I had my second part of the sleep study on Friday 03/13. I still have not gotten the results from my doctor or a prescription. I want to be well informed and start off with good equipment to be successful. I have read some of the threads about APAP vs CPAP, but could use advice on which to go for. I did the study with a nasal mask, so I think I want to stay with that. I am a restless sleeper, who prefers to sleep on my side or stomach. Can ya'll (I am from Texas if you could not tell) help with suggestions?
Thanks,
Newbie - Where do I start?
7 posts
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jrprathe62
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Sat Mar 14, 2009 10:19 pm
- Location: Highlands, Texas
Re: Newbie - Where do I start?
Start by reading this thread:
viewtopic/t35702/Where-A-CPAP-Newbie-Should-Start.html
Good luck and welcome!
Barbara
viewtopic/t35702/Where-A-CPAP-Newbie-Should-Start.html
Good luck and welcome!
Barbara
_________________
| Machine: PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP Machine |
| Additional Comments: Started XPAP 04/20/07. APAP currently wide open 10-20. Consistent AHI 2.1. No flex. HH 3. Deluxe Chinstrap. |
I currently have a stash of Nasal Aire II cannulas in Small or Extra Small. Please PM me if you would like them. I'm interested in bartering for something strange and wonderful that I don't currently own. Or a Large size NAII cannula. 
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Bluebonnet_Gal
- Posts: 293
- Joined: Sat Dec 06, 2008 9:12 pm
- Location: Texas
Re: Newbie - Where do I start?
Welcome Fellow Texan!
Barbara pointed you to the right place. There's a TON of great information there (and all over this site). It IS a lot to read and can be a bit overwhelming, so please come here with any questions!
You mention that you're trying to decide between Auto and straight CPAP. Auto adjusting PAPs can be run in straight CPAP mode, but they are more expensive. Will your purchase be covered by insurance? Some DMEs and Docs claim that insurance doesn't pay for Auto PAPs. The truth is there is only one code for CPAP, be it straight CPAP or Auto PAP and insurance companies pay the same rate for either machine. I really don't know if the DME can hold you responsible for the difference if your prescription is for Auto CPAP. I also don't know if cost is an issue for your or not. Do you know your titration pressure yet? In my opinion, the higher your pressure, the more advantages the auto machines offer.
That's acute doggie in your avatar! I have one that looks quite similar. He's a Boston Terrier. Is your's a Boston?
Barbara pointed you to the right place. There's a TON of great information there (and all over this site). It IS a lot to read and can be a bit overwhelming, so please come here with any questions!
You mention that you're trying to decide between Auto and straight CPAP. Auto adjusting PAPs can be run in straight CPAP mode, but they are more expensive. Will your purchase be covered by insurance? Some DMEs and Docs claim that insurance doesn't pay for Auto PAPs. The truth is there is only one code for CPAP, be it straight CPAP or Auto PAP and insurance companies pay the same rate for either machine. I really don't know if the DME can hold you responsible for the difference if your prescription is for Auto CPAP. I also don't know if cost is an issue for your or not. Do you know your titration pressure yet? In my opinion, the higher your pressure, the more advantages the auto machines offer.
That's acute doggie in your avatar! I have one that looks quite similar. He's a Boston Terrier. Is your's a Boston?
Gail
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jrprathe62
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Sat Mar 14, 2009 10:19 pm
- Location: Highlands, Texas
Re: Newbie - Where do I start?
Bluebonnet_Gal
That's acute doggie in your avatar! I have one that looks quite similar. He's a Boston Terrier. Is your's a Boston?
Yes, Oreo is a 2 year old Boston Terrier. He is like a child . I do have insurance and hope to influence my doctor when I get the perscription. I believe that during the sleep study they had the pressure set at 7.
Thanks for the reply,
Joe
That's acute doggie in your avatar! I have one that looks quite similar. He's a Boston Terrier. Is your's a Boston?
Yes, Oreo is a 2 year old Boston Terrier. He is like a child . I do have insurance and hope to influence my doctor when I get the perscription. I believe that during the sleep study they had the pressure set at 7.
Thanks for the reply,
Joe
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Bluebonnet_Gal
- Posts: 293
- Joined: Sat Dec 06, 2008 9:12 pm
- Location: Texas
Re: Newbie - Where do I start?
My Boston will be 2 in July. He's such a funny dog - gives my family lots of laughs! He has a ton of energy and loves to play with my 12 yr old son!
Sorry I got off topic! With a pressure of 7, it's probably not real important to have an Auto PAP. It's one of those "nice to have" things. Here's some reasons to use APAP:
our-collective-cpap-wisdom/reasons-APAP.html
You do want to insist on a fully data capable machine. Don't let the DME fool you by telling you a machine that only gives compliance data is fully data capable. Here's RestedGal's list of fully data capable machines as of October 2008:
viewtopic.php?p=307168#p307168
Hope this helps!
Sorry I got off topic! With a pressure of 7, it's probably not real important to have an Auto PAP. It's one of those "nice to have" things. Here's some reasons to use APAP:
our-collective-cpap-wisdom/reasons-APAP.html
You do want to insist on a fully data capable machine. Don't let the DME fool you by telling you a machine that only gives compliance data is fully data capable. Here's RestedGal's list of fully data capable machines as of October 2008:
viewtopic.php?p=307168#p307168
Hope this helps!
Gail
Re: Newbie - Where do I start?
I am on my third week. I was exactly where you are now. Getting yourself educated is a perfect start. Once you read the newbie post, check to see which DME's your insurance works with. Do a query here to find recommendations of local DME's (I see you are from texas, if you are in the dallas area, I found one that is great, Hope Home Medical).
Get a full copy of your sleep study. You may need to ask for it in writing, the sleep lab I used faxed it to me. If you dont understand what it says, post the results here, there are plenty of people who will help you understand. With that in hand, you can talk to your doc much easier.
Get the prescription from your doc that describes in detail what you need (CPAP or APAP with pressures heated humidifier, and mask of patients choice). Insist on them giving you the prescription not faxing it to the DME (This give you control to go to other DME's easily).
I say I lucked out because I have a great GP, but I also did the research on the DME to get a good one as well. Dont be afraid to go elsewhere (if insurance allows) if you dont get the service you deserve. Be friendly but firm. They should let you try multiple masks. Dont fall in love with any one just because it gets good recommendations here. Masks are very individual. If it works for you, its the right one. Dont even fall in love with a style. I was convinced I needed a full face mask, I tried it for a week and went back to the DME. They convinced me to try nasal pillows in the office. I was amazed how well they worked for me. Be open, but if it doesn't work also be firm in trying something else.
It can be a little overwhelming (ok alot), but if you take control of your treatment it will help a great deal. If you get a good team with your doc, dme and the support here, it makes life much easier. Dont be afraid to take your business elsewhere.
I hope that helps,
Brian
Get a full copy of your sleep study. You may need to ask for it in writing, the sleep lab I used faxed it to me. If you dont understand what it says, post the results here, there are plenty of people who will help you understand. With that in hand, you can talk to your doc much easier.
Get the prescription from your doc that describes in detail what you need (CPAP or APAP with pressures heated humidifier, and mask of patients choice). Insist on them giving you the prescription not faxing it to the DME (This give you control to go to other DME's easily).
I say I lucked out because I have a great GP, but I also did the research on the DME to get a good one as well. Dont be afraid to go elsewhere (if insurance allows) if you dont get the service you deserve. Be friendly but firm. They should let you try multiple masks. Dont fall in love with any one just because it gets good recommendations here. Masks are very individual. If it works for you, its the right one. Dont even fall in love with a style. I was convinced I needed a full face mask, I tried it for a week and went back to the DME. They convinced me to try nasal pillows in the office. I was amazed how well they worked for me. Be open, but if it doesn't work also be firm in trying something else.
It can be a little overwhelming (ok alot), but if you take control of your treatment it will help a great deal. If you get a good team with your doc, dme and the support here, it makes life much easier. Dont be afraid to take your business elsewhere.
I hope that helps,
Brian
Re: Newbie - Where do I start?
Hello & Welcome, jrprathe62! Glad you found this forum—SO much useful info and everyone here is so willing to help!
"You are getting sleepy . . ."
7 posts
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