Long-necked non-obese "moderate" apnea seeking advice

[doughpat]

Hi everyone-

This looks like a great forum. Lots to learn, obviously! I'm a 31 year old male, 6'3" and 180 lbs--i've been told my physiotherapists and a sleep clinic that I have a relatively long neck (nothing too crazy).

I wake up feeling drowsy, especially my eyes, and I have a habit of daytime napping and plenty of daytime sleepiness. Life is fine, I am a teacher and I'm very physically active, but I do wonder if life could be better with more efficient sleep. I had a sleep study performed about 6 months ago (no CPAP) and was diagnosed with 'moderate severity' apnea, worse on my back and better when on my sides. My wife definitely notices the 'choking/gasping' at night.

I'm at the stage where I will be purchasing a CPAP machine. I'd like advice on which machine to get, or at least which features to look for. Insurance seems to be willing to pay for it, up to $10,000 with a refferal from a general practitioner. I'm sure that this has been covered before, but there is so much here that I'm hoping someone will point me to a consolidated source. I believe it will probably be purchased from a local "durable medical equipment" provider in the Portland, OR or Vancouver, WA area.

Also, I have my polysomnograph as a PDF file--would it be appropriate to post it? Mine was done in Singapore by a doctor who really didn't impress me with her communication skills--and in fairness, I didn't ask enough questions. I'd love to hear some of your interpretations of it. Thanks everyone!

[Sheriff Buford]

Be sure to get a copy of your prescription. I would get a data-capable machine: Resmed S9 Autoset with humidifier. Make sure the prescription specifies "Resmed S9 Autoset with humidifier". There are a lot of scam-artists out there. A data-capable machine will allow you to track your therapy and leak rates. Have the doctor write a separate prescription for the mask. Have him write "cpap mask of patient's choice". Make a copy of the script. The mask search is the most important part of the therapy. You need a mask that is comfortable and doesn't leak. I went through 6 or 7 masks before I found what is comfortable for me. Educate yourself here, and don't hesitate to ask questions.

Sheriff

[ChicagoGranny]

"Resmed S9 Autoset with humidifier"

+1

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... chine.html

If not already obvious, let me say to entirely avoid backsleeping until you get your machine.

The S9 Autoset is probably the most popular machine on the forum and two software packages are available free for this machine (just ask when you are ready).

[library lady]

And be double-certain that your S9 Autoset is not an S9 Escape, which is non-data capable other than for compliance. Many posters here have complained about a "switcheroo" by the DME, who assures them it is the S9 Autoset ..

[doughpat]

Hey everyone--thanks for the specific recommendations on the Resnet machine.

It turns out my insurance is quite good. I have a $10,000 limit for the year on DME, so it sounds like money shouldn't be much of an issue. So, with that sort of "blank check" permission, would you recommend a different machine? In other words, *if* money weren't an issue, what machine/accessories would you purchase?

[ChicagoGranny]

would you recommend a different machine?

No, assuming you have common obstructive sleep apnea.

You seem to think it is going to be a breeze to get the right machine and get your insurance to pay for it. To make your dream come true, get the doctor to write the prescription thusly,

Make sure the prescription specifies "Resmed S9 Autoset with humidifier". s.

Sheriff

Also watch out for deductibles and copays and DMEs who give you something besides what is on the prescription. If the machine doesn't say "AutoSet" above the power-on button, don't accept delivery.

[ChicagoGranny]

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... chine.html

[doughpat]

Thanks Chicago--maybe I am being a bit optimistic about what the insurance will do. I will follow the advice given here and be picky about what I accept.

[Judge Nap]

I have a $10,000 limit for the year on DME, so it sounds like money shouldn't be much of an issue. So, with that sort of "blank check" permission,

haha All of the insurance companies that operated like that were taken advantage of and have long since gone out of business or switched business models.

Glad you know now to proceed deliberately and with skepticism.

[Tatooed Lady]

now, now...don't forget the Respironics machines. Mine doesn't show the smiley face when I meet compliance, or mask leakage is low or whatever... but the 560 does a beautiful job of keeping me breathing, supplying all the info I could ask for (and some I don't know what it's for) and has enough bells and whistles to keep my techie side amused.

[ChicagoGranny]

I don't recommend PR machines because,

1. The model names/numbers are even more confusing than ResMed.
2. With ResMed you can get free SleepyHead sofware andfree manufacturer's software.
3. My husband is still pissed at PR because they pulled the consumer software off the market at one point and left him in the lurch for a long time.

But the choice is yours.

[palerider]

I don't recommend PR machines because,

1. The model names/numbers are even more confusing than ResMed.
2. With ResMed you can get free SleepyHead sofware andfree manufacturer's software.
3. My husband is still pissed at PR because they pulled the consumer software off the market at one point and left him in the lurch for a long time.

But the choice is yours.

1) more confusing model numbers... resmed:
primary codes:
36001 S9 "Escape" (CPAP Only no data)
36002 S9 "Escape Auto" (No data apap mode)
36003 S9 "Elite" (cpap only)
36004 S9 "VPAP S"
36005 S9 "AutoSet" (advanced autoset mode)
36006 S9 "VPAP Auto"
36007 S9 "VPAP Adapt" (older)
36009 S9 "VPAP ST-A" (older)
36037 S9 "VPAP Adapt"
36038 S9 "VPAP ST"
36039 S9 "VPAP ST-A"
36050 S9 "VPAP Tx"
36065 S9 "AutoSet" 'for her' Pink

secondary marketing codes:
36014 S9 "VPAP S" with H5i
36015 S9 "AutoSet" with H5i
36016 S9 "VPAP Auto" with H5i
36019 S9 "VPAP ST-A" with H5i
36024 S9 "VPAP S" with H5i and climiateline
36025 S9 "AutoSet" with H5i and climiateline
36026 S9 "VPAP Auto" with H5i and climiateline
36029 S9 "VPAP ST-A" with H5i and climateline
36047 S9 "VPAP Adapt" with H5i
36048 S9 "VPAP ST" with H5i
36049 S9 "VPAP ST-A" with H5i
36057 S9 "VPAP Adapt" with H5i and climateline
36057 S9 "VPAP Adapt" with H5i and climateline
36058 S9 "VPAP ST" with H5i and climateline
36059 S9 "VPAP ST-A" with H5i and climateline
36143 S9 Elite - UK
36144 S9 VPAP S - UK
36145 S9 Autoset - UK
36150 S9 UK Autoset CS (vpap adapt 1)
36160 S9 france autoset cs (vpap adapt 1)
36170 S9 germany autoset cs (vpap adapt 1)
36211 S9 autoeset cs-a (Europe "group 1")
36223 S9 Elite - Europe Group 2
36224 S9 VPAP S - Europe Group 2
36225 S9 Autoset Europe Group 2
36226 S9 Auto 25 - Europe Group 2 (vpap auto)
36231 S9 AutoSet CS-A - Europe Group 2 (vpap adapt 2)
36238 S9 VPAP ST+iVAPS - Europe Group 2
36239 S9 VPAP ST-A+iVAPS - Europe Group 2 (vpap st-a)
36251 S9 AutoSet CS-A (Switzerland) (vpap adapt 2)
36263 S9 Elite - Benelux
36265 S9 Autoset - Benelux
36271 S9 AutoSet CS-A - Europe Group 3 (vpap adapt 2)
36278 S9 VPAP ST+iVAPS - Europe Group 3
36296 S9 V-Auto - Europe
36304 S9 VPAP S - Asia Pacific
36363 S9 Elite - Asia Pacific
36365 S9 Autoset - Asia Pacific
36366 S9 Auto 25 - Asia Pacific (vpap auto)
36377 S9 VPAP Adapt - Asia Pacific
36378 S9 VPAP ST+iVAPS - Asia Pacific
36379 S9 VPAP ST-A+iVAPS - Asia Pacific
36629 S9 VPAP ST-A Europe Group 2/UK
36995 S9 climateline tube
36996 S9 Climateline max tube

2) you can get the same for the PR machines, everybody else around here has... however, the mfg software is more of a pain.

3) well, that's a whole 'nother story.

[ChicagoGranny]

That's cute. But if it says "AutoSet" just above the power switch, 90% of patients are in business.

[palerider]

That's cute. But if it says "AutoSet" just above the power switch, 90% of patients are in business.

actually, less, because many need a bipap, and an estimated 15% need an ST or ASV machine.

but, why complicate matters with facts!??!

[Sleep2Die4]

15% need an ST or ASV machine.

15% of what? There is no way.

Unless you are talking about 15% of the geriatric ward.

Happy with my Respironics BTW.