Just Diagnosed

Hi everyone,
I was diagnosed last week with OSA, I am waiting for an appointment in the clinic to have a machine and to be trained how to use it.
Now I have questions, tonnes of them lol.
First, what can I expect from the NHS about machine ?
Is it free? Do I have to rent ? Do I have to be ready to buy my own ?
I notice that most of you own the machine, what is the good and what is the bad to do so ?
What machine to take ? So much model on the market, technical description mind not a lot for me, but no time to make the wrong choice at this price. I just entering a new world. Terrifying.
Thanks for your time [WHITE SMILING FACE]

Don't be terrified.... sure, it's an unknown experience to you, but it was that for all of us on this forum. You are asking some great questions, some of which might be relevant only in your area and not to others, but somebody will know the answers.

You have started this process at a great time when the machines have been greatly improved and much more capable than in years past. In many places insurance will pay for your machine as along as you can prove (the machines track that for you) that you have used the machine and didn't just "put it on the shelf".... Even if insurance doesn't cover it, or part of it, I would suggest buying rather than renting. It almost always costs more in the long run to rent than to own. The later machines are so flexible and easy to use that it's unlikely you would want to exchange it or sell it. It seems from what I have seen is that most on this forum like the machine they were given or bought, and where the most difficulty comes in is with finding the right mask and adjusting it. But even that seemingly has become easier.

Since I am a relative newbie here, I won't try to answer all of you questions as there are other out there who can do so better than I and with more authority.

I just want you to feel comfortable asking and realize that this is a process which can take time and which is very rewarding. Continue to read this forum and you will see much evidence of this.

We wish you well and are glad you spoke up!

Welcome.

Most of us here are yanks, so we can't give you a lot of advice on NHS.

I think they pretty much give you no choice in what machine you get, but I'm not sure. I think most people get an auto CPAP for a short trial and are then given what we call a "brick" CPAP. The brick machine will blow a fixed air pressure, which works as long as they figured out the right pressure. Unfortunately, the machine only records "compliance" data, e.g. what times you put the machine on and use it. That's like treating diabetes without monitoring blood sugar. If your needs change, or you develop new problems, there's no way to tell. The better CPAP machines record every breath you take, detect apneas, and are sort of like having a mini sleep test every night.

There are links in my signature line to a lot of good information on getting started on CPAP, but a lot of the insurance advice won't apply. It's still worth a read. There might be some way to get a good CPAP machine out of NHS.

Even if we can't help you get a data capable CPAP machine, we can help you over a lot of the bumps in the road from starting CPAP.

Best of luck to you and keep us informed on how the process goes for you.

Thanks for your quick answer