Firemen with CPAP?

fraysertruckie · Post by **fraysertruckie** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 4:15 pm

Hi, I just started using CPAP about a week ago. Im also a fireman and work the on, off, on, off, on, and then four off shift. I intend on bringing mine to work every shift. If for no reason else but to make amends with the nine others I sleep in the bedhall with. I was waking up with tolit paper rolls around my bed, water in my face, and nine box fans roaring throughout the night. I could swear I even had a five pound weight thrown at me before. All because of a little snoaring!
I have the full mask also. Like you, it seemed natural. Im still having troubles getting ajusted to the whole thing though. Im a big side sleeper and I seem to be breaking the seal with all the tossing and turning. I end up with air blowing in my eyes and having to reajust. Im thinking of a second CPAP also. One less thing to carry and also reduced the ware and tear. And yes, my pulmnologist said fireman are his number two customers, right behind OTH truckers! Take care, and its nice to be on board.

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 4:22 pm

Stuff the sleep lab. Check w/billmyinsurance.com to see if they work w/your insurance company. If so, you may well be able to get a new CPAP thru them. So far as I know that 5 year bit was not ever set in stone, just a "policy". What have you got to lose? Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

After talking to billmyinsurance you will know if they might require more info than if you were going thru cpap.com. They "might" require a current sleep study. But they might also accept the results of an at home autoPAP titration. You might be able to get by w/your family doctor scripting a two week loan of an autoPAP for a current at home titration and then scripting a new CPAP based on the auto titration. HOWEVER, if they do accept an auto re-titration, PAY FOR THAT LOANER YOURSELF, NOT thru your insurance. billmyinsurance.com doesn't care to get involved if you've recently used your insurance w/a local DME supplier. Since the last time you used your DME supplier was some 5-6 years ago they don't count. You just have to explore all the angles.

As far as the 60 lb weight belt - not a bad idea to get rid of that load whether you go a new CPAP route or not.

roster · Post by **roster** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 4:30 pm

Fire-n-Gin wrote:Hey Den...How do you like your full face mask? That's something I've been considering.

It is really nothing to consider. If while asleep, you breathe through your mouth or leak air through your lips, you need a full face mask.

It looks like your machine is not fully data capable. While you are considering getting a second machine, I urge you to get a machine with data card and software to use at home. The data will tell you whether you are losing pressure and whether you are still having apneas and hypopnea.

Then maybe you can keep your old machine at the fire station.

You can get plenty of help here on the best machines/software.

Be glad you were diagnosed young and started treatment. This can save you from serious problems in later years.

Good luck!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 6:29 pm

> I just got off the phone with the people _from the sleep study place_ ...
> I asked them about a second unit for the firehouse and one person told me that the 5 year plan is no longer

With typical insurance plans, the insurance company, _not_ "the sleep study place", makes the rules.

If you have some sort of an HMO, many of the providers (doctors, labs, DMEs) are paid small amounts for the services and equipment that they provide you. Thus you will often be told that something is "not necessary" or that you are not eligible because they don't make money on it. Or it may even cost them if your plan is capitated. Do not accept their statement at face value without checking on it. Call your insurance company. Ask for the policy _in writing_.

Who is your DME? Do you have a choice?

salmon · Post by **salmon** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 5:44 pm

I work two 24 hour shifts a week, and bring mine, no one cares, there are a few others also at our dept that use them. i hate dragging it back and forth, but realized I have to.
Good luck

imonfire · Post by **imonfire** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 9:43 pm

I bought a second machine on cpap auction and leave it in my locker at the station. The other guys really appreciate me not snoring all night and it makes it really convienent. It was worth the extra pocket money for me not to drag a machine from home. It just depends on your budget and what kind of machine you think you need for work. Lots of luck to you.

goose · Post by **goose** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 10:06 pm

Have your doc write you a new script and say that the original machine is no longer functional!! But call your insurance company and see what their take on the issue is -- the sleep center and the DME doesn't know!!!! (I can say that from experience!!!!)

I used to do volunteer fire work as well (wild land), and still do communications work when called upon (as a ham operator). I was undiagnosed at the time and never had to sleep at the station (but the buzzer on the tree out back was pretty annoying before we got pagers), so how it would have affected things -- who knows. At this point in life, I don't care -- I sleep with the machine. Period.

I think I'd get one to leave at the station so you didn't have to move anything but your mask.....but that's just me. I'm with Slinky -- it's a hassle to pack it up and move it around all the time.....

Like someone else said, put out a boot and see what you find.....

Good luck
take care
cheers
goose

kayfouroh · Post by **kayfouroh** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 11:13 am

Fire-n-Gin wrote:It's still difficult to comprehend that this thing will be attached to my nose for the rest of my life and I'm only 36.

Don't feel so bad, I'm only 22 and I use my S8 daily. I've got a LONG time ahead of me with this machine.

goose · Post by **goose** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 7:12 pm

Hey kayfouroh,
I hope you realize how lucky you are to have been diagnosed so young!!!!

You'll avoid a lot of the issues that many of us have....
Good luck on your treatment -- keep at it!!!

cheers
goose

kayfouroh · Post by **kayfouroh** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 7:27 pm

goose wrote:Hey kayfouroh,
I hope you realize how lucky you are to have been diagnosed so young!!!!

You'll avoid a lot of the issues that many of us have....
Good luck on your treatment -- keep at it!!!

cheers
goose

I've had OSA for as long as I can remember. I just recently figured out it was because I was not sleeping right and went to get a sleep study. First one I went to, the doctors tried having me get a PSG + MSLT, I said no way, went to a family doctor (who is 8 states away, mind you), and I was finally diagnosed with moderate OSA. I am just happy I was diagnosed!

zorrro13 · Post by **zorrro13** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 10:55 pm

OP Im not familiar with your machine and how difficult it is to pack up and put into a grab bag. I travel a lot and it takes me 3 minutes to pack my resmed. Checklists? unless you have a complicated set up just pull the socket out of the wall, leave the machine end in, dump the whole lot in a padded oversize bag (masked hose attached) and off you go. Don't forget to drain the water tank. The little carry bags these things came out in are a pain as they are so tight and difficult to pack.

Mask	Humidifier

Mask	Humidifier