Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

[jhallas]

I believe that DME refers to a durable medical equipment provider.

[mx.mystic]

I have been on a CPAP since 1994. The first 10 years, there was little and next to no support for me. When I was in Iowa my wife's insurance enabled me to be reevaluated, which doubled my pressure. I am back with the VA now and they give me support with the basic unit and care, however, they will not help when extras's like battery units are needed. Okay, I have purchased a battery for my unit, I am on Medicare and have supplemental insurance. How do I make a claim for reinbursement with Medicare or my insurance carrier. I have never filled out a claim before and would like to know.

[cwoohoo]

I am writing to introduce myself to the forum.
I am 44, married, with a beautiful 11-year-old "bonus" son. I was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea after complaining of almost complete exhaustion all the time.

I have had my CPAP equipment for only 2 nights. I have had a bit of trouble so far adjusting to the nasal mask, but not nearly as much as I expected. I am still waking up a few times at night to turn over, etc., but not nearly as much as I was (before the equipment arrived, I tried to count the number of times I would wake up fully at night, but lost count after 45 or so). I in no way expected overnight results, so I am quite pleased at how I have progressed so far. The funny part is, my family (especially my elderly mother) expected me to be completely "cured" overnight--hilarious!

I am so happy I found this forum, as I have learned so much from everyone's posts. Thank you for all the helpful information, and I look forward to more posts from all of you.
Take care,
Charlotte

[LisaSan]

Hi everyone, Just wanted to introduce myself as I am new to the site also. I was diagnosed about a year ago and have been on CPAP just about a year. What a huge difference that little machine has made in my life! My friends ask me all the time how I can stand sleeping with something on my face all the time and all I can reply is that I would have let them strap a Plymouth to my head if someone had promised me a good nights sleep. When I was making the rounds to the specialists trying to figure out what was wrong with me I couldn't wait to be shown into the exam room so I could lay down and sleep! lol
Anyway, first I want to thank everyone for all the great information and sharing. Most everyone here seems really caring and patient with us newbies. And I wouldn't be a newbie without a question so here's mine: in reading some of the posts I saw that many of you track your data from your machines. So I looked though the site and found the area that explains the basics about data capable machines and the software. Only problem is the ResMed Elite II software is only available to Sleep Professionals. Now I'm sure that doesn't mean those of us still catching up on our sleep debt so does any one know whether I can find software that I can use for this machine? Thanks again!

[sandster]

I am new to this site and just renewing my relationship with a C-PAP machine. I had one of the dinosaur machines from 1990 to 2003 at which time I was told I no longer needed one. Last summer while in the hospital they decided that I had sleep apnea--do you think? Well, in May I saw the sleep doc and he suggested I find a mask first as that was my issue with not wanting a C-PAP again. So, I went and saw a sleep equipment specialist and she introduced me to the Opus 360. It is almost my best friend already. I did my sleep study in late May and got my Remstar Auto A-Flex last Wednesday. I am already feeling much better and more productive. Before I would have fallen asleep at least 3 times just trying to write this note, not once yet today have I fallen asleep when I was working on my computer or any other random time like I was a few days ago. I am so grateful this site is here as I believe that with support this will be a successful adventure for me unlike the last time. I guess with the onset of technological advances both with computers and C & Bi-Paps support is part of the natural progression. Thanks ahead of time for your patience and help. Hope I can reciprocate.

[jabman]

Hello all,


My name is Jason I am a very newbie. I just had my sleep study last Sunday and have an appointment this Tuesday.
I already know that i will need a machine but am not sure which one but I think it will be a CPAP. The sleep technician shared some information with me after my study and with that info I have been doing some research on what I should get. I all ready talked with my insurance provider to find out if I will be able to pick the machine I want, they said as long as it has a cretin supply code. There seem to be so many options I am not sure what to get and to avoid may I please get advice.

[sleepnationtv]

Hi, We have started a new weekly video show dedicated to help newcomers and current CPAP users find the best products and strategies. Check us out at Sleepnation{dot}tv.

[maggie22561]

I'm new here. Just got my CPAP on Thursday 7/15/2010. Still getting used to the nasal pillow. Thinking I may call tech on Monday and see about a different type of mask as pillow system is already making my nose sore.
I've been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea.
Thanks, Maggie

[lbw]

I am new to CPA

I'm new here. Just got my CPAP on Thursday 7/15/2010. Still getting used to the nasal pillow. Thinking I may call tech on Monday and see about a different type of mask as pillow system is already making my nose sore.
I've been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea.
Thanks, Maggie

P

I am also new to CPAP as of May 2010. Started using Opus 360 Nasal Pillows. Find using nasal saline lubricant around nostrils really helps with the comfort level and prevents irritation as well as help decrease leaks. I would give it a try before changing masks.

[maggie22561]

Hi ibw. I didn't see your post until this morning. That was a good tip, however, I went yesterday to the sleep center and the tech switched me to an over the nose mask. I'm very pleased so far. I slept great last night, no leakage and no soreness. I'm hoping that this new one will be a keeper for me.

I also noticed that with the nasal pillow it was hard to breathe out. I breathe much freer with the over the nose.
Thank you for your reply and suggestion. I still have the nasal pillows and will hang onto them. Should I decide to go back to usinbg them I'll try the saline lubricant.
Maggie

[torontoCPAPguy]

OUTSTANDING post my friend!
In a nutshell?
-Get started on CPAP immediately regardless of what they set you up with.
- Join the forum and get educated as quickly as you can.
- Adjust your gear as you feel comfortable doing and understand your data.
- Have patience; this takes time.
- Be persistent and do NOT give up. You will get used to the equipment and to the mask and you will live longer and healthier.

USE the resources at your disposal and Jules' post is a great starting point. Good luck.

[jules]

unfortunately I can not edit my original post and fix broken links and where names of things have changed but there is a ton of information up there on that top line here on the forum - new users area and CPAP wiki and Videos -

but please remember if you are new here, register so you can start exchanging pms, start your own thread below in the main forum area - and when in doubt do an advanced search for what you are looking for with the author Rested Gal and you might win the lottery

[empezza]

Hi,
I thought the following links might also be useful to a newbie:-

http://www.resmed.com/us/presentations/ ... c=patients
http://www.resmed.com/us/multimedia/und ... 40x380.swf

The second link is very interesting as it tells you what is happening to you during the night without CPAP.

Wave

[snuginarug]

As a current newbie, I find these two very helpful--

About what emotions people go through upon diagnosis
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=54136&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

What mask/pillow is best for side sleepers
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=54199&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

[mmoore5553]

thanks this is all good information. Some of it i did not know.