Newly Diagnosed

[peterpickles]

Hello to all

I was diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea last month. I thought I had a good nights sleep on the sleep study, but apparently I was not breathing at several points during the night. I have had insomnia for years but only in the last 2 years, I have begun to snore throughout the night. I am not excessively overweight at 12 stone 4.

I have an appointment for a VPAP trial machine next week, I am a bit nervous about using the machine, but this site seems a great way to gain some knowledge.

Reading some of the posts on the site regarding data capable machines, I wonder if you have any say on what machine given or do you just have to accept it? I also wonder if you can ask for a humidifier and have a choice of what type of mask you use?

Thanks in advance

Peter

[Mtnviewer]

12 Stone 4? Are you in the UK or from the UK?

From what I've read on this forum, at least in the USA and Canada, it all depends on what Medical Supply Provider that you are referred to and how your doctor ends up being, i.e., co-operative or not. It may also depend on how much YOU INSIST on what you want. And it may depend on whether you are having the equipment paid for by a type of insurance or not. If you pay out of your own pocket, you should be able to ask for or demand whatever you are willing to pay for. I've read that some insurances will only cover certain items and some medical equipment suppliers (called DME's in the US) will try to push whatever they want on to you (i.e. whatever is most profitable for them, not always best for you).

So you'll have to either do some research based on your options of location, insurance, suppliers, Dr.'s recommendation and then go from there before you accept anything. If you have a prescription, you can buy from an online supplier, like cpap.com, or cpapauction.com, and also price shop as online suppliers usually match anyone else's lower price. Some insurance companies will reimburse you if you are using insurance. Ideally, you should be able to choose whatever equipment that you want, as it's YOUR therapy, though if insurance has a price limit, maybe you'd have to chip in any extra over their limit? Remember, the medical supply companies are profit driven and they are likely wanting to sell you what is most profitable for them and once you buy it from them, they aren't likely to or want to see you again. Sorry that's the cynic in me, some folks get lucky with good DME's. Either way, you aren't going to be using a DME very much or very often once you get your equipment, so try to get it right the first time.

I'm sorry that I can't help with info on VPAP machines. I use a Sandman Auto PAP and am very happy with it. Most folks use Resmed or Repironic machines as they are the largest suppliers. I use a Mirage Quattro Full Face Mask and really like it. I am a mouth breather, and I couldn't get a nasal mask to work for me, though I didn't try mouth taping at that time. I bought both my machine (slightly used - 25 hrs) and mask (brand new, sized via the mask sizing info and template on Cpap.com) from cpapauction.com as I was paying out of pocket and I saved A LOT of money via this route.

HTH

[RipVW]

Hello & Welcome, peterpickles! Glad you found this forum—SO much useful info and everyone here is so willing to help!

Yep, your say regarding choice of machine probably depends on your insurance coverage. Most importantly, insist on a data capable machine. You can read about this in the "Where a Newbie Should Begin" area at the top of the forum. Good luck!

"You are getting sleepy . . ."

[peterpickles]

Thanks for the kind replies

Yes, I am from the UK, and I hope my machine will be funded by the NHS.

I start the treatment on Tuesday, I will let you know how it goes

Thanks for your help

Peter