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Re: Type of sleep test needed to be prescribed a APAP machine versus CPAP?

Posted: Thu Oct 10, 2019 6:26 pm
by bwexler
I have been extremely lucky so far.
When I was first diagnosed I lived in my motorhome and travelled all over north America. I was diagnosed in Las Vegas. I picked up my sleep report in the parking lot of the sleep lab, on my way out of town.
When I arrived in San Diego I visited a friend who happened to be a GP. He was also a paper.
He wrote me a prescription for what I asked for and sent me to his DME. The next day I had my S9 Autoset.
Fast forward a few years and things weren't going as well as I wanted.
So new sleep doctor in new neighborhood ordered a titration sleep study for ASV. A couple days after the study and half a dozen annoying calls later I had a copy of my new sleep study. Went to see the doctor and got the prescription. A couple days later I go to my favorite DME, Crapria to pick up my new machine with heated hose. I walked in the conference room to get the machine and training on how to use it. First thing I noticed was no heated hose or humidifier capable of connecting one.
I say that is the wrong machine.
The girl says that is what we have. We don't have any humidifiers for the heated hose option.
I say call me when you do. She says wait here I'll see what I can do. Half hour later she had what I asked for.
My moto, call early and often and don't accept no for an answer. I don't care if it's a doctor, a DME or anyone else. I am persistent until I get what I want or decide to go down the street.

Re: Type of sleep test needed to be prescribed a APAP machine versus CPAP?

Posted: Thu Oct 10, 2019 10:07 pm
by zoocrewphoto
bwexler wrote:
Thu Oct 10, 2019 6:26 pm
I say call me when you do. She says wait here I'll see what I can do. Half hour later she had what I asked for.
My moto, call early and often and don't accept no for an answer. I don't care if it's a doctor, a DME or anyone else. I am persistent until I get what I want or decide to go down the street.
Exactly. For those that are struggling with a doctor, DME, etc; keep this in mind:

When you are working to get what you want, you have to be able to walk. If they know you will leave, and you are serious; they may find what you want. And if not, then actually leaven and get it elsewhere. Too many people think they have to accept what is offered. But this is our health. This will affect us for years to come.

If the doctor isn't helping you, find a different doctor. Be persistent. Be proactive.

Re: Type of sleep test needed to be prescribed a APAP machine versus CPAP?

Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2019 12:05 am
by SDBud
tarheelalum wrote:
Fri Oct 04, 2019 10:45 pm

I'm going to try to get the sleep doctor to prescribe me an APAP
WHAT, exactly, makes you think an APAP is going to be better for you than a CPAP??

Re: Type of sleep test needed to be prescribed a APAP machine versus CPAP?

Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2019 12:12 am
by Jas_williams
SDBud wrote:
Fri Oct 11, 2019 12:05 am
tarheelalum wrote:
Fri Oct 04, 2019 10:45 pm

I'm going to try to get the sleep doctor to prescribe me an APAP
WHAT, exactly, makes you think an APAP is going to be better for you than a CPAP??
Why not an APAP can be a CPAP aa CPAP cannot be an APAP.

What happens when you need more pressure through back sleeping or congestion the CPAP will do nothing resulting in a higher AHI

Re: Type of sleep test needed to be prescribed a APAP machine versus CPAP?

Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2019 12:15 am
by SDBud
Jas_williams wrote:
Fri Oct 11, 2019 12:12 am
SDBud wrote:
Fri Oct 11, 2019 12:05 am
tarheelalum wrote:
Fri Oct 04, 2019 10:45 pm

I'm going to try to get the sleep doctor to prescribe me an APAP
WHAT, exactly, makes you think an APAP is going to be better for you than a CPAP??
Why not an APAP can be a CPAP aa CPAP cannot be an APAP.

What happens when you need more pressure through back sleeping or congestion the CPAP will do nothing resulting in a higher AHI
UNLESS, of course, it is an auto CPAP. Like so many of us use successfully.

Re: Type of sleep test needed to be prescribed a APAP machine versus CPAP?

Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2019 12:21 am
by zoocrewphoto
SDBud wrote:
Fri Oct 11, 2019 12:15 am
Jas_williams wrote:
Fri Oct 11, 2019 12:12 am
SDBud wrote:
Fri Oct 11, 2019 12:05 am
tarheelalum wrote:
Fri Oct 04, 2019 10:45 pm

I'm going to try to get the sleep doctor to prescribe me an APAP
WHAT, exactly, makes you think an APAP is going to be better for you than a CPAP??
Why not an APAP can be a CPAP aa CPAP cannot be an APAP.

What happens when you need more pressure through back sleeping or congestion the CPAP will do nothing resulting in a higher AHI
UNLESS, of course, it is an auto CPAP. Like so many of us use successfully.
That is what we are talking about here. APAP = auto cpap.

While we often use cpap when we are talking about the general idea of the machine, cpap is technically the straight cpap machine. So, when asking for an APAP, the person wants an auto machine, not a straight cpap machine.

Re: Type of sleep test needed to be prescribed a APAP machine versus CPAP?

Posted: Sat Oct 12, 2019 2:42 pm
by tarheelalum
Jas_williams wrote:
Fri Oct 11, 2019 12:12 am
SDBud wrote:
Fri Oct 11, 2019 12:05 am
tarheelalum wrote:
Fri Oct 04, 2019 10:45 pm

I'm going to try to get the sleep doctor to prescribe me an APAP
WHAT, exactly, makes you think an APAP is going to be better for you than a CPAP??
Why not an APAP can be a CPAP aa CPAP cannot be an APAP.

What happens when you need more pressure through back sleeping or congestion the CPAP will do nothing resulting in a higher AHI
From what I've read having an apap is more comfortable and I like comfort. Also from what I've read, an apap can function just like a cpap. So at this point, I feel the real question is why would I get something that can only do one thing, if I can get something that does that and more.

Re: Type of sleep test needed to be prescribed a APAP machine versus CPAP?

Posted: Sat Oct 12, 2019 5:11 pm
by zonker
tarheelalum wrote:
Sat Oct 12, 2019 2:42 pm

From what I've read having an apap is more comfortable and I like comfort. Also from what I've read, an apap can function just like a cpap. So at this point, I feel the real question is why would I get something that can only do one thing, if I can get something that does that and more.
and you'd be absolutely correct.