Newbie here.... CPAP test tonight

Oregon_Rider · Post by **Oregon_Rider** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 1:42 pm

I just found this forum. I wish I'd found it earlier.

I had my first sleep test a few weeks ago and go in for another test tonight. They will put me on a CPAP and play with it throughout the night to figure out the best settings (at least I think that's what tonight is for).

The first test showed that I have hypopnea and that I have about 30 episodes per hour. The Dr. said that this is borderline... a CPAP might not be the solution.

I don't know if any advice is warranted at this point but if so... I'm all ears.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP, Hypopnea

DalePike · Post by **DalePike** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 2:03 pm

Don't forget to get hard copies of your tests! Rx copy from your MD, and then read and ask questions. You have found your support family!

Dale

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 2:08 pm

One of the forum members put together this blog that I think should be required reading for all new cpapers. Just click on the link.

Mile high sleepers blog

Three big things to remember; 1. You can never ask too many questions. 2. Everyone is different, what works for some doesn't for others. 3. Never give up, there is always someone here to help you!

Brenda

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 2:09 pm

The Doc. may think it's normal, but it's five times higher than normal. Jim

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 2:37 pm

If your doc thinks it is border line push for a prescription anyway. Get the machine (get the prescription and copy of both sleep studies in your hands). If it is borderline now it may well get worse. Do you really want to do those studies again in a year or two. Along with your events, they use reported daytime sleepiness and sleep efficiency (and maybe more I don't know about) as a determination of whether or not you might benefit from CPAP. Mine was borderline in events but I was dead tired, snored something wicked (constantly waking myself up) and had a low sleep efficiency. CPAP has helped me tremendously.

And if it is "borderline" you may just feel better with the machine. Won't hurt you at any rate. Must have been something that drove you to the doctor in the first place. So worth a try.

If insurance tells you they won't pay, you can still get a great machine for $709 or less plus mask with a prescription. So if you think you need to try get the doc to give you a script.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 1:58 pm

Thanks for the info ya'll. My insurance did authorize the test and the test went well.

I tried a nose-pillow first. After a couple of hours it started hurting my nose so I switched to a nose-mask. That worked well.

Hard getting used to but felt worth it. The tech said that it worked.

So, now I wait for the Dr. to call. I'll tell him wich med. supply place to call the Rx into and off we go...

jeepdoctor · Post by **jeepdoctor** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 10:13 pm

Oregon Rider, You may want to talk to your insurance carrier before committing to a DME. If I had done what I am suggesting to you and had purchased a machine outright from U.S. Expediters with insurance reimbursement of my cost share, I would have saved the insurance carrier and myself about $ 700 collectively over 12 months. My insurance is paid for with Federal tax dollars, so in reality I would have saved ALL OF US TAXPAYERS$ 700.

I also screwed-up in dealing with the sleep doc. I asked for a Respironics Auto CPAP so that I could buy software and study my pressure requirements at home. The doc refused, saying that my case was mild and that I didn't need an auto. That's when I should have walked out and given him my pay-for-performance story on the way out. This prescription incident happened after the doc told me that the questions I asked about my condition indicated that I have too much time on my hands.