NO insurance need CPAP!!

[sillysleeper]

Hi,
I am in desperate need of a CPAP and i do not have any insurance.. The problem is i have no idea which one to choose. I do have a RX, I’ve been shopping around and think I know of a couple machines, but I don’t really know the differences...
Why would I get an APAP vs just a CPAP? Is it worth the extra expense?

Thanks in advance!
-Sillysleeper

[jmcanzo]

For the price you can't beat the Devillbiss Intellipap Auto.
https://www.cpap.com/cpap-machine/devil ... tflex.html
Also provides data using smartcodes and a website.
For a little more $$ you can buy the software and module for more detailed reports.

[Sheriff Buford]

Cpap blows straight air all night. An autopap will blow air at it's lowest setting until it senses an apnea, then it will blow enough air (up to the highest setting) until the apnea is treated. Once the apnea is treated, the machine will "ramp" down towards the lowest setting. Some folks like to start the night at a comfortable setting, and don't have to adjust to the higher settings (during an apnea event), because they are asleep and don't know it.

If you intend to educate yourself and manage your own treatment, you need to get a machine that tells you how your treatment is doing. You can't make adjustments to your treatment unless you know what and how you are doing. The cheaper machines record no data, so you really don't know how you are doing.

Some folks like Ford trucks and some like Dodge (I like the Dodge cause the Hemi gives me the advantage on catching bad guys). I would research the Resmed S9 autoset (you can use this machine in the autoset or cpap modes) or lots of folks here like the PR System One REMstar Auto CPAP Machine. These machines will give you enough nightly info that you see how your treatment is doing. If you have a 'puter, you can download data and see more nightly info than you probably care to see.

Hope this helps.... Happy cpapin'!

Sheriff

[archangle]

What does your prescription say? Pressure, pressure range, etc.

Let's assume you need CPAP, not Bilevel and your pressure is less than 20.

Get a Philips Respironics Series One REMstar Auto with heated humidifier. Or a ResMed S9 Autoset with heated humidifier

https://www.cpap.com/cpap-machine/resme ... chine.html.

https://www.cpap.com/cpap-machine/respi ... -flex.html
https://www.cpap.com/cpap-machine/resme ... chine.html

Most importantly, both of these machines do full data collection, including waveforms. You can get free software to read the data, although some of the programs are available but in the testing phase.

Both machines will do auto CPAP and exhalation relief, but you can turn these features off if you don't want them.

If you simply can't afford these models, you can try settling for something cheaper, but some of the other machines, even from the same manufacturer with similar names have very serious deficiencies. You can also look for used machines on craigslist or elsewhere.

If you buy the machine locally from a DME (Durable Medical Equipment) provider, you'll probably be robbed. You'll be doubly robbed if you don't have insurance, so be VERY careful to get an absolute final price before you start. In theory, you'll get assistance and service from the local DME, but they're often incompetent at best, actively dishonest at worst.

It may be worthwhile to buy a mask locally, since you can often get an exchange if the mask doesn't work for you. You can get a mask exchange at some online stores, but you have to pay an extra fee to get a return option.

[nanwilson]

I don't have insurance either so am very choosy about what I buy. Go to cpapauction.com or secondwind.com and you can find slightly used or out of the box machines for very good prices. There's also craigslist or kijiji, but you have to be careful.
Just make sure you buy a machine that is DATA capable so that you can track your therapy and make changes as needed.
Good luck
Nan

[Emilia]

Also visit http://www.secondwindcpap.com which has new as well as gently used machines.

[sillysleeper]

thanks everyone for the feedback!
it seems clear that keeping track of my data is an important feature... is buying a humidifier an important investment also?
are there other features that are worth the cost?

Thanks!
Sillysleeper

[Pugsy]

is buying a humidifier an important investment also?
are there other features that are worth the cost?

Humidifier for sure worth it unless you live in a jungle or the rain forest with dripping humidity.
While there are a few people who don't need or want the extra moisture, most people need at least a little.

Some of the other features for comfort may not be so important till you see what you need for your mask.

Edit.. BTW Full Data capable ResMed machines and the Respironics PR System One machines both have easy to obtain and free software.

[Alshain]

(I like the Dodge cause the Hemi gives me the advantage on catching bad guys).

You chasin' somebody Sheriff? Somebody chasin' you?


To the OP, I feel your pain. I had a similar problem when I started (except I had insurance, just no money lol... affordable healthcare by big fat white...ahem). I second the used option, I think an older used machine with some data recording would be better than one without any data recording. I was lucky enough to find a friend with a backup unit he wasn't using. If you know anybody else that uses a CPAP, can't hurt to ask. Otherwise, the auction places above are a good starting point. The only thing you have to be careful about is that a working machine may still not put out the desired pressure as it gets older. A good DME can test this.