type of cpap

Hello: I had my results of my sleep test mailed to me, i recently posted them here. Just today i had a follow up with a Doctor at the sleep clinic on the phone. He recommened a cpap. I had a AHI of 14.8 and lots symptoms. I still have to see my family Doctor to get a precription. I would like to know as much information about cpap's before i get one. What should i know? What does auto mean. I saw some post talking about software, does a cpap record AHI when it has software recordings? thank you

Start doing your homework.

Go up to the yellow lightbulb above "Our Wisdom" and start reading.

Here are two links for comparing straight-pressure CPAP machines and the other comparing auto-adjusting/titrating machines.

https://www.cpap.com/cpap-compare-chart/all-CPAP

https://www.cpap.com/cpap-compare-chart ... sting-CPAP

Some machines have data capability and many do not. Make sure you narrow your selection down to one that IS data-capable.

Den

i found most of the information on the Our Wisdom" page? I would still like any information or suggestions i can get for someone like me who is buying a new cpap for the first time. thank you

ainsle14 wrote:i found most of the information on the Our Wisdom" page? I would still like any information or suggestions i can get for someone like me who is buying a new cpap for the first time. thank you

OK.......if you want a recommendation.......

https://www.cpap.com/productpage-bundle ... undle.html

Den

I think most of us will agree that you will regret it if you don't get at least a fully data capable CPAP. My preference is for the Resmed S8 Elite w/EPR or Resmed S8 II Eite w/EPR. This is a simple device to put to operate, provides excellent therapy and easiest access to and most amount of data via the LCD screen. There are two two main components, the CPAP itself and the integrated Humidaire 3i or 4i heated humidifier. The humidifier consists of 2 parts, the humidfier itself and the water tank. The S8 Elite came out in 2006 and the newer S8 II Elite came out in 2008.

However, your local DME supplier options come into play here as many have one manufacturer they prefer to do most of their business with and get a bulk rate for their purchases and thus may be more willing to negotiate w/you if you are willing to go w/their manufacturer of choice.

That being the case, the Respironics RemStar Pro II w/C-Flex or the Respironics M Series Pro w/C-Flex would be good choices. They provide every bit as good therapy as the Resmed Elites and they are also fully data capable. The Respironics consist of the device itself, a power brick, the integrated humidifier and the water tank for the humidifier.

Software and cable reader are available for both brands, however, even if provided w/a script for the software and cable reader insurance almost never pays for them, plan on their being an out of pocket expense.

You may be very fortunate that it is your family doctor who will be writing your equipment order (prescription) as most family doctors know very little about CPAP therapy and therefore will most likely be much more amenable to writing the script for the equipment you want. Regardless how well you did w/the mask used during your titration I'd ask that the script be written as "full face, nasal cushion, nasal pillows or "hybrid" style mask of patient's choice". If you want an APAP (auto PAP) you have a much better chance that your family doctor will specify APAP than a sleep doctor.

But NOW is the time to call your insurance company and ask what local DME CPAP suppliers they are contracted with. Hopefully you will have the option of more than one as that would give you more bargaining/negotiating room. Besides the device you want you are going to want a local DME supplier w/a lenient mask exchange policy and an RT who seems truthful, experienced, willing to work w/you and one you feel comfortable with - if possible.

Good luck.

Slinky, you covered everything a newbie needs to know. I'm thankful I found this forum in time to do my homework before we went to see our family internist with our study results. He knew zip and said he'd write the RX anyway we liked, so we opted for the REMstar Auto APAP w/AFLEX, settings 11-15, ramp 9/20mins and "mask of patient's choice"(something like that). The DME worked with us up to a point, exchanging a few masks until we settled on the UMFF but the RT was useless after we got just the basic info. Even questioned why the Dr did not write to "leave the settings wide open since we're getting an auto and it will find the right pressure". All the help we need is right here.

Congratulations, Dori. You got a good xPAP. And you're right, you probably CAN get more and better information here than from the sounds of that RT you had to work with. Isn't that sad?