NASAL PILLOW NEWBIE

[kevkee]

Hi

After being on Cpap for about four months now. I have found a mask that is helping me (Nasal Pillows)

However I am finding that breathing against the air wakes me up a number of times during the night. My machine is set for 9 and I do use the ramp system when first putting the mask on

Is there a way to help with this?

I appreciate any good advice.

[Wulfman]

I see the machine in your profile is the "Plus" model WITHOUT C-Flex......
The C-Flex technology allows for more natural breathing while you sleep. It gives you relief on exhale.

Pardon me for being cynical, but your DME (person/place who gave you your equipment) gave you about the cheapest equipment in order to maximize their profits. In other words, they compromised YOUR comfort for theirs. They probably charged you about $1,300 for a $300 machine.....not counting the extra stuff they charged you for.

I think I would talk to my (sleep) doctor and see if they would re-write a prescription that specifies a machine "w/C-Flex" and see if you can get a different CPAP. I would also insist on a "REMstar Pro 2" as a minimum machine......if they won't give you a "REMstar Auto". The Pro 2 has data recording so you can monitor your therapy, should you decide to do so. The machine you have doesn't even record compliance data.

If your insurance provider has already completely paid for the equipment, you might be stuck with what you have unless you contact them and your doctor and ask about a better/different machine.

Anyway....speak with your doctor about the problem you're having and see what he/she has to say.

OR, if money is no object and you have your prescription (which you SHOULD have), check out the machines at CPAP.COM and purchase a better one.

Best wishes,

Den

[inacpapfog]

Wulfman is dead on!
Follow his advice and you'll find relief!

[kevkee]

Thank you Ed for the sound advice. I will definately get in touch with my Doctor.

[kevkee]

The Doctor approved a C Flex machine for me but the DME says this is the machine I am getting
REMstar Plus C-Flex CPAP.

Am I allowed to push for one of the recommendations?

[Wulfman]

The Doctor approved a C Flex machine for me but the DME says this is the machine I am getting
REMstar Plus C-Flex CPAP.

Am I allowed to push for one of the recommendations?

ABSOLUTELY!!!
The DME is going to charge your insurance provider the same amount of money regardless of whether you get a "Plus" or an "Auto" or something in between.
You might as well get the most bang for your buck. (Remember, you're paying premiums (one way or another), so it is YOUR MONEY that's getting spent).
If they try to say that there's an "up-charge" for getting a better model, tell them that you know better......so don't fall for that line of BS.

Also, do the math on what your co-pays and other costs are going to be. If your costs are going to be nearly as much as a machine from CPAP.COM (like a Pro 2 or Auto), you'd probably be better off buying one online. Also, check with your insurance provider and see if they'll reimburse you for an "in-network" purchase. Many providers consider the people they insure as "in-network". If they will, and you can afford the out-of-pocket purchase, you can get most of it back from your insurer by billing them. You would just make up an invoice from yourself and submit it to your insurer. This method has worked for a number of us.
Another thing to consider is when your insurance provider begins their next fiscal year. If they cut off at the end of December and you have an annual deductible beginning again on January 1st, it's going to cost you even more. If that's the case, you would definitely be money ahead to purchase out-of-pocket regardless of whether your provider will reimburse you.
Like I said......do the math.
(and don't let that DME bully you into buying from them)

Best wishes,

Den