Newbie observations and questions

taberge wrote:I kinda have this feeling I may have to fight with my DME to actually get my new machine. God I hope not.

At least I found this site even though I wished I had found it before the initial testing began. Better late than never

taberge, your journey was/is my journey.

I can't add much to the excellent information you have already been given.

Not everyone has to fight to get their therapy started,
but many do. I did.....just like your fight.

Keep reading, keep asking questions here.
You are on the right path and you are not alone.
Soon you will be your own best therapist, on the road to recovery.

It's your life.
It's my life.

All the best, it's a journey.

taberge wrote:What is it that I am not understanding about this game? Does this man not make more money if the machine cost more money to rent?

I take it you insurance is paying for the machine - that's the part you don't get. Insurance companies pay the same amount for a PLUS, PRO or AUTO. Your DME is trying to maximize his profit.

Congratulations on changing to a doctor who has your treatment as his priority. I was given a PLUS originally. When I started having problem, I asked my doctor to write a script for a fully data capable machine (I had already talked to the insurance company and they said the machine upgrade would be covered) he refused saying I was doing fine didn't need it. That was the point I gave up on the sleep doctor. I purchased an auto out of pocket and the software - found out my mask was leaking like a sieve. After I got the mask problem solved, I found out my pressure wasn't right. I'm still working on tweaking it, but I feel better.

I too would suggest buying your own software. The card on the M-series only holds 7 days detailed data, so if you need that much detail you will be running to the doctor's office a lot just to have the card downloaded.

Let us all remember that doctors are also a business. IF the DME was correct that your doctor doesn''t read cards, the DME respiratory therapist (given they even have one) should. We should take our business to doctors who will work with us. We should take our business (dollars) to DMEs that also work with us.

The industry will change when people flood to providers who support our want to see our own data and help manage our care.

<getting off soapbox now>

: )

Tomorrow! I get my new machine.
But here is the kicker. The DME guy asked me if I had already purchased the card reader and the software yet.
Of course, I have not. No sense in making the purchase til I have the actual machine in my possesion.
He actually said he is going to try and get the card reader and software free of charge.
I about fell down. Could this guy actually be trying to help me now after trying to convince me to stick with my first doctor and the first machine then trying to give me a PLUS vs a PRO model?
I am so cynical. My first thought is I had better check the invoices before I sign.

Well it is time to eat crow?

I have my machine and it has a data card. The DME rep is going to try and get me a free card reader and software package. I think I need to reevaluate this rep. Maybe there are some out there who may actually help you?

Also, he tells me that he "heard" that the insurances are going to probably make a major change in the Sleep Disorder testing/therapy field. He says that patients will probably get a sleep study for diagnosis only. The CPAP titration study is being bypassed. They will then allow for home titration with APAP machines with data cards. I guess they figure that the cost of an additional sleep study is more than just paying out for APAP machines?

Hi All - I received my machine and mask last week and have not been able to sleep more than 3 hrs with it. I can't fall asleep with this big chunk of plastic on my face. I wake up after a few hours and want it off also. How long should it take to get used to? And how do I know if I should try a different mask? The mask feels uncomfortable, but I'm not sure if it's me or the mask. Please help. Thanks.

It averages 6-8 weeks to adjust to this new way of sleeping. Some take much longer. To help you get used to the mask quicker, wear it while awake. Watch TV, listen to the radio, read(anything to help take your mind off the mask and machine). Most of us had trouble getting used to this, but you will get used it eventually. Keep tweaking the mask for the best fit and lowest leaks. If you just can't get comfortable with the mask after really trying, then get another to try. No one mask works for everyone, it's the hardest part of all this to get right.

Brenda

Yes you must practice wearing the mask while awake because if it isn't fitting well or some other problem arises from a particular model, you can correct the problem or switch masks til you find a fit for you. All my reading on websites says the mask fit is one of the most important factors in keeping with the program.