Thank You All

[leebrown]

I just wanted to post a quick thank you to those of you who have spent so much time and energy on this site. I was recently diagnosed with OSA and given a prescription for a CPAP machine. I found you all via Google and read the New Users Start here comments and a few other posts, after I had contacted the closest DME. Without even a prescription on file (just a copy of my insurance card and conversation over the phone), they were ready to order everything and get me set up. I asked, what if the mask doesn't fit? They told me I could always buy a new one. That's when I came searching and found you all.

After reading some of what you posted I called a few more DME's on the list. Found a large chain that was happy to tell me exactly what I needed, which was to get a new prescription and go with a more basic machine (so they could make more profit). I read some more here after that experience and then decided to call back to the sleep center where my testing was done. I had met two different providers there and both had been very knowledgeable and helpful (I spent a year home in bed on disability with home care and many health care providers getting infected during a surgery, so I've learned to tell the difference, more than I wish I knew). They recommended yet another DME which was fortunately in network.

I just got back from an hour long appointment with a great Resp. Therapist who was very helpful. They have a 30-day return policy on any mask they fit. They set me up with a new PR System One Pro, a Resmed Swift LT mask, a gallon of distilled water, and lots of stuff to read that will surely put me to sleep, should I choose to read it. Now I wish I could go home and sleep!

I'm not absolutely positive I have all the right stuff or even the best stuff, but I do know that thanks to your encouragement, I looked around a found not just an equipment sales office, but a knowledgeable, friendly health care provider. I look forward to one day being well rested.

Thank you all.

Blessings,
Lee

[BleepingBeauty]

I just wanted to post a quick thank you to those of you who have spent so much time and energy on this site. I was recently diagnosed with OSA and given a prescription for a CPAP machine. I found you all via Google and read the New Users Start here comments and a few other posts, after I had contacted the closest DME. Without even a prescription on file (just a copy of my insurance card and conversation over the phone), they were ready to order everything and get me set up. I asked, what if the mask doesn't fit? They told me I could always buy a new one. That's when I came searching and found you all.

After reading some of what you posted I called a few more DME's on the list. Found a large chain that was happy to tell me exactly what I needed, which was to get a new prescription and go with a more basic machine (so they could make more profit). I read some more here after that experience and then decided to call back to the sleep center where my testing was done. I had met two different providers there and both had been very knowledgeable and helpful (I spent a year home in bed on disability with home care and many health care providers getting infected during a surgery, so I've learned to tell the difference, more than I wish I knew). They recommended yet another DME which was fortunately in network.

I just got back from an hour long appointment with a great Resp. Therapist who was very helpful. They have a 30-day return policy on any mask they fit. They set me up with a new PR System One Pro, a Resmed Swift LT mask, a gallon of distilled water, and lots of stuff to read that will surely put me to sleep, should I choose to read it. Now I wish I could go home and sleep!

I'm not absolutely positive I have all the right stuff or even the best stuff, but I do know that thanks to your encouragement, I looked around a found not just an equipment sales office, but a knowledgeable, friendly health care provider. I look forward to one day being well rested.

Thank you all.

Blessings,
Lee

Here's an official welcome to the forum, Lee.

What you've accomplished so far is really impressive! Being an educated xPAP consumer right from the get-go is the best way to start your therapy, and it sounds like you've found a really great DME to work with as a result of what you'd already read here. (I've never heard of a DME giving a patient distilled water, so that's truly astounding.)

Ya done good! It sounds like your RT really knows his/her stuff. Congrats, and welcome aboard!

[DreamDiver]

Welcome! Good luck with your choices. Let us know how it goes.

[leebrown]

Thank you both for the welcome. From our first conversation I could tell the lady at this DME would be the one I'd choose. She was extremely patient and helpful. I live in an area where wells are common and water problems abound. Of course as helpful as they were they are a business, I did have to pay $1.50 for the water, but they actually had it in the office, for the convenience and her willingness to go be so helpful, I was happy to pay for it.

I'll let you know how it goes. I'm looking forward to being well rested.

[KatieW]

Welcome to the forum. You're off to a great start.

[rosiefrosie]

Welcome! Good job on weeding thru DME hell. You're off to a good start.

rosie

[rested gal]

What an interesting post, Lee. You've really been through it.

Glad to hear you found a good DME. That means a lot!

Hope all goes very smoothly for you, now.

[JohnBFisher]

... From our first conversation I could tell the lady at this DME would be the one I'd choose. She was extremely patient and helpful. I live in an area where wells are common and water problems abound. Of course as helpful as they were they are a business, I did have to pay $1.50 for the water, but they actually had it in the office, for the convenience and her willingness to go be so helpful, I was happy to pay for it.

I'll let you know how it goes. I'm looking forward to being well rested.

I agree. Welcome. You did one of the most important things you could do. You became an educated patient. That makes a huge difference. It means you will be able to try to work through problems.

Sure, you paid for the water. It might have been cheaper elsewhere. But I bet they are not really making all that much money on the water. But it's good for you (and for them to have you happy) to use distilled water, since the water quality in your area is not so great. It's a nice touch.

Do keep us updated. Don't be surprised if you need to work at adjusting to xPAP therapy. It's NOT natural. You may end up with a love/hate relationship with your CPAP unit. You will love the GREAT sleep and how it helps improve your life. But it can be a bloody nuisance. But after a while you adjust to it. I don't like having to wear glasses. I've worn them for almost 50 years. I'm accustomed to them. But they can be a nuisance. So, it is with CPAP. But on the whole, life is MUCH better with it.

Best wishes!