I'm brand new to CPAP and I was pleased to find this forum so I joined. I agree with Scherebh comments, but so far, it seems to be smooth sailing in getting my CPAP. I just got out of the sleep lab this morning with an order for a CPAP in hand. I spent the last 4 hours there using a CPAP with some nasal pillows that I didn't like too well. The nasal mask "comfort classic" felt better when I had it on for a few minutes. I went to the DME place and they said do you have an appointment with a "repspiratory therapist" ? Of course I said no, I am just shopping, so I made an appointment to see one tomorrow. When I called for the appointment, they thought it was strange that I had my order in hand instead of being called in by the doctor or sleep lab. I'm supposed to go back and see my doctor in 2 weeks and tell him how I like it. I don't understand how or who chooses if I get a nasal pillow,nose mask, nose/mount mask or full face mask. I guess its up to me, but the clinic wrote down the pillows, so I said I like the nose mask better and they wrote it down too. Reading the other topics, I see there is a lot more I don't know, and perhaps the respiratory therapist may not know either about the machines. I see there is APAP, BIPAP, CFLEX and a lot of other mysterious acronyms. Does anyone have a short tutorial on this stuff? Rested Gal seems to be a fountain of knowledge. it looks like I will be choosing between the REMSTAR and the RESMED with the CFLEX or ESR features. Anyone have any idea which is better?
Venting
A lot depends on you.
What is your pressure? If it is high, you may need BiPAP or if high but not too high, be happier with APAP. Pressure requirement also may influence whether or not you want exhale relief.
Do you have insurance? What is your copay and deductable, and have you met it so far this year?
Do you want software to moniter your progress yourself? Some manufactures offer it some don't and some just make it hard to get.
Go read the light bulb stuf for newbies, go to cpap.com main web site and compare stuff, then come back with specific questions and I am sure people will be happy to help.
You might want to start your own new thread.
What is your pressure? If it is high, you may need BiPAP or if high but not too high, be happier with APAP. Pressure requirement also may influence whether or not you want exhale relief.
Do you have insurance? What is your copay and deductable, and have you met it so far this year?
Do you want software to moniter your progress yourself? Some manufactures offer it some don't and some just make it hard to get.
Go read the light bulb stuf for newbies, go to cpap.com main web site and compare stuff, then come back with specific questions and I am sure people will be happy to help.
You might want to start your own new thread.