Just got my script for my cpap and don't know what it means.

[Jewels109]

So I just got my script from the sleep lab and they said they won't go over results w me until my machine is in but here's what the script says: RESMED auto cpap, mask of patients choice, headgear, heated humidifier, heated tubing hcpc a4604 and/ or tubing hcpc a7037, filter and supplies as needed, AHI: 13.7, pressure setting 7.0cm h2o

So is this good or bad? Or indifferent?

[jnk]

. . . RESMED auto cpap . . .

Make sure it is an AutoSet, NOT an "Escape Auto." The efficacy data provided by the AutoSet can be very valuable, expecially when starting out.

Ah, I see that Pugsy already has you covered: viewtopic/t86815/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=86 ... o+#p791451

[chunkyfrog]

The machine line is not specific enough; you want it to read "Resmed S9 Autoset
--Dispense as Written (DAW)"
The way it is written allows them to sell you an S9 Escape Auto, which (trust me) you don't really want.
The sick thing is that your insurance will pay the same price for either machine,
even though some liars (DME) will claim the difference is hundreds of dollars.

[DiverCTHunter]

Sounds like the doc who wrote the scrip wants you to have an Autoset, but left enough wiggle room for the DME to still be able to stick you with a brick. Read MaskArray's article if you haven't already. Insist on an S9 Autoset, and stay away from anything with "Escape" in the name.

As far as the scrip goes, my $0.02 is that it's middle of the road. Some people need less, some need a lot more.

[StuUnderPressure]

And to make sure you really do get an automatic CPAP (APAP), also have them include a pressure range (i.e. 5.0 - 9.0) and NOT just the single pressure number.

[archangle]

That prescription is encouraging that your doctor is smart enough to specify auto.

Read the "Useful links" in my signature line.

Check the label next to the power button when you get it. It should say "AutoSet."

Find out what local DMEs are "in network" for your insurance. Be prepared to walk out and shop around if they try to give you anything other than what you want.

[JDS74]

So I just got my script from the sleep lab and they said they won't go over results w me until my machine is in but here's what the script says: RESMED auto cpap, mask of patients choice, headgear, heated humidifier, heated tubing hcpc a4604 and/ or tubing hcpc a7037, filter and supplies as needed, AHI: 13.7, pressure setting 7.0cm h2o

So is this good or bad? Or indifferent?

Your doctor has prescribed a single pressure CPAP machine which is the most common type of treatment for sleep apnea.

It also indicates that your apnea is simple obstructive apnea, again the most common type.

The pressure listed of 7 cm h2o only relates to how difficult or easy it is to keep your airway open. Higher pressures are needed if it is harder, lower pressures if it is not so hard. The pressure is not related to the severity.

The AHI listed at 13.7 is a measure of how many times per hour you either stop breathing or have significant reduction in breathing. This value is not too severe. Some of us have lower numbers and some much higher. My number was about 31, meaning in my case stopping breathing every two minutes all night long.

Prescribing heated hoses and humidification means your doctor really means any mask of patients choice. My mask is an Oracle 2 oral mask and requires humidification. If you are a mouth breather, an oral mask like mine is one way to cope. I can't speak to the other masks that allow mouth breathing.

Having heated hoses and a good functioning humidifier greatly contributes to your comfort - an important factor in compliance and success of the treatment.

Good for your doctor!!

[Slartybartfast]

The prescription states "auto" yet provides a single pressure level, which leaves the DME the freedom to stick you with whatever they want to. Just to give them the chance to do the right thing I'd take it in to the DME and see what they intend to give you. If they try to stick you with an Escape Auto, or anything but the S9 Autoset, simply decline it and say you want the S9 Autoset, or go back to the doc and ask for the scrip to be made more specific. The cost difference between the non automatic S9 and the S9 Autoset is $50, but the difference in capabilities is enormous. That difference meant so much to me, I bought my machine out of pocket when my sleep doc failed to honor my request.

[MidnightOwl]

So I just got my script from the sleep lab and they said they won't go over results w me until my machine is in but here's what the script says: RESMED auto cpap, mask of patients choice, headgear, heated humidifier, heated tubing hcpc a4604 and/ or tubing hcpc a7037, filter and supplies as needed, AHI: 13.7, pressure setting 7.0cm h2o

So is this good or bad? Or indifferent?

Wait? Is the sleep lab selling you the CPAP machine?

I think you should be discussing the results with them BEFORE you agree to a specific treatment. You have the right to understand what is wrong with you and what your treatment choices are - even whether you want to accept or refuse treatment. Don't get me wrong - I don't think you should refuse and CPAP is the standard treatment - but you may or may not want to accept a machine from the provider they select and you want to know in advance details such as what it will cost you.