One day you will be able to purchase a CPAP at WALMART

[remhunter]

You don't believe me... I can understand it.

As technology continues to improve the efficiency of CPAP machines and AUTO PAPs become more aware of the real need and individual demand of air during the sleep hours the ALL-SMART PAPs are just around the corner. I have a few co-workers who have already been tested in those labs and most of them have been put on an initial pressure that was completely wrong.... That's the truth so don't deny me just yet. What those DOCTORS do is give you the machine that you could have got the first day without the "TEST" and use it by allowing the PAP from the future to get a wide range of pressures to work with when each apnea event begins. AUTO-PAP machines are capable of doing just that, meaning they "play" up and down with a range of preset pressures, storing the data, analyzing it and 'making decisions' for possible repetition of the same problems. The distance between what an AUTO-PAP machine does today and what an ALL-SMART PAP will do is so short that I can see their arrival much more closer than ever before. NO NEED FOR "TESTS" and the possibility that any person with or without insurance could manage their sleep disorders with complete independence.
I have seen that day in my dreams and I have pictured myself going in to WALMART to pick up my SMART-PAP for half the price of today's ones.

[SleepWellCPAP]

In your dream, was it a Walmart brand Smart PAP? ResMed? Respironics?

[JohnO]

You are correct that the Auto-CPAP really helps with the ability to set up and use a machine without a long night's titration in a lab.

I think there are a few other factors at play. Regarding cost - you can already get a good Auto-CPAP machine from suppliers such as our host at CPAP.COM from about half of what the local brick-&-mortar DME will charge. The issue, like so many things is complicated by insurance regulations, and the need for a prescription for the machine. At least in the US, many with insurance would rather keep the existing system in place because they pay very little out of pocket for the CPAP machine as long as they can jump through the hoops to have insurance cover the cost. For those who do have to pay out of pocket, the steps required to get a CPAP machine through an online provider (or at Walmart) are worth the hassle for the significant savings.

John

[remhunter]

In your dream, was it a Walmart brand Smart PAP? ResMed? Respironics?

Very funny it probably was a Walmart brand and on top of that: made in China....
What makes expensive those new machines are the use of patented technologies. FLEX systems are patents and for any manufacturer to include the FLEX feature into their PAPs they have to pay for the intellectual rights of whoever invented it. The ALL-SMART PAP of my dreams will have to bring a "TEST MODE" feature which in time it will also be protected by a patent.
"TEST MODE" will be the function of the future machines... They will be able to evaluate the real pressure need and the fluctuations on the air demand of your lungs and the actual number of apnea events. Remember this: No one day TEST that you can have done on anyone today is capable of determine with 100%% exactitude the cause of the problem and the solution needed in a long range. thanks for your funny comment and keep dreaming of tomorrow.

[BlackSpinner]

One day you will be able to purchase a CPAP at WALMART

By the gods I hope not. If they were as "good" as their other products they would disintegrate in a month. They would have been build by kids in Bangladesh in some swampy basement.

[remhunter]

One day you will be able to purchase a CPAP at WALMART

By the gods I hope not. If they were as "good" as their other products they would disintegrate in a month. They would have been build by kids in Bangladesh in some swampy basement.

good!

[remhunter]

You are correct that the Auto-CPAP really helps with the ability to set up and use a machine without a long night's titration in a lab.

I think there are a few other factors at play. Regarding cost - you can already get a good Auto-CPAP machine from suppliers such as our host at CPAP.COM from about half of what the local brick-&-mortar DME will charge. The issue, like so many things is complicated by insurance regulations, and the need for a prescription for the machine. At least in the US, many with insurance would rather keep the existing system in place because they pay very little out of pocket for the CPAP machine as long as they can jump through the hoops to have insurance cover the cost. For those who do have to pay out of pocket, the steps required to get a CPAP machine through an online provider (or at Walmart) are worth the hassle for the significant savings.

John

That's right! I see you're from Minnesota and if I'm noIimistaken the family-owned "SECONDWINDCPAP" company is also from there... It's curious coincidence after all. I wrote an email to them asking for help in the matter. I don't have health insurance currently and I can't afford $3000.00 in a test that I personally don't give any value. No one better than myself to know that I suffer from apnea and I have the evidences and testimonies from people who loved me confirming those events... I don't need anyone dressed in white to tell me what I already know. No offense to doctors here, please. I trust thousand times more a machine to determine the actual depth of my respiratory problems during sleeping hours than the opinion of a TEST made in one-two nights under stress for being at an strange environment. No way!
I rather spend a few hundred dollars in getting a good and efficient auto pap machine with data capabilities to help reach the best state of comfort, spend some time studying the way to 'read' and 'understand' the different indexes and steps to fix them than giving those white experts the only $$$ I have in my savings. thanks

[BlackSpinner]

You can buy an at home test for $300

Of course if you already know that what you have is obstructive sleep apnea and not centrals all you have to do is persuade your PCP to write you a prescription.

[remhunter]

You can buy an at home test for $300

Of course if you already know that what you have is obstructive sleep apnea and not centrals all you have to do is persuade your PCP to write you a prescription.

A HOME TEST is another scam and a great fraud. It is a way of wasting your money in something that is even worse and more unreliable than the expensive one...why?
Let me tell you a story... you may decide if this is the product of fiction or real life.
I have a few co-workers who given the state regulations they had to go through a medical test called "PHYSICAL". I won't go into more details... understood? fine. Some of them received a prescription to go through the sleep test paid by the insurance, of course. They went and most of them had to repeat their visit since it wasn't clear the real need of those CPAPs after all. They all were found "guilty of charges" meaning that they were found 'sick' and in a desperately need of a good expensive imported CPAP from respironics (Phillips). When I turned to them and asked how the treatment is going I got a funny answer: "I don't use it... You kidding me? I throw it under my bed and I sleep better now" Inside me I was angry... I am honest with you. I can't afford to pay for a TEST that worth nothing to me but would allow me to get a PAP machine and solve a real and dangerous problem I know 100% I suffer from... On the other hand I heard the way those expensive (not automatic) and (not American made) machines are handed to people that DON'T NEED THEM! YES... In fact, I was offered to purchase (under the table) one of those expensive machines for $200.00 Of course I won't! Not because I respect the law but because I'm looking for the BEST THERE IS in AUTO PAPs and solve my problem forever. THE END.

[49er]

Hi Remhunter,

As someone who is uninsured, knowing what I now know, I would have skipped the home study test and purchased a machine from either CL or a trusted member on this site. I mean, the first sleep doctor was 99.9% sure I had apnea and I definitely had all the symptoms plus a strong family history.

And I received absolutely no help in finding the right pressure settings from her or the 2nd sleep doctor. Everything I have learned has been on my own thanks to this site.

Regarding the folks who feel they were misdiagnosed with apnea, did they get a 2nd opinion and if so, what did the doctors say? I understand your concerns but on the other hand, there are people who truly have it but are in denial. Unfortunately, it is tough sometimes sorting out everything in a manner that is fair to everyone.

49er

You can buy an at home test for $300

Of course if you already know that what you have is obstructive sleep apnea and not centrals all you have to do is persuade your PCP to write you a prescription.

A HOME TEST is another scam and a great fraud. It is a way of wasting your money in something that is even worse and more unreliable than the expensive one...why?
Let me tell you a story... you may decide if this is the product of fiction or real life.
I have a few co-workers who given the state regulations they had to go through a medical test called "PHYSICAL". I won't go into more details... understood? fine. Some of them received a prescription to go through the sleep test paid by the insurance, of course. They went and most of them had to repeat their visit since it wasn't clear the real need of those CPAPs after all. They all were found "guilty of charges" meaning that they were found 'sick' and in a desperately need of a good expensive imported CPAP from respironics (Phillips). When I turned to them and asked how the treatment is going I got a funny answer: "I don't use it... You kidding me? I throw it under my bed and I sleep better now" Inside me I was angry... I am honest with you. I can't afford to pay for a TEST that worth nothing to me but would allow me to get a PAP machine and solve a real and dangerous problem I know 100% I suffer from... On the other hand I heard the way those expensive (not automatic) and (not American made) machines are handed to people that DON'T NEED THEM! YES... In fact, I was offered to purchase (under the table) one of those expensive machines for $200.00 Of course I won't! Not because I respect the law but because I'm looking for the BEST THERE IS in AUTO PAPs and solve my problem forever. THE END.

[BlackSpinner]

You can buy an at home test for $300

Of course if you already know that what you have is obstructive sleep apnea and not centrals all you have to do is persuade your PCP to write you a prescription.

A HOME TEST is another scam and a great fraud. It is a way of wasting your money in something that is even worse and more unreliable than the expensive one...why?
Let me tell you a story... you may decide if this is the product of fiction or real life.
I have a few co-workers who given the state regulations they had to go through a medical test called "PHYSICAL". I won't go into more details... understood? fine. Some of them received a prescription to go through the sleep test paid by the insurance, of course. They went and most of them had to repeat their visit since it wasn't clear the real need of those CPAPs after all. They all were found "guilty of charges" meaning that they were found 'sick' and in a desperately need of a good expensive imported CPAP from respironics (Phillips). When I turned to them and asked how the treatment is going I got a funny answer: "I don't use it... You kidding me? I throw it under my bed and I sleep better now" Inside me I was angry... I am honest with you. I can't afford to pay for a TEST that worth nothing to me but would allow me to get a PAP machine and solve a real and dangerous problem I know 100% I suffer from... On the other hand I heard the way those expensive (not automatic) and (not American made) machines are handed to people that DON'T NEED THEM! YES... In fact, I was offered to purchase (under the table) one of those expensive machines for $200.00 Of course I won't! Not because I respect the law but because I'm looking for the BEST THERE IS in AUTO PAPs and solve my problem forever. THE END.

I suggest you do some real research instead of anecdotes.
Up to 50% of people won't use cpap machines even though they need it because they think they don't. Denial is one of the symptoms of sleep deprivation. Your friend probably needs it badly.

Many people have more then one study because they need to be titrated on the machine.

All machines are "imported" All of them have their electronic components built in the Far East. They may be assembled in the USA but that is it.
Resperonics machines are no more expensive then any other on the market. Prices vary depending on who you buy from.

You don't know what you have, you think you do, but if you haven't been tested you don't know.
All this conspiracy theory stuff is part of your sleep deprivation symptoms.

[greatunclebill]

this thread just strengthens the argument for needing a prescription for at least the initial xpap purchase. i agree that this is lifetime condition and the initial prescription should be a lifetime arrangement. i can imagine wannabe doctors buying on off the shelf for every family member as chrismas presents and making them use it whether they need it or not. Thank God, it will never happen.

[Wulfman...]

I don't think it's so far-fetched. It's been discussed (speculated) on the forum since about 2005 or 2006.
How many Walmart stores have optometrists (eyeglass departments)? Our local one does. You can buy Diabetic and blood pressure testing equipment and supplies there. Lots of stuff that used to require prescriptions no longer do.
I'm holding out hope.


Den

.

[remhunter]

You don't know what you have, you think you do, but if you haven't been tested you don't know.
All this conspiracy theory stuff is part of your sleep deprivation symptoms.

I guess you're right...I'm delusional! look my eyes, I can't barely keep focusing them.

intellipap machines are made in the U.S.A. You can verify that in the internet. Are the parts imported? Who actually cares about it???? I certainly don't! To me there is one truth one undeniable truth not any doctor here can't refute it:
THE AIR PRESSURE YOU (generically speaking meaning every one, others, etc.) VARIES BY THE HOUR, BY THE DAY, BY THE ACTUAL PHYSICAL WORK DONE IN A SPECIFIC DAY AND BY WHAT YOU EAT" which means that if you had a plate with beans made with a lot of seasonings, a piece of roasted pork and a dozen of corns you will probably need more air pressure than if you had a light dinner.

FIXED PRESSURE MACHINES a.k.a. CPAPs are like type writers compared to apple computers using some word program. They are set to work at a top pressure all night and I have a cousin who really needs it and he is unable to sleep more than 3 hours without having to throw it to the corner every single night because of the uncomfortable HIGH pressure the machine was set originally. Don't get me wrong! He has federal insurance and a top of the line RESPIRONICS and he is fed up with it! You could say: "why isn't he going to the doctor?" HE HAS. The doctor told him that "the needs that high pressure at certain moments at certain stages of the sleeping process or he is going to die"

Isn't there a conflict or it is that I'm mentally challenged by my untreated apnea? (as you so smartly pointed out?)

I told him about the AUTO PAPs and he will try to do the impossible mission of suggesting it to his health care provider

[chunkyfrog]

Judging by the dismal reviews of glucometers that have won the competitive bidding process,
poor-quality imports will be the norm, particularly for those with any HMO-type "health" plan.
Too bad; I would like to see American-made Intellipap and P-R machines and masks at good ole Wally's.