CPAP titration tomorrow nite: update to day after

Hi all --

I was just diagnosed with mild sleep apnea (AHI 8.6) and will be going in for cpap titration tomorrow night. The person who called to schedule this said it will take 3-4 weeks before I get my machine.

I thought I would be going to a DME to view and choose from different machines and masks. Any tips on how to handle this so I get the most flexibility to get the best machine possible -- any maybe even sooner?

Thanks,

Lori

The day after my titration, I called my sleep center and asked them how long it would take to get the results read by the doctor b/c I am going to have to travel soon and be gone for a while (2 weeks or so). When the date came that the Dr read the results, I called the sleep center to see what DME they referred my RX to. I called them and asked them (very politely) to expedite my insurance and information preparation b/c I had to travel soon.

I did my Titration on Sunday night.....I had a machine by Friday.

Yes, it's a good idea to inquire in advance. My sleep center (Metro NY) used several DMEs depending upon the patient need and insurance. You will need an Rx for the machine from the MD before the DME can dispense to you. When I spoke to the DME between the titration and receiving the Rx, I told them that I wanted; either a Resmed Autoset II w/EPR or a comparable Respironics Remstar Auto with A Flex which they ended up giving me. I set up everything in advance and scheduled an appt for a fitting. The repiratory tech et up the machine at my home and showed me how to use it (not really necessary).

Try several masks at the sleep center and in the morning ask if you can take them with you. I ended up taking home the Mirage Swift II Pillow and Mirage Activa. I requested the Swift LT from the DME and after a week told them that on certain nights I needed a full face mask. They said that since it was within one month, Resmed would provide a Mirage Quattro which I received today. The morale of the story is it may take some time of trial and error with the masks.
The service from the DME is superb and everything has been 100% covered by my insurance.
Good luck!

Well, I guess that makes it day one with cpap -- when do I start feeling wonderful???

The tech said that my oxy level was much better, and that I got plenty of REM -- although it was still delayed onset. (He wouldn't give specifics -- "that's for the doctor's report"). He said meds can cuase delayed REM onset. I'm on a bunch of things for depression and sinus issues. I'll have to do some research on that.

I had the sleep tech write down the mask I used last night, but I left it in the car. I know it was a Lady ResMed something w/ medium pillows. I had very little difficulty getting used to it. I had itchy electrodes that bothered me more!

So I am hopeful that this process will soon perform its miracle on me.

Lori