Sleep Study-Done, now, I wait

[Taz]

OK, I just returned home from the sleep study….WOW, that was an experience. I was very uptight going in and my blood pressure was sky high. The Sleep Tech was excellent and did everything he could to calm me but I was just about beside myself. I discussed with him my ongoing issues with insomnia and he assured me everything would be OK, even if I didn't fall asleep. I was a bit overwhelmed by all the wires & leads attached to me but I managed to cope. Taking Ambien to aid sleep was not an option for me. I have a past history of using Rx sleep meds and will never, ever do that, again. My primary doc recently started me on Rx Clonidine for blood pressure which can cause drowsiness but it didn't. I took a Benadryl, too but it didn't help, either.

I was actually in bed about 7hrs. I made two trips to the bathroom and according to the tech, I finally fell asleep shortly after 3AM and was awakened at 6AM. No, I was not tried on a CPAP, at all. The tech said I did not fall asleep soon enough for a possible split study. He said I would be coming back for a titration study. I couldn't get the tech to tell me much but he did say once I fell asleep I had some intense periods of snoring and a few strong apnea incidents. He said I would be contacted in 7-10 days after the sleep doc looked over my study.

OK, I know I’m impatient but I’m so tired of feeling the way I do and was expecting this process to move much quicker. At the rate this is going, it could be another month before I get a CPAP machine. I’m so tired of living like this………. I’m not sure if I want to cry or just throw a temper tantrum because it’s not moving quick enough for me. Honestly, I thought I would go for the sleep study and have a CPAP machine, this week. I’m tired, so tired, stressed & frustrated………

Taz

[lliann]

OK, I just returned home from the sleep study….WOW, that was an experience. I was very uptight going in and my blood pressure was sky high. The Sleep Tech was excellent and did everything he could to calm me but I was just about beside myself. I discussed with him my ongoing issues with insomnia and he assured me everything would be OK, even if I didn't fall asleep. I was a bit overwhelmed by all the wires & leads attached to me but I managed to cope. Taking Ambien to aid sleep was not an option for me. I have a past history of using Rx sleep meds and will never, ever do that, again. My primary doc recently started me on Rx Clonidine for blood pressure which can cause drowsiness but it didn't. I took a Benadryl, too but it didn't help, either.

I was actually in bed about 7hrs. I made two trips to the bathroom and according to the tech, I finally fell asleep shortly after 3AM and was awakened at 6AM. No, I was not tried on a CPAP, at all. The tech said I did not fall asleep soon enough for a possible split study. He said I would be coming back for a titration study. I couldn't get the tech to tell me much but he did say once I fell asleep I had some intense periods of snoring and a few strong apnea incidents. He said I would be contacted in 7-10 days after the sleep doc looked over my study.

OK, I know I’m impatient but I’m so tired of feeling the way I do and was expecting this process to move much quicker. At the rate this is going, it could be another month before I get a CPAP machine. I’m so tired of living like this………. I’m not sure if I want to cry or just throw a temper tantrum because it’s not moving quick enough for me. Honestly, I thought I would go for the sleep study and have a CPAP machine, this week. I’m tired, so tired, stressed & frustrated………

Taz

Ok, so as you said, this is going to be a process. There will be some hit and miss, trial and error and probably some attitude adjustment . It happens to us all.

There are so many things that can factor into our sleep quality or lack thereof. Sleep apnea is just the beginning diagnosis. The good news is that the people who have been here for a while are those who stayed with the process even tho it can seem slow. They didn't give up, and probably have felt everything you are feeling. There really is a process to accepting this reality, but ultimately, once I made the committment that I have to address whatever shows up, one at a time, I understand that I had to give time time.(even as I yell for help<g>).

I would think you may have a follow up appt with your sleep doctor after this sleep study? If not, call and make one. Good luck!

[Taz]

Hi lliann,

I don't even know who the sleep doc is. My primary doc referred me to this sleep lab and the only person I've met is the sleep tech. Am I suppose to see a sleep doc or just my primary doc? The literature from this sleep lab makes it sound like a sleep doc will analyze my sleep study, make recommendations and write a Rx.....never mentions an actual face to face meeting. Should I be meeting with this sleep doc?

Taz

[lliann]

Hi lliann,

I don't even know who the sleep doc is. My primary doc referred me to this sleep lab and the only person I've met is the sleep tech. Am I suppose to see a sleep doc or just my primary doc? The literature from this sleep lab makes it sound like a sleep doc will analyze my sleep study, make recommendations and write a Rx.....never mentions an actual face to face meeting. Should I be meeting with this sleep doc?

Taz

Hmmm. I suppose you don't =have= to, but if a sleep doc is going to interpret your sleep study, you can bet you will be paying someone. If it were me, I would ask my pcp how he intends on following up with the sleep study(since he suggested it.is he a sleep specialist?). Did he or will he be recommending a sleep doctor. I might call the sleep study people and ask who is interpreting the results and who will be the doctor recommending my sleep treatment. For me, I just ask a bunch of questions. Too often one gets I don't know but I keep asking until someone does.

You can get a lot of help here as you start your process, but these sleep studies are not cheap, and I personally want to know who is accountable for my information (besides me<g>)

[Tino2You]

I can only talk about my experience, but the sleep doc sent my doc the analysis of my study and a recommendation for CPAP and a pressure. MY ENT then wrote out the script for me to take to the DME. If the tech is correct, you will be contacted to come in for a titration study, where you will be wired up (again) but this time a mask will be put on as well. You will go to sleep and the tech will adjust the pressure until an optimal pressure is reached.

-tino

[robysue]

OK, I know I’m impatient but I’m so tired of feeling the way I do and was expecting this process to move much quicker. At the rate this is going, it could be another month before I get a CPAP machine. I’m so tired of living like this………. I’m not sure if I want to cry or just throw a temper tantrum because it’s not moving quick enough for me. Honestly, I thought I would go for the sleep study and have a CPAP machine, this week.

The delay could very well be a blessing in disguise.

A lot of newbies come to us after having a split study and being sent home with a CPAP that records NO efficacy data. And then they start having problems and come here only to be told their machine is a brick and records no useful data for anybody, including the doc, to look at to figure out what's going wrong with their therapy.

Use the delay to do the following things:

• Call your insurance and find out about your durable medical equipment coverage. It may be very different from your prescription drub coverage. Also find out if you have a choice of durable medical equipment providers (DMEs) and whether they pay for your machine by billing code.
• Start researching machines so that you know what kind of a machine you want to get. JanKnitz's blog entry What you need to know before you meet your DME is critically important reading, as is her Data capable Machines entry. Forearmed with knowledge will make it easier to tangle with the DME to get the machine of your choice.
• Call the sleep center and ask about whether the sleep doc will simply forward the test results and script suggestion to your PCP or whether you will see the sleep doc. You need to know what the plan actually is. Be polite but firm that you need to know what the process is. Also ask about how you obtain a copy of the sleep study results for you own records.
• Once the test results are in, ask to be put on a cancellation list---if the sleep center gets a cancelation, they can call you and if you're available, you can get the sleep test done sooner than your titration test winds up being scheduled for.
• Start calling DMEs and asking questions about what machines they typically set their patients up with. Locate a DME you want to work with instead of just accepting the recommendation of what DME to use from the sleep center. And make the DME earn your business.

[chunkyfrog]

If you are on Medicare, use my link to find possible providers.
The list may not be completely up-to-date, but it is a start.
The providers with a green "M" are contracted to accept Medicare amount as full payment.

[sc0ttt]

My primary doc referred me to a respiratory doc who gave me a pre-exam and an appointment with the sleep center. The sleep center does have physicians as well, I'm not sure why the extra degree of separation is necessary. My respiratory doc then prescribed pretty much exactly what the sleep center suggested, and then I had a follow up to make sure it was working and I was using it.

I have never taken a sleeping pill and their addictive properties scare me as well, but I was ready to take one for the study if I didn't fall asleep soon enough... didn't need to.

[ems]

I was actually in bed about 7hrs. I made two trips to the bathroom and according to the tech, I finally fell asleep shortly after 3AM and was awakened at 6AM. No, I was not tried on a CPAP, at all. The tech said I did not fall asleep soon enough for a possible split study. He said I would be coming back for a titration study. I couldn't get the tech to tell me much but he did say once I fell asleep I had some intense periods of snoring and a few strong apnea incidents. He said I would be contacted in 7-10 days after the sleep doc looked over my study.

Taz

I think we both went to the same sleep center except that I don't live in Texas. If you did some reading here, you'd probably find that the majority of us came away from the sleep study feeling like you feel. I also slept around 3 hours. Robysue's suggestions were spot on. Makes so much more sense than to sit around just waiting.

I thought I would mention that I moved things along by calling the sleep doc the day after the sleep study, and told her that I was concerned and worried, etc., and that I didn't want to go for a titration. She (pulmonary sleep specialist) said that was okay; that she would "suggest" what pressure I needed when she saw the results from the sleep study and would follow up by reading the SD card within a month. She must have contacted the DME I used bc I had my machine within the week... as I remember... about 3 days.

I know it's easy for me to say but you'll be fine. Be proactive - read Robysue's post again - maybe pamper yourself and go for a massage.

[Taz]

OK, I know I’m impatient but I’m so tired of feeling the way I do and was expecting this process to move much quicker. At the rate this is going, it could be another month before I get a CPAP machine. I’m so tired of living like this………. I’m not sure if I want to cry or just throw a temper tantrum because it’s not moving quick enough for me. Honestly, I thought I would go for the sleep study and have a CPAP machine, this week.

The delay could very well be a blessing in disguise.

A lot of newbies come to us after having a split study and being sent home with a CPAP that records NO efficacy data. And then they start having problems and come here only to be told their machine is a brick and records no useful data for anybody, including the doc, to look at to figure out what's going wrong with their therapy.

Use the delay to do the following things:

• Call your insurance and find out about your durable medical equipment coverage. It may be very different from your prescription drub coverage. Also find out if you have a choice of durable medical equipment providers (DMEs) and whether they pay for your machine by billing code.
• Start researching machines so that you know what kind of a machine you want to get. JanKnitz's blog entry What you need to know before you meet your DME is critically important reading, as is her Data capable Machines entry. Forearmed with knowledge will make it easier to tangle with the DME to get the machine of your choice.
• Call the sleep center and ask about whether the sleep doc will simply forward the test results and script suggestion to your PCP or whether you will see the sleep doc. You need to know what the plan actually is. Be polite but firm that you need to know what the process is. Also ask about how you obtain a copy of the sleep study results for you own records.
• Once the test results are in, ask to be put on a cancellation list---if the sleep center gets a cancelation, they can call you and if you're available, you can get the sleep test done sooner than your titration test winds up being scheduled for.
• Start calling DMEs and asking questions about what machines they typically set their patients up with. Locate a DME you want to work with instead of just accepting the recommendation of what DME to use from the sleep center. And make the DME earn your business.

Robysue,

Thank you so much for so much valuable information. I've only been at cpaptalk.com for a couple of weeks and I've already learned so much. I arrived at the sleep study armed with information however didn't get too far with only interacting with the sleep tech. Thanks to all the info from you, Pugsy, Janknitz and others on the board, Ive already made some calls and done some checking. I've talked to my insurance provider and they pay by the HCPC/E0601 and do not allow any type of upcharge payment. And....it didn't matter to them whether I got a CPAP or APAP or a BiPAP, if prescribed. They gave me the names of two other DMEs I could talk to if I didn't want to deal with the DME at the sleep center. I've already decided I want the ResMed S9 Autoset & humidifier and I'm not accepting any thing else. I will take your recommendations and contact the sleep center & start talking to other DMEs. Wow....I'm feeling rather empowered, at the moment, especially considering I've only had about 3hrs sleep.

Taz

[purple]

Likely, the center has lists of local DME's, and "ratings" by other patients as to how good the DME is. I do not see any real use in calling a DME until you are ready to have the script sent from the docs office.

I would say: The first person you will speak with is a telephone receptionist, who is not there to provide you with information, but to get you on to one of their - folks whose job it is to do your paperwork first. Name, insurance. Details. Then they really can do nothing until they have the script from the Doc. This is not a moment to pick a fight with the DME, they really can do little until they have the script in their hands, and then the insurance company approval to give you a machine. Then someone will probably want you to either come to their office, (or they will come to your house) machine in hand plus whatever mask you did request at the sleep study, plus, likely a whole bag of masks for you to try on. Whomever you meet when you get your machine is the person whose name and phone number you want to write down. Likely you will also have a contact person in the DME, that is a person who is at the DME office nearly all the time, whom you can call, they can often help with advice, and get the machine deliver person to get back in touch with you. like if you want to try another mask. There is a third person likely lurking in the background, a certified Respiratory Therapist, who will be made available to help you if you need things that are beyond what the first two levels of contacts can do.

The person who does the sleep study is an RT, while you are there, ask them to look at your face, and make a suggestion at what kind of mask they think might work well for you. They have seen a lot of faces, and some success stories.

The other layer of a DME is the folks who do the billing for the DME. Usually these are the group who make the most mistakes. They are underpaid, over worked, not likely to have a lot of experience. and I would get the same bill after I paid it. Nor is a group I can much make contact with. Keep in mind that when you ask the DME, how much is this or that, they do not know. Not only do they have a pat answer that it is impossible for them to know because there are so many different insurances. They really do not care about the money. These contact people are there to help you. In my experience, they will provide me things and do things that are not in the profit interest of their company, but because it helps me, they will do it.

In dealing with a DME, I should say, be innocent as a dove, give them a chance to provide the right things, then wise as a serpent, then willing to make sure you get what you need.

When you get the machine. me speaking loudly. NEVER MOVE A SLEEP APNEA MACHINE WITH WATER IN IT.

BTW, get some distilled water to put in it. I keep my distilled water jug closed and in the fridge to discourage fungus, bacteria. I wash my plastic stuff before using it in clean water, in a clean bowl, with a new bar of ivory soap being swished around in it. I like the smell of ivory, plus I can tell if I really have rinsed it off enough. Yes get a machine with full data reporting ability, and a heated hose, Resmed calls theirs a Climate Line. My DME did not ask, they just brought the Climate Line to me, and the guy said this is the best. Like I said, I have had great DME's, and did not have to ask for the better stuff, they just brought only the best before I had the chance to ask or demand.

I also use a hose hanger, which makes it easier to control leaks, while keeping me from dragging the machine off onto the floor while turning over. One can make one (to keep the machine on the table beside the bed) by tying the hose to the head board in some way. I finally broke down and bought a Hose Buddy from our sponsor, cpap.com.

As frustrating as it is, keep in mind it takes several hours to read the sleep study. It is only done by an individual, computers not being able yet to do it, and it must be done by two different people They are looking at sections of thirty seconds at a time, or something like that. Takes a lot of focus and time to read one, and notice the number of folks they have in the sleep center every night.

Some of us who have OSA can get some rest by sleeping sitting up, but not on our back. This is what some do when electricity is out. You might give a try while waiting for the night you get your machine.

BTW, I have a Resmed S9 VPAP, and I think I would be all right with a similar Philips Respironics. Although at one time I only wanted the Resmed. Take that to mean: After I have owned two PR machines, and one Resmed. Both make fine machines. For some DME's because of the contract deals they make with manufacturers, they prefer to provide only one manufacturer or the other. PR seems to be a less expensive machine for DME's. PR machines are well built, and in some ways resemble a soviet built tank, meant to endure hard knocks and keep on going. Personally, I would not argue with a DME about which manufacturer they provided. On the other hand, when my sleep doc wrote for a Resmed only, he remarked, Resmed users seem to be happier.

to say it again, NEVER MOVE A MACHINE WITH WATER IN IT.

[Taz]

If you are on Medicare, use my link to find possible providers.
The list may not be completely up-to-date, but it is a start.
The providers with a green "M" are contracted to accept Medicare amount as full payment.

Hi chunkyfrog,

No, I'm not on medicare, yet. I'm recently retired and covered by private insurance provided by my pension plan. However, I did learn that my current insurance provider closely follows medicare guidelines.

Thanks,
Taz

[Taz]

I was actually in bed about 7hrs. I made two trips to the bathroom and according to the tech, I finally fell asleep shortly after 3AM and was awakened at 6AM. No, I was not tried on a CPAP, at all. The tech said I did not fall asleep soon enough for a possible split study. He said I would be coming back for a titration study. I couldn't get the tech to tell me much but he did say once I fell asleep I had some intense periods of snoring and a few strong apnea incidents. He said I would be contacted in 7-10 days after the sleep doc looked over my study.

Taz

I think we both went to the same sleep center except that I don't live in Texas. If you did some reading here, you'd probably find that the majority of us came away from the sleep study feeling like you feel. I also slept around 3 hours. Robysue's suggestions were spot on. Makes so much more sense than to sit around just waiting.

I thought I would mention that I moved things along by calling the sleep doc the day after the sleep study, and told her that I was concerned and worried, etc., and that I didn't want to go for a titration. She (pulmonary sleep specialist) said that was okay; that she would "suggest" what pressure I needed when she saw the results from the sleep study and would follow up by reading the SD card within a month. She must have contacted the DME I used bc I had my machine within the week... as I remember... about 3 days.

I know it's easy for me to say but you'll be fine. Be proactive - read Robysue's post again - maybe pamper yourself and go for a massage.

Hi ems,

I would love to get out of going back for a titration study. I've now experienced a sleep study and really do not want to do it, again. If I get the opportunity to speak with the sleep doc......exactly how do I explain why I'm concerned & worried? Are there any advantages to actually having a titration study or can this doc just as easily suggest a starting pressure by reviewing my sleep study?

Taz

[Taz]

Likely, the center has lists of local DME's, and "ratings" by other patients as to how good the DME is. I do not see any real use in calling a DME until you are ready to have the script sent from the docs office.

I would say: The first person you will speak with is a telephone receptionist, who is not there to provide you with information, but to get you on to one of their - folks whose job it is to do your paperwork first. Name, insurance. Details. Then they really can do nothing until they have the script from the Doc. This is not a moment to pick a fight with the DME, they really can do little until they have the script in their hands, and then the insurance company approval to give you a machine. Then someone will probably want you to either come to their office, (or they will come to your house) machine in hand plus whatever mask you did request at the sleep study, plus, likely a whole bag of masks for you to try on. Whomever you meet when you get your machine is the person whose name and phone number you want to write down. Likely you will also have a contact person in the DME, that is a person who is at the DME office nearly all the time, whom you can call, they can often help with advice, and get the machine deliver person to get back in touch with you. like if you want to try another mask. There is a third person likely lurking in the background, a certified Respiratory Therapist, who will be made available to help you if you need things that are beyond what the first two levels of contacts can do.

The person who does the sleep study is an RT, while you are there, ask them to look at your face, and make a suggestion at what kind of mask they think might work well for you. They have seen a lot of faces, and some success stories.

The other layer of a DME is the folks who do the billing for the DME. Usually these are the group who make the most mistakes. They are underpaid, over worked, not likely to have a lot of experience. and I would get the same bill after I paid it. Nor is a group I can much make contact with. Keep in mind that when you ask the DME, how much is this or that, they do not know. Not only do they have a pat answer that it is impossible for them to know because there are so many different insurances. They really do not care about the money. These contact people are there to help you. In my experience, they will provide me things and do things that are not in the profit interest of their company, but because it helps me, they will do it.

In dealing with a DME, I should say, be innocent as a dove, give them a chance to provide the right things, then wise as a serpent, then willing to make sure you get what you need.

When you get the machine. me speaking loudly. NEVER MOVE A SLEEP APNEA MACHINE WITH WATER IN IT.

BTW, get some distilled water to put in it. I keep my distilled water jug closed and in the fridge to discourage fungus, bacteria. I wash my plastic stuff before using it in clean water, in a clean bowl, with a new bar of ivory soap being swished around in it. I like the smell of ivory, plus I can tell if I really have rinsed it off enough. Yes get a machine with full data reporting ability, and a heated hose, Resmed calls theirs a Climate Line. My DME did not ask, they just brought the Climate Line to me, and the guy said this is the best. Like I said, I have had great DME's, and did not have to ask for the better stuff, they just brought only the best before I had the chance to ask or demand.

I also use a hose hanger, which makes it easier to control leaks, while keeping me from dragging the machine off onto the floor while turning over. One can make one (to keep the machine on the table beside the bed) by tying the hose to the head board in some way. I finally broke down and bought a Hose Buddy from our sponsor, cpap.com.

As frustrating as it is, keep in mind it takes several hours to read the sleep study. It is only done by an individual, computers not being able yet to do it, and it must be done by two different people They are looking at sections of thirty seconds at a time, or something like that. Takes a lot of focus and time to read one, and notice the number of folks they have in the sleep center every night.

Some of us who have OSA can get some rest by sleeping sitting up, but not on our back. This is what some do when electricity is out. You might give a try while waiting for the night you get your machine.

BTW, I have a Resmed S9 VPAP, and I think I would be all right with a similar Philips Respironics. Although at one time I only wanted the Resmed. Take that to mean: After I have owned two PR machines, and one Resmed. Both make fine machines. For some DME's because of the contract deals they make with manufacturers, they prefer to provide only one manufacturer or the other. PR seems to be a less expensive machine for DME's. PR machines are well built, and in some ways resemble a soviet built tank, meant to endure hard knocks and keep on going. Personally, I would not argue with a DME about which manufacturer they provided. On the other hand, when my sleep doc wrote for a Resmed only, he remarked, Resmed users seem to be happier.

to say it again, NEVER MOVE A MACHINE WITH WATER IN IT.

Hi purple,

Thanks for all the info on how the DME process works. My sleep center has there on DME, on site....my primary doc referred to it as a one stop shop, sleep lab, sleep docs & DME. However, my insurance provider has given me two other DMEs to contact if I'm not pleased with what I'm being offered. I noticed at the sleep center ResMed equipment was being used. In my sleep room there was a S9 VPAP at bedside. I'm hoping they will just offer me what I'm wanting.

I just have to ask, I've seen you post this before--- NEVER MOVE A MACHINE WITH WATER IN IT----. Have you ever moved a machine with water in it and if so, what happened? ....just wondering....

Taz

[Stevoreno_55]

Likely, the center has lists of local DME's, and "ratings" by other patients as to how good the DME is. I do not see any real use in calling a DME until you are ready to have the script sent from the docs office.

I would say: The first person you will speak with is a telephone receptionist, who is not there to provide you with information, but to get you on to one of their - folks whose job it is to do your paperwork first. Name, insurance. Details. Then they really can do nothing until they have the script from the Doc. This is not a moment to pick a fight with the DME, they really can do little until they have the script in their hands, and then the insurance company approval to give you a machine. Then someone will probably want you to either come to their office, (or they will come to your house) machine in hand plus whatever mask you did request at the sleep study, plus, likely a whole bag of masks for you to try on. Whomever you meet when you get your machine is the person whose name and phone number you want to write down. Likely you will also have a contact person in the DME, that is a person who is at the DME office nearly all the time, whom you can call, they can often help with advice, and get the machine deliver person to get back in touch with you. like if you want to try another mask. There is a third person likely lurking in the background, a certified Respiratory Therapist, who will be made available to help you if you need things that are beyond what the first two levels of contacts can do.

The person who does the sleep study is an RT, while you are there, ask them to look at your face, and make a suggestion at what kind of mask they think might work well for you. They have seen a lot of faces, and some success stories.

The other layer of a DME is the folks who do the billing for the DME. Usually these are the group who make the most mistakes. They are underpaid, over worked, not likely to have a lot of experience. and I would get the same bill after I paid it. Nor is a group I can much make contact with. Keep in mind that when you ask the DME, how much is this or that, they do not know. Not only do they have a pat answer that it is impossible for them to know because there are so many different insurances. They really do not care about the money. These contact people are there to help you. In my experience, they will provide me things and do things that are not in the profit interest of their company, but because it helps me, they will do it.

In dealing with a DME, I should say, be innocent as a dove, give them a chance to provide the right things, then wise as a serpent, then willing to make sure you get what you need.

When you get the machine. me speaking loudly. NEVER MOVE A SLEEP APNEA MACHINE WITH WATER IN IT.

BTW, get some distilled water to put in it. I keep my distilled water jug closed and in the fridge to discourage fungus, bacteria. I wash my plastic stuff before using it in clean water, in a clean bowl, with a new bar of ivory soap being swished around in it. I like the smell of ivory, plus I can tell if I really have rinsed it off enough. Yes get a machine with full data reporting ability, and a heated hose, Resmed calls theirs a Climate Line. My DME did not ask, they just brought the Climate Line to me, and the guy said this is the best. Like I said, I have had great DME's, and did not have to ask for the better stuff, they just brought only the best before I had the chance to ask or demand.

I also use a hose hanger, which makes it easier to control leaks, while keeping me from dragging the machine off onto the floor while turning over. One can make one (to keep the machine on the table beside the bed) by tying the hose to the head board in some way. I finally broke down and bought a Hose Buddy from our sponsor, cpap.com.

As frustrating as it is, keep in mind it takes several hours to read the sleep study. It is only done by an individual, computers not being able yet to do it, and it must be done by two different people They are looking at sections of thirty seconds at a time, or something like that. Takes a lot of focus and time to read one, and notice the number of folks they have in the sleep center every night.

Some of us who have OSA can get some rest by sleeping sitting up, but not on our back. This is what some do when electricity is out. You might give a try while waiting for the night you get your machine.

BTW, I have a Resmed S9 VPAP, and I think I would be all right with a similar Philips Respironics. Although at one time I only wanted the Resmed. Take that to mean: After I have owned two PR machines, and one Resmed. Both make fine machines. For some DME's because of the contract deals they make with manufacturers, they prefer to provide only one manufacturer or the other. PR seems to be a less expensive machine for DME's. PR machines are well built, and in some ways resemble a soviet built tank, meant to endure hard knocks and keep on going. Personally, I would not argue with a DME about which manufacturer they provided. On the other hand, when my sleep doc wrote for a Resmed only, he remarked, Resmed users seem to be happier.

to say it again, NEVER MOVE A MACHINE WITH WATER IN IT.

Hi purple,

Thanks for all the info on how the DME process works. My sleep center has there on DME, on site....my primary doc referred to it as a one stop shop, sleep lab, sleep docs & DME. However, my insurance provider has given me two other DMEs to contact if I'm not pleased with what I'm being offered. I noticed at the sleep center ResMed equipment was being used. In my sleep room there was a S9 VPAP at bedside. I'm hoping they will just offer me what I'm wanting.

I just have to ask, I've seen you post this before--- NEVER MOVE A MACHINE WITH WATER IN IT----. Have you ever moved a machine with water in it and if so, what happened? ....just wondering....

Taz

A good suggestion would be to remove the water chamber from the CPAP machine's humidifier before moving the machine anywhere. My machine sits on an end table next to my bed; the top of the table is lower than my bed so when I dust the table I always remove the water chamber first before moving the machine to dust then I put everything back. It's a no brainer.



Stevoreno_55
04/28/14