Oxygen with BiPap

I currently have a Bipap, with it I was stillsleeping poorly 12hrs per day. Did another sleep test where they added oxygen, 2 liters. Been working great, feel much better. Now, after getting the oxygen, doctor says insurance will not pay for it unless a test shows oxygen saturation at less than 89%. Add to this, the technician told me for some people, oxygen with Bipap is the only solution. Yet, my oxygen does not fall below 89%, so, no insurance. I cannot afford $500 mo for the oxygen. Any ideas?

There are a new generation of portable oxygen generation machines that run on internal batteries and weigh less than 12lbs. They are expensive costing over 3 to 4 thousand dollars. One very interesting model is the Airsep LifeStyle http://www.airsep.com/medical/lifestyle.html

Non-portable units cost quite a bit less (often under $US700) however these units, especially the 5 Litres per Minute models, can be used to fill small oxygen bottles that can be carried around or can be used at home to blend oxygen directly into the CPAP airflow.

eBay has regular sales of oxygen generators - I mean good ones with reasonable hours & for less than $200 to $400. Brands like Respironics & Ohmeda & Airsep etc:

The smart thing would be to get one with a waranty even if it is only a 3mths one.

I would not buy a machine with more than about 12,000 hours on it (they can get to as high as 50,000 hrs but by then need a rebuild).

Go to eBay & search using this search arg

oxygen concentrator

Good luck

DSM

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): respironics, CPAP

Was that the only thing they changed at the sleep test, odds are it wasn't. Were you using the same mask, the same BiPAP, the same settings correctly calibrated with a manometer, the odds are the answer is no to all three.

You can't make decisions, while comparing Apples & Oranges. To find answers you must change one little thing at a time, and use 4 days to a weeks data, to see what's going on. Jim

You need to fill out your profile, and your settings in the comments section. We are Blind here.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): bipap, manometer

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): bipap, manometer

They have me wearing a portable Oximeter tonight without oxygen. I am told if I do not drop below the magic 89%, insurance will not pay (even if it makes me better) At least there is the ebay idea, although I travel, so it is going to cost $$

Before you buy, check on the idea of pulse versus constant flow for any machine you wish. I don't think the portable airsep will do constant flow which is what is needed (from what I understand) with a CPAP.

Last I knew (and my information is a few years old), the lightest travel O2 machine that would work with CPAP is 28 lbs.

raff,

How good are you at holding your breath for long periods

Joking aside, good luck.

PS I have seen at least 4 of those Airsep portables come up on eBay & sell for between 1200 1800 $

There are several other types that are cheaper than the airsep lifestyle but these are like little cabin bag trollers & on wheels. They vary from 800-1500 new.


DSM