper]

It looks like you're well on the way to making good decisions. If you haven't already found it, you can get more information and links to equipment descriptions in the light bulb above/our collective wisdom, articles on CPAP Machine Choices and CPAP Mask Choices, including comparisons.