Newly diagnosed and waiting for equipment

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
Peggyjust
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Aug 18, 2022 2:57 pm

Newly diagnosed and waiting for equipment

Post by Peggyjust » Thu Aug 18, 2022 3:45 pm

I was diagnosed last month and am still waiting for my CPAP machine, although I did get the mask. Because of supply chain issues, my DME will not even guess when my equipment will arrive. I love to travel, so may want a travel CPAP in the not-too-distant future. Should I just buy it now and get started with the adjustment process? I will pay for it out of my own pocket and it’s expensive, so I don’t want to jump the gun.

Thanks for any advice!

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ChicagoGranny
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Joined: Sun Jan 29, 2012 1:43 pm
Location: USA

Re: Newly diagnosed and waiting for equipment

Post by ChicagoGranny » Thu Aug 18, 2022 5:31 pm

Peggyjust wrote:
Thu Aug 18, 2022 3:45 pm
I love to travel, so may want a travel CPAP in the not-too-distant future.
Why are you thinking about a travel CPAP? Will you need to be using it where there is no power?

If you are concerned about the size and weight, a CPAP bag is a medical bag as far as the airlines go. The medical bag does not count against your carry-on limit. I like to carry my home machine in the bag. The bag serves a dual purpose in carrying a mask and hose. I'm not so sure a travel machine would save much space, weight, or trouble.

Which model home machine is ordered for you? You should be sure of the exact model. Some people are getting inferior machines.

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Julie
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Joined: Tue Feb 28, 2006 12:58 pm

Re: Newly diagnosed and waiting for equipment

Post by Julie » Thu Aug 18, 2022 6:02 pm

If you can get started with a travel machine, you'll need the script from your doctor with pressure setting #s, and if you get the machine it may help you to adjust to the main one when it finally arrives.

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dave1013
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Joined: Sun Aug 11, 2013 11:56 am

Re: Newly diagnosed and waiting for equipment

Post by dave1013 » Thu Aug 25, 2022 3:15 pm

First of all, welcome to the board!

I can relate to your situation. I have been in CPAP therapy for over ten years. Am due a new (my third) machine and was told by my sleep in April that it would be at least August until I got a new machine. Well, August came and the provider my doc assigned me to told me they cannot send me a machine because of where I live (Alaska). They are not licensed to do business here. So I worked with my current provider and luckily, they found me one. The supply problem was caused by the Philips Respironics recall issue. It created a severe backlog that is just now starting to be dissipated. But the lion's share of new machines are going to large, nationwide supply houses, none of which are located here.

Keep looking and calling around to all the potential suppliers you can find. When you find one, have your doc fax a copy of your script to them.

Janknitz
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Joined: Sat Mar 20, 2010 1:05 pm
Location: Northern California

Re: Newly diagnosed and waiting for equipment

Post by Janknitz » Thu Aug 25, 2022 7:12 pm

We have a member here, LSAT, who can help you get a used Resmed 10 or 11 AUTOSET in good condition for a reasonable price. I would start there, and then you will have a backup machine you can also use for travel, while leaving your newer machine at home.

I don't recommend trying to start out with a machine designed for traveling. They don't often have good humidification, they don't have efficacy data, and they just don't work as efficiently. If you have a hard time adjusting, a travel machine will make it worse. It's not difficult to carry a "non-travel" machine, they come with a travel carry case, they are ALWAYS carry-on luggage, and if you have a wheeled case with a pop of handle, they have a strap that fits nicely on them so it's easy to move through an airport or train with them.
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