Equipment Time (please help me prevent a mistake)

[NMchop]

I had my follow up appointment today after the titration test (done on Feb. 7th). Original sleep test showed an RDI of 101.9.
Obstructive sleep apnea was the diagnosis.

She gave me a card to HME Specialists business card, which is here in my town and told me she'd send them the prescription
I'd get my equipment there in about "3 business days" or so with an appointment.

I asked her some questions and here's the cliff notes of that:

*My prescription is for CPAP at a pressure of 14. She said "Excellent response to the CPAP at 14" the night of the titration.

*I used a Simplus Fisher and Paykel medium mask on the night of the study.

* She said if I would've gone to 15 I'd be bipap, but because the study indicated my pressure at 14 that's still Cpap territory. She said my insurance wouldn't pay for the bipap because I don't need bipap. She said I'd have to flunk "in other words" to see if insurance company would get bipap.

On a pressure of 14, I had one event, it was a hyponea. The lowest my oxygen got was 90%.

*I kind of asked about masks and she didn't really engage. Just said I had an open mouth and the last mask was the mask for me.

*Phillips Respironics is the machine, it's what the doctor likes to use. Any feedback on this? I'd love to hear it.

*I asked about data capabilities: She said "it gives them usage information, some of them detect if you are having apneas, not all of them do. None of them are going to be as specific as the test information".

So, as I get ready to go get the equipment in the next 3 days (presumably Monday since she said Business days), feel free to chime in and so I don't make any mistakes as I go in to get the equipment for this therapy.

Thanks!

[Sleeprider]

With Respironics CPAP machines you want either the model DS460 Remstar Pro, or the DS560 Remstar Auto. Both of those have data. You should avoid the DS260 Remstar Plus which is a brick. All of those are CPAP machines and would be authorized by insurance. The DS460 can be supplied in an Auto IQ version which does automatic titration checks. Except for periods where the auto CPAP is enabled it is a fixed pressure machine. The Auto CPAP is a fully auto titrating machine. You might try to persuade the prescribing physician to specify Auto CPAP on the basis it will allow you to have the lowest possible pressure, but will provide the higher pressure when you need it for supine or REM sleep. The Auto machines are also helpful for any illness, weight changes or other changes that might affect your titration. Your titration is only a one-night sample of your sleep, your needs WILL change.

Get your prescription and sleep study results and keep them for future needs or reference. You are entitled to those records by law, and it can be very inconvenient if you don't have them and want to change suppliers, or get something on your own.

[Julie]

Read this -

http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/

[NMchop]

You folks are wonderful. Thanks.

I did have them print out everything for me before I left the doctor's office and they did so without hesitation.
If the folks at the DME hassle me, I've been well briefed on not what to get now and will fight for what I
want best I can. I might even call the insurance company to see what is authorized myself rather then have
the DME convey that to me.

Thanks again.

[Sleeprider]

Read this -

http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/

That page needs updated. The models are not current, and it was last done in 2011.

[NMchop]

Went to the DME today to get the equipment.

I got the PR DS460 without a fight. It's what the Dr. ordered for me.

I got the Full face mask (was hoping for nasal only, but I finished the night on the full face mask).
The therapist said I could get a different mask but I decided to stick with what the Doctor ordered for me.
I have 30 days to change around with masks.

They set the ramp from 7 going up to 14 on the machine for me....14 is what the DR says I did best at during titration.

So tonight will be night #1. We shall see.

Thanks for everyone's help.

[palerider]

So tonight will be night #1. We shall see.

Thanks for everyone's help.

wear it for a while watching tv, or reading or something, don't just strap it on right at bedtime. give yourself a couple hours for your brain to say "well, this ain't so bad"

[Sleeprider]

Good luck. You got a good machine, the rest is up to you. I agree with PR about getting used to the pressure, however if you didn't have problems during your titration study, I wouldn't expect any issues now. Just relax and sleep.

[NMchop]

thanks for the tip, I'm doing that now. Machine is out by my recliner in the living room and I'm wearing the entire get up and ramping up from 7 on the way to 14.

I'm at about 11 right now. Not too bad but it's hard to read with the mask on (full mask). I do feel a little leak under my left eye, but that might be the exhale, not a leak. can't tell for sure yet.

[Drowsy Dancer]

Some people like ramp, some people can't stand it. You may not want to use it forever. It's considered a comfort feature.

[archangle]

Welcome.

The 460 is a good machine.

You've got the wrong one listed in your profile. You need the "PR System One 60 Series Pro CPAP Machine."