Who can you trust?

I have been using a vpap machine for over 12 yrs.I had a sleep study and was prescribed a macine and used that machine with no problems for 10 yrs until it started macking noise.I got another sleep study and was told my settings of 12 and 8 were still good.Does it sound logical that a persons pressure settings would remain the same for over 10 years?I got a new machine and mask a little over 2 yrs ago.about 6 mo. ago the sllep lab caalled and said my doctor said I should come back to let them check to see if everything was OK.I haven't seen that doctor in a year and a half so I seriously doubt that he suggested that the sleep lab should call me.I think the sleep lab was try to scrape up some business by calling former patients and saying the doctor said that they should have another sleep study.I also think that dme's are pushing replacement supplies that aren't necessary.I think replacing a cpap tube several times a year is rediculous.I had one tell me exactly what my insurance company would pay for and how often and try to set me up for automatic replacement on a regular basis whether it was needed or not.If I am wrong in thinking that a lot of these medical professionals are ripping people off please set me straight.Does anyone know an honest dme in the Dallas area?I need to replace my mask and buy some filters but I don't want to send anyones kids to college if you know what I mean.I have a very high deductable now that I am retired so I have to pay for nearly everything myself.Any advice would be appreciated.

If you have a high deductible, you are better off paying out of pocket and saving deductible for high dollar claims IMO.

The forum sponsor has great prices without the high pressure or automatic replacement nags.

You should have a backup mask, hose, and filters so you don't have to spend a night without CPAP if something breaks down. But after that, nobody is forcing you to replace items if you don't think they need to be replaced.

Make sure you are changing your filters on the schedule though--that will reduce wear and tear on your machine (and your lungs!).

If you properly clean your equipment you may not need regular replacement. Some of my patient's barely clean their equipement and should replace it regularly.

Same pressure after ten years? Sometimes, especially if you have a stable weight and still feel/sleep good.

Being followed by a Sleep physician is good idea for most. A Doctor will have to sign a certificate of medical necessity for your insurance company unless you purchase your own equipiment. Also if you run into any problems a Doctor you have a relationship with may be willing to help you. On the other hand, if you run into problems, need an order for supplies, equipment and you don't have a doctor. It's slows down the process. Sometimes your primary Dr will help but sometimes they are clueless. So it just depends.

Doing great, buying your own equipment. Do you need an annual visit to the sleep Doctor?