New to forum. Hi all. Untreated here

[stevenva]

I have untreated sleep apnea. I've been told by many that I snore very loud, stop breathing at momments during the night. I would like to get ideas on machines/masks/settings. I am tired of being exhausted after work. I can hardly stay awake. 47 Y.O. male. No insurance until the November sign up date. Doc wants $1175 for a sleep study. I really can't afford that. I am aware that I will likely recieve many harsh replies for foolishly trying to set this up myself. I will not take them personally. I do not have any equipment yet. I can afford the cpap setup provided it is in the $500-$600 range. A friend may actually give me one of his.

[cflame1]

If you're going DIY... make sure that you get a full data machine.

[GumbyCT]

I have untreated sleep apnea. I've been told by many that I snore very loud, stop breathing at momments during the night. I would like to get ideas on machines/masks/settings. I am tired of being exhausted after work. I can hardly stay awake. 47 Y.O. male. No insurance until the November sign up date. Doc wants $1175 for a sleep study. I really can't afford that. I am aware that I will likely recieve many harsh replies for foolishly trying to set this up myself. I will not take them personally. I do not have any equipment yet. I can afford the cpap setup provided it is in the $500-$600 range. A friend may actually give me one of his.

Everything you need to be successful is here.

It is a steep learning curve but has been done by many. As mentioned you will need/want a full data capable machine. You can get a machine on Craigslist but you will need to know which models are data capable.

Start a notebook with your questions when they pop into your mind write them down. OSA is terrible on the memory.

Top of each forum page has a search box, use the Advanced Search option. And to the right are "New Users" and CPAP Wiki - a good place to start.

This forum is alive day & night. So welcome.

[Julie]

And remember some machines produce data, but only in the guise of hours slept with the machine (those are for insurance companies but do nothing at all for you personally in terms of tracking medical information), so if in doubt ask here with the exact name and model number of any machine before forking out... and I suggest you find a full face mask unless you know for sure you definitely don't sleep with your mouth open (and many of us didn't before Cpap, then started because of the air being pumped in) because you may well lose all the Cpap air otherwise... not much help, but any mask must fit properly, so you may go through a few before finding the right one - which is 90% of everything!

[stevenva]

I am considering this setup.
https://www.cpap.com/cpap-machine/fishe ... ifier.html

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/devilb ... ear.html#d

Any pros or cons I should be aware of?

[GumbyCT]

I am considering this setup.
https://www.cpap.com/cpap-machine/fishe ... ifier.html

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/devilb ... ear.html#d

Any pros or cons I should be aware of?

I wouldn't buy any machine I couldn't get software for. IF I was going it alone I would buy what others are using so when I have questions I could get answers.

I am adding to my list - MUST be DC compatible.

ps. I haven't even looked at the links. Do they meet those requirements?

[stevenva]

• "Data Includes >> Total run hours, average compliance hours per night." Just found what their version of software/Data recording is... Which isn't much. No DC either, Why would I need Dc? I do not travel and my city has underground wiring. Power outages are rare. Is there any discussion page on DIYers?

[sleepyb]

CPAP.com will require a prescription. Sometimes I see some machines on craigs list in the lower $200-500 range for used ones, but then you need a mask and hose as well.
You mentioned that your friend could let you use one. That would probably be your best bet (if your friends machine has data capabilities.) At least it might tell you if you have OSA or not.
Then if it looks like you do have OSA you could get that sleep study after you get insurance and get the machine/mask that will work best for you.
However, good luck.

[Pugsy]

Limited funds and trying to self treat...
Can you come up with a RX for a machine from a friendly family doctor that won't require a sleep study?
If not...does your friend have a RX that you could use? I mention this because any online purchase would require a RX.

There was a post last night for a new machine $500 from one of our forum members. Trustworthy and item will be as stated.
It is for a PR S1 BiPap Auto. Probably a little more machine than you might need but it can be dumbed down to work well for you and it will give you the data that you will need to evaluate your self treatment.
viewtopic/t76573/FS-Newzero-hour-PR-Sys ... ifier.html If you happen to need higher pressures....this machine would be a valuable asset. I already have one (this exact model) myself or I would snatch this one up. This is an extremely good deal.

You will still need a mask. Those require RX also but there are ways to get replacement parts on EBay and build your own. Do you have chronic nasal congestion issues?

[GumbyCT]

• "Data Includes >> Total run hours, average compliance hours per night." Just found what their version of software/Data recording is... Which isn't much. No DC either, Why would I need Dc? I do not travel and my city has underground wiring. Power outages are rare. Is there any discussion page on DIYers?

I will not debate the type of machine you should buy or what features you will need. You said...

I would like to get ideas on machines/masks/settings.

I said as IF it were me...

I wouldn't buy any machine I couldn't get software for. IF I was going it alone I would buy what others are using so when I have questions I could get answers.

I am adding to my list - MUST be DC compatible.

Likewise I don't want to debate your access to commercial power. But will make a couple of quick points. Do with this info what you wish.

I also live in an area serviced by underground power. Yet, twice last year had substantial power outages. You have heard of lightning? And realize that somewhere this power IS above ground before it goes under? Do you feel lucky?

Example: Your neighbor is a Toyota mechanic and you want him to work on your car for "FREE". When you buy a Cadillac what do you think will happen?

In closing I will say that most machines today that include any "useful data" WILL have a DC option.

[GumbyCT]

Try this ... it is ON Now

viewtopic/t76404/Ask-Dr-Park-Telesemina ... Apnea.html