New Here.

[MegK]

Hello. I'm new here and just wanted to say 'hi.' I don't yet have a CPAP machine but am shopping around for one.

I did my sleep study last week, and while I don't have actual sleep apnea my doctor classified it as mild sleep apnea in that I snored enough that it caused me to wake up 22 times/hour. My actual sleep time was only 156 minutes for the night. The doctor decided that I should use a CPAP machine since I've had excessive problems with fatigue and sleepiness for the past 3 years.

My insurance said I had to have pre-approval for my machine. When I called them today they told me that I was not going to be covered because my AHI was 0, as I never actually stopped breathing, and my insurance company will only cover CPAP if your index is 5 or above. So, now I'm working on figuring out what machine I want to buy as I'll not be limited to certain ones by my insurance company.

I'm looking forward to actually getting my machine and finding out if it's going to help. I would love to have energy again.

[aroche]

Good for you and welcome to the community of Hoseheads!

I would suggest taking the time to read through a few of links that are stickied at the top of the forum. RestedGal has some great info that helped me a great deal when I was making a decision on what to buy. Be sure to learn all you can so you can make the most educated decision, after all, this is your money and your sleep.

Let us know how it goes, it helps to hear from others how well it is working.

[kteague]

Hello and welcome. While buying a machine outside insurance can end up being cheaper if insurance has copays and deductibles, and there's no fight over which machine, I do want to throw out something to consider. If a machine would be fully covered by your insurance, and the purchase will be a hardship, you may not want to give up yet. Either way, did you get a copy of the study results? I'm guessing your doc used the term mild not from a diagnosis perspective, because "mild obstructive sleep apnea" is a diagnostic term meeting criteria for prescribed (and covered) treatment. Check out your report for yourself.

Is there any mention of UARS (Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome)? Some insurances are starting to cover this diagnosis in recognition of its impact on sleep architecture. Also, that could make a difference the type of machine you choose. Did you reach Stage 3/4 and REM sleep for a significant period of time? Did it capture REM while supine? With your limited total sleep time, it could be that the study did not capture your worst case scenario. Some of my studies the doctor termed "technically suboptimal" because I never reached REM while supine. Is there any mention of limb movements? People with frequent limb movements may have OSA but it may not show up at the time of the study.

As far as machine choice, with you not having had a titration, I would consider data mandatory, and probably an auto titrating machine since there's even more data. But do try to find the answer to the UARS question, or at least post your results here for some of our data dynamos to take a look in case they spot any special considerations. Your story reminds me of a friend's, and I wish she would have your drive to attempt to resolve your symptoms. I'm betting you'll benefit from cpap, and at a relatively low pressure. Even if snoring is your only issue fragmenting your sleep, you won't be the only person to use this therapy for it. I personally think that's smart and more could improve their quality of life this way. Best wishes as you go forward.
Kathy

[MegK]

Well, I ended up buying a Respironics machine from a locally owned medical supply store here in town. I've used it for three nites now, and am so far happy with the results. I am waking up feeling more rested already, and I think that the huge dark circles that reside under my eyes are starting to go away. I'm working on getting used to the mask though.

I don't know about what exactly it all says on my report, I do not have a copy. I only had my prescription and what the dr. told me. But when I got back for my follow up visit I will be asking for a copy.

I only use a setting of 8 for my machine, so relatively low. I have to say I love the ramping mechanism though, it helps considerably with the anxiety issue.

[DreamOn]

Welcome to the forum, MegK! It sounds like you're off to a great start! Please let us know if we can help you with any specific problems that may present with your therapy. There are lots of tips that can help, and many very helpful people here to support you.

When you get a chance, you may want to fill in your equipment profile via the User Control Panel (top left of the screen). That way we'll know which particular machine and mask you're using, which can help us to give you more specific assistance if you do have any questions.

Best wishes as you begin your CPAP journey!