I've been reading and reading and reading and posting a few things here and there and reading some more and contemplating. I've learned alot. My mind will keep working on this problem until the rubik's cube is solved.
I have a much better idea of the differences between the different xPAP's thanks to all of you who have been kind enough to reply to my previous posts/threads. Up pops another question. What do they prescribe the most for severe sleep apnea? Why do you ask? Well, because I did the sleep study. I had all those things stuck to my body in a room that looked much like a hotel room. But I noticed something. I didn't get called in to go over the results. I got called in to "pick up my cpap machine". My wife pointed out that it seemed like there was a step missed. I had to call to get any results and when I did that I got basic terms and certainly no discussion about which machine would work best for me.
At this point, obviously, I'm renting the machine you see below. It looks like it's $529.99 with the humidifier. Not bad. I compared the APAP by the same manufacturer with similar features, as recommended by Linda That was $615.00 without the humidifier. Again, not bad, but more. I seem to recall lots of flexibility with the guy that called me back with some basic results. Providing my insurance would pay for the APAP, I wonder if I need one. I mean it changes with you right? Why wouldn't you want that? I'm set at 13. Did that cover EVERYTHING? And it was just one night. Couldn't I have different readings when I turn over on my side vs on my back? Are they taking the low of 11 and the high of 15 and averaging together at 13 for an overall? Or did 13 completely do the trick and an APAP would be overkill at this point? You see my delima.
The bottom line is that if my insurance only covers a CPAP, then an APAP is out of the question for the time being. Maybe income tax time next year But if the insurance company does pay for a particular APAP, then I want to why a CPAP was prescribed. I'm just fine if it's all I needed. But how do I know? And does anyone really know longterm?
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): cpap machine, humidifier, CPAP, APAP
What gets prescribed the most? Auto or regular CPAP?
What gets prescribed the most? Auto or regular CPAP?
_________________
| Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier |
| Mask: Eson™ 2 Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: EPAP: 8 IPAP: 15 PS: 3.0 |
Last edited by Rastaman on Thu Jun 01, 2006 10:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.
My wife works in the medical field. She said my insurance might have a limit on my DME (Durable medical equipment). She said it's likely that only if I have problems with the CPAP will my insurance cover anything else. She's starting to sound like one of you guys. Hehe!
The first thing you should know about me is that I over think things. My hobby is collecting music so it works out well with that. But with stuff like this I have to figure out ever variable and price point. Best for the money is better than nothing. Best for me is more important.
The first thing you should know about me is that I over think things. My hobby is collecting music so it works out well with that. But with stuff like this I have to figure out ever variable and price point. Best for the money is better than nothing. Best for me is more important.
_________________
| Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier |
| Mask: Eson™ 2 Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: EPAP: 8 IPAP: 15 PS: 3.0 |
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NightHawkeye
- Posts: 2431
- Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 11:55 am
- Location: Iowa - The Hawkeye State
Re: What gets prescribed the most? Auto or regular CPAP?
Rastaman, the way it works is that there is only one billing code for CPAP/APAP. In most cases, so far as your insurance is concerned, it makes no difference whether you get CPAP or APAP. The amount insurance pays is the same either way. Your biggest problem is likely to be prying an APAP loose from your DME though, since they don't get any extra money for providing you an APAP vs a CPAP.Rastaman wrote:The bottom line is that if my insurance only covers a CPAP, then an APAP is out of the question for the time being. Maybe income tax time next year But if the insurance company does pay for a particular APAP, then I want to why a CPAP was prescribed. I'm just fine if it's all I needed. But how do I know? And does anyone really know longterm?
Do the math. DME can provide a CPAP which costs them, say, $250, or they can provide an APAP which costs them, say, $500. Recommendation is to deal with DME just like a used car dealer. Both will try to pry extra money out of your pocket.
Folks have described, however, that sometimes insurance has arrangements with DME's so that the DME simply has no obligation to provide you with an APAP. I'm still skeptical though. The whole process of getting a machine seems to be a process of continual negotiation.
Figure out what your time is worth. If you can afford the time, and if your DME will allow you to try out several machines before you commit, then that would be the way to go. Otherwise, if your time is limited, then ordering online is by far the most efficient way to go. You'll have much less hassle that way. I'm constantly amazed at the stories surfacing here where folks have literally wasted days of time and effort in order to save a hundred bucks or so out-of-pocket working through local DME's instead of just buying the machines online.
Regards,
Bill
I agree with most of the above response. I went through the CPAP vs. APAP thing with both the DME annd my insurance. I also think things to death like you Rastaman. I want the best therapy and one that eliminates me having to return for another sleep study, which I found repulsive as well as I question the quality of it. Yes I am one of those who will spend time to save that hundred dollars mentioned by NightHawkeye. I kind of enjoy the challance and by the way a hundred here and there starts adding up over time. Not everyone sees it this way. That accounts for people trading in cars rather than selling themselves for more money, paying someone to change the oil in the car etc. Depends which is more valuable to you time or money. To each his own.
While I can't speak for all insurance co's or all DME's in my case neither wanted me to have the APAP. I lost the insurance battle all the way due to my insurance calling it a "Deluxe" unit even though I had a prescription from day one for APAP. Even though as I pointed out it would avoid more sleep studies in the future ($$$). They don't care. They don't look farther than the end of the current day. Major problem with our health care industry in my opinion.
So, even though insurance said no, I persisted with the DME. On about the 3rd call from them to "pick up my machine" and the discussion that followed each time (what machine is that a CPAP or my APAP), they agreed to order me the APAP. Yes this took 2 months, but I had procured a used CPAP so was happily on my therapy so I didn't care how long it took (in my case the savings was over $400 insurance copay vs Cpap.com cost). I wanted a backup machine anyway so it was no loss to me to spend that money (far less than $400). And it made me SO VERY MUCH more knowledgable when I finally went to pick up my APAP.
Funny thing is that the Insurance company, even after denying 3 appeals, still doesn't know that I got what I wanted. And most likely never will as the billing code is identical as NightHawkeye pointed out. All very silly.
Maybe you will be a lucky one and would have no trouble getting an APAP. But since you are already on CPAP (from the DME I presume), unless you "develop" some problem where CPAP doesn't work for you I think you will have a hard time getting either DME or insurance company to switch you to APAP.
While I can't speak for all insurance co's or all DME's in my case neither wanted me to have the APAP. I lost the insurance battle all the way due to my insurance calling it a "Deluxe" unit even though I had a prescription from day one for APAP. Even though as I pointed out it would avoid more sleep studies in the future ($$$). They don't care. They don't look farther than the end of the current day. Major problem with our health care industry in my opinion.
So, even though insurance said no, I persisted with the DME. On about the 3rd call from them to "pick up my machine" and the discussion that followed each time (what machine is that a CPAP or my APAP), they agreed to order me the APAP. Yes this took 2 months, but I had procured a used CPAP so was happily on my therapy so I didn't care how long it took (in my case the savings was over $400 insurance copay vs Cpap.com cost). I wanted a backup machine anyway so it was no loss to me to spend that money (far less than $400). And it made me SO VERY MUCH more knowledgable when I finally went to pick up my APAP.
Funny thing is that the Insurance company, even after denying 3 appeals, still doesn't know that I got what I wanted. And most likely never will as the billing code is identical as NightHawkeye pointed out. All very silly.
Maybe you will be a lucky one and would have no trouble getting an APAP. But since you are already on CPAP (from the DME I presume), unless you "develop" some problem where CPAP doesn't work for you I think you will have a hard time getting either DME or insurance company to switch you to APAP.
This is all very interesting. I'm not surprised to find out some of these things. Guess what? When I finally did get that call back from someone at the sleep lab regarding my results (AFTER I got the CPAP ofcourse....these people are pro's!) I mentioned this website or the idea of cpap forums and he didn't have anything negative to say but immediately said that people are getting the support they need in some cases and therefore THEY may have a negative point of view. LOL! No wonder.
Well, last night my Swift came off twice somehow. I must've pulled it off. AND air IS escaping my mouth even with a tight chin strap. Do I feel better today? Yeah, I've been averaging 6 hours of sleep per night because I can't seem to go to bed before midnight.
Some might say try a full-facial mask due to the mouth leakage. Others might suggest tape for my mouth or some other such business. You know what "the guy" at the sleep clinic said when he went over the results? Go ahead and NOT use the strap and just see if you're still breathing through your mouth. I was convinced he never even pulled my sleep study results beyond the basic number because he didn't seem to know I was a mouth breather at all. I actually took the strap and tried to partially cover my mouth with it but that just equalled me pulled the mask off completely twice. I've never done that before in the week I've had this thing. And OFCOURSE...the machine shuts off and you don't know until you wake up that you've been sleeping without the machine for minutes or hours.
This is what I get for thinking that I would just go right through the hoop purely by choice. I don't like to be a bother. But I'm coming to the realization that this isn't going to be as easy as I first thought.
I do kind've wish that I could've gone through the internet and picked my own machine or had the option of picking my own machine at the sleep clinic. But I suppose I would've been turned down for an APAP even though the insurance company pays the same either way. I guess if you go online you HAVE to pay the price listed. Not really an option there.
I'm wondering if these problems continue what I should do? I guess I could call "the guy" (his name is Lee) at the sleep center and find out what he suggests. He said we can try out different masks to see which ones work best. Funny. I can try different $100 to $200 masks but I can't try out different machines from $500 to $800. Or so I think at the moment.
Well, last night my Swift came off twice somehow. I must've pulled it off. AND air IS escaping my mouth even with a tight chin strap. Do I feel better today? Yeah, I've been averaging 6 hours of sleep per night because I can't seem to go to bed before midnight.
Some might say try a full-facial mask due to the mouth leakage. Others might suggest tape for my mouth or some other such business. You know what "the guy" at the sleep clinic said when he went over the results? Go ahead and NOT use the strap and just see if you're still breathing through your mouth. I was convinced he never even pulled my sleep study results beyond the basic number because he didn't seem to know I was a mouth breather at all. I actually took the strap and tried to partially cover my mouth with it but that just equalled me pulled the mask off completely twice. I've never done that before in the week I've had this thing. And OFCOURSE...the machine shuts off and you don't know until you wake up that you've been sleeping without the machine for minutes or hours.
This is what I get for thinking that I would just go right through the hoop purely by choice. I don't like to be a bother. But I'm coming to the realization that this isn't going to be as easy as I first thought.
I do kind've wish that I could've gone through the internet and picked my own machine or had the option of picking my own machine at the sleep clinic. But I suppose I would've been turned down for an APAP even though the insurance company pays the same either way. I guess if you go online you HAVE to pay the price listed. Not really an option there.
I'm wondering if these problems continue what I should do? I guess I could call "the guy" (his name is Lee) at the sleep center and find out what he suggests. He said we can try out different masks to see which ones work best. Funny. I can try different $100 to $200 masks but I can't try out different machines from $500 to $800. Or so I think at the moment.
_________________
| Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier |
| Mask: Eson™ 2 Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: EPAP: 8 IPAP: 15 PS: 3.0 |
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Guest
You will know how effective your therapy is and if you are mouth-breathing if you get a machine that has software capabilities beyond just compliance. In addition to the auto, there are straight cpap machines that give this data as well.
If you get a Respironics machine with such capability, the Respironics EncorePro software can be used in conjunction with the free MyEncore program. Some examples of the nightly data you can see are:
Compliance
Daily Pressure
Daily AHI
Daily FLI
Daily SI
Variable Breathing
Time in Apnea
Average Apnea Duration
Pressure Charts
Pressure Distribution
Cumulative Pressure
AHI vs. Pressure
FLI vs. Pressure
SI vs. Pressure
If you'd like to take a look at the charts, here's the link:
myencore.php
If you get a Respironics machine with such capability, the Respironics EncorePro software can be used in conjunction with the free MyEncore program. Some examples of the nightly data you can see are:
Compliance
Daily Pressure
Daily AHI
Daily FLI
Daily SI
Variable Breathing
Time in Apnea
Average Apnea Duration
Pressure Charts
Pressure Distribution
Cumulative Pressure
AHI vs. Pressure
FLI vs. Pressure
SI vs. Pressure
If you'd like to take a look at the charts, here's the link:
myencore.php
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Guest
Have you contacted http://www.billmyinsurance.com? They can determine if your insurance will work with online purchases through cpap.com. If so, you could eliminate using your DME altogether and get all your equipment (the equipment you want) at a better price.
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sleepylady
- Posts: 203
- Joined: Wed Nov 16, 2005 11:42 am
Rastaman,
If you can get a new script from your dr. for an APAP you should be able to get an APAP. Yes, like the others said it will take work. When my dr. ordered an APAP (after I'd been on CPAP 2 months), the DME tried to give me a machine that I didn't want. My script said a specific brand, however, they wanted to give me the brand they carry as they get a better kickback. After 2 months, I finally got my machine. How you say??? Well after getting fobbed off by the branch office every time I called I asked who was in charge of the ordering and then what their phone number was. Within three days I had the news that yes they were ordering the machine my doctor had prescribed. How did I talk this stubborn DME around? First telling them I was very frustrated that my script had been written 2 months previously and I was still getting the run-around from them and all because of their profit margin. Second I had to be ready to walk away. The DME asked what I would do if they couldn't get the machine I wanted and I said I had already gotten a list of 5 other DME's my insurance participates with and called each place. That left the guy speechless. Third, I had to remind him that this is most likely a life-long condition so it's not like they wouldn't make up their money in the long run.
Now getting my dr. to write a new script wasn't hard at all. I did go through first trying to increase my pressure, but that didn't work. When I asked for the new script I said I wanted it because 1. I was still very tired and worried my pressure may not be right. 2. I was wondering about mask leaks and if I had a machine that recorded the events I could monitor that. 3. Using an APAP would allow me to monitor my treatment more closely using the software (yes I bought the software). 4. I'm working on losing weight and this would make it possible to adjust my pressure if needed without getting a sleep study every time I dropped 20 pounds. Anyway, long and short is my dr. approved those reasons.
As others said, the insurance company views APAPs as CPAPs. Heck when I called in the beginning to ask about it, two people I talked to didn't even know what in the world I was talking to.
You may want to call and see if your dr. would be willing to prescribe an APAP. Also, if they balk remind them that an APAP can be set as a CPAP, but a CPAP can't be set as an APAP.
Melinda
If you can get a new script from your dr. for an APAP you should be able to get an APAP. Yes, like the others said it will take work. When my dr. ordered an APAP (after I'd been on CPAP 2 months), the DME tried to give me a machine that I didn't want. My script said a specific brand, however, they wanted to give me the brand they carry as they get a better kickback. After 2 months, I finally got my machine. How you say??? Well after getting fobbed off by the branch office every time I called I asked who was in charge of the ordering and then what their phone number was. Within three days I had the news that yes they were ordering the machine my doctor had prescribed. How did I talk this stubborn DME around? First telling them I was very frustrated that my script had been written 2 months previously and I was still getting the run-around from them and all because of their profit margin. Second I had to be ready to walk away. The DME asked what I would do if they couldn't get the machine I wanted and I said I had already gotten a list of 5 other DME's my insurance participates with and called each place. That left the guy speechless. Third, I had to remind him that this is most likely a life-long condition so it's not like they wouldn't make up their money in the long run.
Now getting my dr. to write a new script wasn't hard at all. I did go through first trying to increase my pressure, but that didn't work. When I asked for the new script I said I wanted it because 1. I was still very tired and worried my pressure may not be right. 2. I was wondering about mask leaks and if I had a machine that recorded the events I could monitor that. 3. Using an APAP would allow me to monitor my treatment more closely using the software (yes I bought the software). 4. I'm working on losing weight and this would make it possible to adjust my pressure if needed without getting a sleep study every time I dropped 20 pounds. Anyway, long and short is my dr. approved those reasons.
As others said, the insurance company views APAPs as CPAPs. Heck when I called in the beginning to ask about it, two people I talked to didn't even know what in the world I was talking to.
You may want to call and see if your dr. would be willing to prescribe an APAP. Also, if they balk remind them that an APAP can be set as a CPAP, but a CPAP can't be set as an APAP.
Melinda
All very good points. I forwarded your email and the above website to my wife. I just started the Atkins diet today. The last time I did this diet I lost 75 lbs in 4.5 months. Now I plan to lose about 100 lbs in the next 6 or 7 months. Will this make my pressure change? Probably. I'm going to call and let the representative from the sleep center know about that one right there. That seems important!
Two messages left. Still waiting for him to call me back.
Two messages left. Still waiting for him to call me back.
_________________
| Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier |
| Mask: Eson™ 2 Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: EPAP: 8 IPAP: 15 PS: 3.0 |
Last edited by Rastaman on Fri Jun 02, 2006 9:18 am, edited 1 time in total.
Way to go sleepylady!!
A few comments to rastaman. Just to emphasize.
You should be able to get your sleep study through your primary doctor. I asked the office for a copy and got it right away. When I was at the DME I was asked if I had seen the study. I actually found this strange since I view there job as providing equipment based on prescription. I can't see why they would need it but that seems to be the way it is. I want to talk to my doc about the study, not an RT. Others seem to talk to the DME about it or the sleep doc who reviewed it. As I said, I perfer my regular doc who knows me.
I think someone else pointed this out. There are CPAP's that can give you data to assess your treatment don't HAVE to have an APAP for that. For example Remstar Pro2 (which is what I was initally offered). Does all the data collection that the Remstar APAP does, but without the auto titration if I recall correctly. Don't think I don't prefer APAP I do, but if you are caught in the money bind, don't think you can't get data from a non Auto machine as long as it is the right one. Just not pressure data. And yes I believe your max pressure all night is overkill (mine is 13 too) but that is why I pushed for auto, insurance companies, DME's and alot of doctors don't agree with me on that.
Air coming out of your mouth WILL NOT be solved by an APAP. May lessen because possibly not being at your maximum pressuer all night. But the same issues will apply nasal vs. full face, tape or no tape...
The mouth issue takes work and trial and error. I am doing pretty well but still have issues here and there. My spouse is a light sleeper and I am doing pretty well if I don't wake him up! I think he is better than data sometimes.
The DME person told you to not use anything and see if you are still breathing through your mouth? Has he ever even tried a machine? If you are you are. Not going to be a magical change overnight. Some on this forum claim that they "learn over time" not to mouth breath. I am hoping that I become one of those. But for now almost 2 months in I still need major help with that, being strap and tape. I hate waking up with a bone dry mouth, and it WILL wake you. The point of CPAP is not to wake not to create new reasons to wake up.
You might want to do as you suggest and try another mask (full face I suggest) when you feel you have exhausted the ideas for keeping your mouth shut with the nasal mask. I assume you would have to give the swift back to get the other mask? I think most nasal masks/pillows are going to present the same issue for you in terms of mouth breathing so I doubt that one vs the other would help. If it is uncomfortable or there is leakage where it is connected to your face, then by all means search for a better nasal interface.
Most of all keep going. It will get better.
A few comments to rastaman. Just to emphasize.
You should be able to get your sleep study through your primary doctor. I asked the office for a copy and got it right away. When I was at the DME I was asked if I had seen the study. I actually found this strange since I view there job as providing equipment based on prescription. I can't see why they would need it but that seems to be the way it is. I want to talk to my doc about the study, not an RT. Others seem to talk to the DME about it or the sleep doc who reviewed it. As I said, I perfer my regular doc who knows me.
I think someone else pointed this out. There are CPAP's that can give you data to assess your treatment don't HAVE to have an APAP for that. For example Remstar Pro2 (which is what I was initally offered). Does all the data collection that the Remstar APAP does, but without the auto titration if I recall correctly. Don't think I don't prefer APAP I do, but if you are caught in the money bind, don't think you can't get data from a non Auto machine as long as it is the right one. Just not pressure data. And yes I believe your max pressure all night is overkill (mine is 13 too) but that is why I pushed for auto, insurance companies, DME's and alot of doctors don't agree with me on that.
Air coming out of your mouth WILL NOT be solved by an APAP. May lessen because possibly not being at your maximum pressuer all night. But the same issues will apply nasal vs. full face, tape or no tape...
The mouth issue takes work and trial and error. I am doing pretty well but still have issues here and there. My spouse is a light sleeper and I am doing pretty well if I don't wake him up! I think he is better than data sometimes.
The DME person told you to not use anything and see if you are still breathing through your mouth? Has he ever even tried a machine? If you are you are. Not going to be a magical change overnight. Some on this forum claim that they "learn over time" not to mouth breath. I am hoping that I become one of those. But for now almost 2 months in I still need major help with that, being strap and tape. I hate waking up with a bone dry mouth, and it WILL wake you. The point of CPAP is not to wake not to create new reasons to wake up.
You might want to do as you suggest and try another mask (full face I suggest) when you feel you have exhausted the ideas for keeping your mouth shut with the nasal mask. I assume you would have to give the swift back to get the other mask? I think most nasal masks/pillows are going to present the same issue for you in terms of mouth breathing so I doubt that one vs the other would help. If it is uncomfortable or there is leakage where it is connected to your face, then by all means search for a better nasal interface.
Most of all keep going. It will get better.
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Wulfman-
In additon to checking with BILLMYINSURANCE.COM as was previously mentioned, have you checked with your insurance provider to see if they would reimburse you for out-of-pocket purchases? You could take your prescription and purchase what you wanted from CPAP.COM and get reimbursed by your insurance provider. Works for lots of folks. Doesn't cost anything to ask....
Den
Den
The CPAPtalk effect
One other phenomenon that you ought to consider:
Having been a frequent lurker and occasional poster here, I have noticed a phenomenon whenever someone new to CPAP hits this forum; that is, they are intiially bewildsered by all the new terms and equipment models, then they becoame aware that there is a larger world than just the xPAP and mask that their DME foisted on the naive, new patient. Then, inevitably, they begin wondering whether they indeed, got the best possible equipment for their condition ( along with increasing thoughts about whether they got screwed by their DME, fostered by the prevailing anti-DME sentiments around here). Finally, they come to the conclusion that APAP is, in fact, THE HOLY GRAIL of xPAP treatment and that they can't live without an APAP. Thereafter, their extising equipment looks, old, unattractive and shop-worn compared with the visions and dreams of a bright shiny, new REMSTAR Auto, or maybe even the M series, the Ferrari of xPAP. Suddenly, confused new patients turn into crusaders on a mission to conquer their scurulous DMEs/Sleepdocs/clinics/insurances/HMOs/PPOs to pry that brand new, shiny, SEXY M series that they want as bad as they wanted a date with BillyJo Bialoski for the Senior Prom.
So listen: There have been NO STUDIES that demonstrate that APAP provides more effective treatment than CPAP does (there are studiues which show that it is AS EFFECTIVE, but not more so). There are NO STUDIES that demonstrate that APAP does a better job of titrating pressure than a PSG does ( there are studies that show that APAP does as good a job as a PSG).And, there are those that believe that APAP is contraindicated for those who have experienced heart failure. May believe that lotsa folks simply do better on CPAP (though its true that APAPs can be run in CPAP mode).
SO BE CAREFUL and relax!!!!!
Chuck
P.S. Both the Respironics REMSTAR PRO 2 as well as the ResMed S8 Elite will give you a full range of efficacy dat.
Having been a frequent lurker and occasional poster here, I have noticed a phenomenon whenever someone new to CPAP hits this forum; that is, they are intiially bewildsered by all the new terms and equipment models, then they becoame aware that there is a larger world than just the xPAP and mask that their DME foisted on the naive, new patient. Then, inevitably, they begin wondering whether they indeed, got the best possible equipment for their condition ( along with increasing thoughts about whether they got screwed by their DME, fostered by the prevailing anti-DME sentiments around here). Finally, they come to the conclusion that APAP is, in fact, THE HOLY GRAIL of xPAP treatment and that they can't live without an APAP. Thereafter, their extising equipment looks, old, unattractive and shop-worn compared with the visions and dreams of a bright shiny, new REMSTAR Auto, or maybe even the M series, the Ferrari of xPAP. Suddenly, confused new patients turn into crusaders on a mission to conquer their scurulous DMEs/Sleepdocs/clinics/insurances/HMOs/PPOs to pry that brand new, shiny, SEXY M series that they want as bad as they wanted a date with BillyJo Bialoski for the Senior Prom.
So listen: There have been NO STUDIES that demonstrate that APAP provides more effective treatment than CPAP does (there are studiues which show that it is AS EFFECTIVE, but not more so). There are NO STUDIES that demonstrate that APAP does a better job of titrating pressure than a PSG does ( there are studies that show that APAP does as good a job as a PSG).And, there are those that believe that APAP is contraindicated for those who have experienced heart failure. May believe that lotsa folks simply do better on CPAP (though its true that APAPs can be run in CPAP mode).
SO BE CAREFUL and relax!!!!!
Chuck
P.S. Both the Respironics REMSTAR PRO 2 as well as the ResMed S8 Elite will give you a full range of efficacy dat.
People are dying every day in Darfur simply for who they are!!! PLEASE HELP THEM!
http://www.savedarfur.org
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http://www.savedarfur.org
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Thanks one and all! It sounds like I need a new mask. I have access to the website for my sleep center. They offer all three Remstar Plus machine as well as just about every single other I've seen on the majority of posts here. My sleep clinic seems to have it all available. Now, it's a question of which full face mask that would work best for me to avoid mouth leakage.
Also, I have a hard time putting the chin strap on. I end up having to wake my wife most nights to do it. Last night I did it myself and not only did I pull my mask off twice for the first time but the strap hurts my ears and so forth and so on. I've always been a mouth breather. My dental records will confirm this. They can tell when they're doing a cleaning that I'm a mouth breather. So, the question becomes which full face mask do you guys like best?
Right now the sleep center representative says this:
My severe neck soreness will go away. Some patients he said will use the CPAP "every other night" until the neck pain goes away. Shoot, I think I'm going to die if I don't use the machine. I know that's absurd but once I learn something the right way I seldom deviate. I don't really need to know 12 ways to do the same thing when 2 or 3 will work. And if one is overall best for me, that's the one I'll use.
Also this fella informs me that we can change pressures at the drop of a hat with no appointment necessary. I just come in and boom, I'm done. As I lose weight he says I'm going to feel like 13 is too much, so just come in and they'll adjust it. As far as taking the mask off during the night I don't think they're terrible worried about that. I'm not taking it off my head. And it's not slipping off. The Swift "headset" is something I can put on myself easily. Is there a full-face mask that you would recommend for the "pufferfish"? Also, he mentioned that as my weight goes down the pressure will force my mouth open anyway and that's another way I'll know that I need my pressure adjusted.
If they have lifetime adjustments, I can't complain about that. It does take an extra trip. And as it's been said above, there is no studies done saying CPAP is better than APAP or vice versa. One definitely has more bells and whistles. I'm not concerned with those. I just want to be able to put it on, go to sleep, turn on my side when I need to, get a new pillow that helps my neck too (if needed) and have air escape my mouth as little as possible. But still get the effects that I've felt this first week (I can tell the difference between this and my normal sleep.)
Also, I have a hard time putting the chin strap on. I end up having to wake my wife most nights to do it. Last night I did it myself and not only did I pull my mask off twice for the first time but the strap hurts my ears and so forth and so on. I've always been a mouth breather. My dental records will confirm this. They can tell when they're doing a cleaning that I'm a mouth breather. So, the question becomes which full face mask do you guys like best?
Right now the sleep center representative says this:
My severe neck soreness will go away. Some patients he said will use the CPAP "every other night" until the neck pain goes away. Shoot, I think I'm going to die if I don't use the machine. I know that's absurd but once I learn something the right way I seldom deviate. I don't really need to know 12 ways to do the same thing when 2 or 3 will work. And if one is overall best for me, that's the one I'll use.
Also this fella informs me that we can change pressures at the drop of a hat with no appointment necessary. I just come in and boom, I'm done. As I lose weight he says I'm going to feel like 13 is too much, so just come in and they'll adjust it. As far as taking the mask off during the night I don't think they're terrible worried about that. I'm not taking it off my head. And it's not slipping off. The Swift "headset" is something I can put on myself easily. Is there a full-face mask that you would recommend for the "pufferfish"? Also, he mentioned that as my weight goes down the pressure will force my mouth open anyway and that's another way I'll know that I need my pressure adjusted.
If they have lifetime adjustments, I can't complain about that. It does take an extra trip. And as it's been said above, there is no studies done saying CPAP is better than APAP or vice versa. One definitely has more bells and whistles. I'm not concerned with those. I just want to be able to put it on, go to sleep, turn on my side when I need to, get a new pillow that helps my neck too (if needed) and have air escape my mouth as little as possible. But still get the effects that I've felt this first week (I can tell the difference between this and my normal sleep.)
_________________
| Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier |
| Mask: Eson™ 2 Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: EPAP: 8 IPAP: 15 PS: 3.0 |
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Guest
Re: The CPAPtalk effect
Doesn't an APAP give you a lower AHI than a CPAP because it can change throughout the night as your pressure needs change?GoofyUT wrote:There have been NO STUDIES that demonstrate that APAP provides more effective treatment than CPAP does (there are studiues which show that it is AS EFFECTIVE, but not more so). There are NO STUDIES that demonstrate that APAP does a better job of titrating pressure than a PSG does ( there are studies that show that APAP does as good a job as a PSG).And, there are those that believe that APAP is contraindicated for those who have experienced heart failure. May believe that lotsa folks simply do better on CPAP (though its true that APAPs can be run in CPAP mode).
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sleepylady
- Posts: 203
- Joined: Wed Nov 16, 2005 11:42 am
Rastaman,
Whatever machine works, then go for it. One thing that concerns me about your last post is the person who told you they can keep lowering the pressure. You may want to check with your doctor on that to make sure whoever you talked to is correct. I was told and have read in other posts that they can up the pressure or lower the pressure by 2 or 3, however, any more than that and they need to do another sleep study. This was one of the reasons I opted for an APAP. Plus, the fact that if I find I work better with a single pressure I can then set my APAP to that. If you are looking to lose a significant amount of weight, and I'd say 100 pounds is very significant, you may want to talk to your doctor about these issues.
I know what you mean about chinstraps. I had thought I was a mouth breather so I first opted for full face masks. After two failed attempts (too many leaks for the pressure I had), I tried the chinstrap route. I'm happy to say that I am not a true mouth breather so after I got used to the pressure, I no longer open my mouth. Have you tried taping your mouth or even using a mouth piece? I know many people here and on another forum tape. Just a thought.
Melinda
Whatever machine works, then go for it. One thing that concerns me about your last post is the person who told you they can keep lowering the pressure. You may want to check with your doctor on that to make sure whoever you talked to is correct. I was told and have read in other posts that they can up the pressure or lower the pressure by 2 or 3, however, any more than that and they need to do another sleep study. This was one of the reasons I opted for an APAP. Plus, the fact that if I find I work better with a single pressure I can then set my APAP to that. If you are looking to lose a significant amount of weight, and I'd say 100 pounds is very significant, you may want to talk to your doctor about these issues.
I know what you mean about chinstraps. I had thought I was a mouth breather so I first opted for full face masks. After two failed attempts (too many leaks for the pressure I had), I tried the chinstrap route. I'm happy to say that I am not a true mouth breather so after I got used to the pressure, I no longer open my mouth. Have you tried taping your mouth or even using a mouth piece? I know many people here and on another forum tape. Just a thought.
Melinda