Advice before I buy a CPAP

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
faysalals
Posts: 8
Joined: Fri Oct 15, 2021 7:35 pm

Advice before I buy a CPAP

Post by faysalals » Fri Oct 15, 2021 8:10 pm

Ive heard alot of bad things about sleep doctors and how they dont care or follow up with you about your treatment.

So what are things I should have in mind before my visit to make sure I get the right care?

How can I find a Doctor that will check on my sleep and make sure the machine is wroking for me?

What kind of machine should I use considering how some machines are now dangerous!

Should I use a CPAP or a APAP?

faysalals
Posts: 8
Joined: Fri Oct 15, 2021 7:35 pm

Re: Advice before I buy a CPAP

Post by faysalals » Sat Oct 16, 2021 10:49 am

-
Last edited by faysalals on Sat Oct 16, 2021 11:52 am, edited 1 time in total.

User avatar
jimbud
Posts: 1454
Joined: Sat Dec 01, 2018 8:19 pm

Re: Advice before I buy a CPAP

Post by jimbud » Sat Oct 16, 2021 10:59 am

Re: Can Sleep Apnea effect my Weight Loss?

Unread post by faysalals » Sat Oct 16, 2021 11:47 am

I honestly have normal energy even with sleep apnea. Its the same energy after I used the CPAP nothing changed. I also dont wake up in the middle of the night like doctors ask.
Why do you need answers to these questions, when you make the above statement?

JPB

_________________
Machine: ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Sleep on a Buckwheat Hull Pillow.

User avatar
Dog Slobber
Posts: 3954
Joined: Thu Feb 15, 2018 2:05 pm
Location: Ontario, Canada

Re: Advice before I buy a CPAP

Post by Dog Slobber » Sat Oct 16, 2021 11:01 am

The only "dangerous" CPAP devices are the recalled Philips Respironics.

Key Features to look for:
  • Auto Adjusting pressure
  • OSCAR compatibility
  • Good community support
Two machines lead in the above categories:
  • ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet for Her
  • ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet
Probably the two most widely recommended machine here. The for Her model is actually the preferred device because it has an extra optional mode, but not a game changer is you don't have it.

A close third is the new AirSense 11 AutoSet, but doesn't *quite* have OSCAR compatibility, though it's supported in the (soon to be released) next version. The Air 11, being so new has limited supply availability and support (DC-DC Converter, Heated Hose, Filters, Tanks)

Stay Clear from the Philips DreamStation 2. It's quickly developing a reputation for being cheaply made and has its Data-at-Rest on the SD card is encrypted, and may never have OSCAR support.

faysalals wrote:
Sat Oct 16, 2021 10:49 am
?
Waiting a couple hours after posting, and then posting "?" is considered bad form, rude and demanding. Had I seen it when I started my post, I wouldn't have bothered. I'd break that habit.
Last edited by Dog Slobber on Sat Oct 16, 2021 11:10 am, edited 1 time in total.

faysalals
Posts: 8
Joined: Fri Oct 15, 2021 7:35 pm

Re: Advice before I buy a CPAP

Post by faysalals » Sat Oct 16, 2021 11:08 am

jimbud wrote:
Sat Oct 16, 2021 10:59 am
Re: Can Sleep Apnea effect my Weight Loss?

Unread post by faysalals » Sat Oct 16, 2021 11:47 am

I honestly have normal energy even with sleep apnea. Its the same energy after I used the CPAP nothing changed. I also dont wake up in the middle of the night like doctors ask.
Why do you need answers to these questions, when you make the above statement?

JPB
Well I used a CPAP machine years ago, and then stopped for a long time because I was lazy to use it. Now I know how important it is and its effecting me. So im going to see a Doctor soon to buy a new CPAP machine.

User avatar
zonker
Posts: 11011
Joined: Fri Jun 19, 2015 4:36 pm

Re: Advice before I buy a CPAP

Post by zonker » Sat Oct 16, 2021 11:36 am

Dog Slobber wrote:
Sat Oct 16, 2021 11:01 am


Waiting a couple hours after posting, and then posting "?" is considered bad form, rude and demanding. Had I seen it when I started my post, I wouldn't have bothered. I'd break that habit.
+1
people say i'm self absorbed.
but that's enough about them.
Oscar-Win
https://www.apneaboard.com/OSCAR/OSCAR-1.5.1-Win64.exe
Oscar-Mac
https://www.apneaboard.com/OSCAR/OSCAR-1.5.1.dmg

User avatar
Miss Emerita
Posts: 3416
Joined: Sun Nov 04, 2018 8:07 pm

Re: Advice before I buy a CPAP

Post by Miss Emerita » Sat Oct 16, 2021 12:09 pm

Ask potential sleep clinics or doctors what their follow-up procedures are.
Oscar software is available at https://www.sleepfiles.com/OSCAR/

User avatar
chunkyfrog
Posts: 34377
Joined: Mon Jul 12, 2010 5:10 pm
Location: Nebraska--I am sworn to keep the secret of this paradise.

Re: Advice before I buy a CPAP

Post by chunkyfrog » Sat Oct 16, 2021 8:05 pm

Unless you have concierge medicine, don't expect much.
Most doctors do not have the time or incentive to do what they are not paid to do.

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Airsense 10 Autoset for Her

User avatar
Respirator99
Posts: 339
Joined: Mon Jul 05, 2021 12:39 am
Location: Australia

Re: Advice before I buy a CPAP

Post by Respirator99 » Sat Oct 16, 2021 8:19 pm

The degree and quality of follow-up will vary according to to your particular doctor, machine provider and the medical system in place where you live. Assuming you're in the United States, the follow up is generally not very good, as shown by so many stories on these forums. As suggested above, ask the doctor / clinic about their follow-up protocols. In most cases they won't offer very much, and you would be better off learning to manage your own therapy. This is not as hard as it sounds - using a good quality automatic machine (Resmed Autoset / Autoset for Her) and the free software Oscar will give you all the data you need. Then with advice from the good people here, you'll be able to optimise your own therapy and won't need to bother too much about the doctor.

If you're buying your machine through insurance, there may be specific requirements to attend the doctor at prescribed intervals, and to use the machine for specified times (eg at least 4 hours/night for 30 nights or similar). You should enquire from your insurance company.
* Download Oscar
* Oscar help
* An alternative to Oscar - try SleepHQ

I have no medical training or qualifications. Take my advice for what it's worth.

faysalals
Posts: 8
Joined: Fri Oct 15, 2021 7:35 pm

Re: Advice before I buy a CPAP

Post by faysalals » Sat Oct 16, 2021 8:58 pm

Respirator99 wrote:
Sat Oct 16, 2021 8:19 pm
The degree and quality of follow-up will vary according to to your particular doctor, machine provider and the medical system in place where you live. Assuming you're in the United States, the follow up is generally not very good, as shown by so many stories on these forums. As suggested above, ask the doctor / clinic about their follow-up protocols. In most cases they won't offer very much, and you would be better off learning to manage your own therapy. This is not as hard as it sounds - using a good quality automatic machine (Resmed Autoset / Autoset for Her) and the free software Oscar will give you all the data you need. Then with advice from the good people here, you'll be able to optimise your own therapy and won't need to bother too much about the doctor.

If you're buying your machine through insurance, there may be specific requirements to attend the doctor at prescribed intervals, and to use the machine for specified times (eg at least 4 hours/night for 30 nights or similar). You should enquire from your insurance company.
Im gonna ask alot of questions I hope you can answer them..

1) Ill be in America for 6 months (maybe more) but im not American and I dont have insurance. So based on that, what kind of Doctor do you suggest I see to get the best care?

2) Should I contact Doctors and go with whoever offer follow ups?

2) Can I choose the CPAP machine I want? If yes, which one do you suggest? or just buy any automatic machine?

3) I really dont want to track my sleep myself as it looks complicated and hard to read, and I have to ask people here to help me read it. Is there a easy way to do it like an app?

User avatar
Respirator99
Posts: 339
Joined: Mon Jul 05, 2021 12:39 am
Location: Australia

Re: Advice before I buy a CPAP

Post by Respirator99 » Sat Oct 16, 2021 9:54 pm

faysalals wrote:
Sat Oct 16, 2021 8:58 pm
Im gonna ask alot of questions I hope you can answer them..

1) Ill be in America for 6 months (maybe more) but im not American and I dont have insurance. So based on that, what kind of Doctor do you suggest I see to get the best care?

2) Should I contact Doctors and go with whoever offer follow ups?
OK, I'm not in America so I might leave the first couple of questions for those who have first hand knowledge. I don't know what the rules are for your situation.
2) Can I choose the CPAP machine I want? If yes, which one do you suggest? or just buy any automatic machine?
In terms of the machine, you will need a prescription from a medical professional (which includes doctors, nurse practitioners and dentists). If you're not using insurance, look online for the best deal. If you have ordinary obstructive apnea then the Resmed Autoset mentioned previously is the best way to go. If you have a more complicated situation (eg central apnea, upper airway restriction etc) then a different machine may be appropriate.
3) I really dont want to track my sleep myself as it looks complicated and hard to read, and I have to ask people here to help me read it. Is there a easy way to do it like an app?
Resmed provide an app called MyAir. From what I've seen and heard on the forums it's not very useful - it basically gives the same information as appears on the screen of your machine. Oscar is not really that hard once you learn some basics. The great advantage is that you can check your progress - in detail - every morning. No doctor or clinic will provide that sort of service. At best you'll see them once every few months.
* Download Oscar
* Oscar help
* An alternative to Oscar - try SleepHQ

I have no medical training or qualifications. Take my advice for what it's worth.

faysalals
Posts: 8
Joined: Fri Oct 15, 2021 7:35 pm

Re: Advice before I buy a CPAP

Post by faysalals » Sun Oct 17, 2021 9:49 am

Respirator99 wrote:
Sat Oct 16, 2021 9:54 pm
faysalals wrote:
Sat Oct 16, 2021 8:58 pm
Im gonna ask alot of questions I hope you can answer them..

1) Ill be in America for 6 months (maybe more) but im not American and I dont have insurance. So based on that, what kind of Doctor do you suggest I see to get the best care?

2) Should I contact Doctors and go with whoever offer follow ups?
OK, I'm not in America so I might leave the first couple of questions for those who have first hand knowledge. I don't know what the rules are for your situation.
2) Can I choose the CPAP machine I want? If yes, which one do you suggest? or just buy any automatic machine?
In terms of the machine, you will need a prescription from a medical professional (which includes doctors, nurse practitioners and dentists). If you're not using insurance, look online for the best deal. If you have ordinary obstructive apnea then the Resmed Autoset mentioned previously is the best way to go. If you have a more complicated situation (eg central apnea, upper airway restriction etc) then a different machine may be appropriate.
3) I really dont want to track my sleep myself as it looks complicated and hard to read, and I have to ask people here to help me read it. Is there a easy way to do it like an app?
Resmed provide an app called MyAir. From what I've seen and heard on the forums it's not very useful - it basically gives the same information as appears on the screen of your machine. Oscar is not really that hard once you learn some basics. The great advantage is that you can check your progress - in detail - every morning. No doctor or clinic will provide that sort of service. At best you'll see them once every few months.
Will Doctors just look at the basic information that appears on the screen of my machine and app, or do they look at the same information on the Oscar program?

Sorry im new can you please link me how to get started with Oscar program?

Thank you so much for your help

User avatar
ChicagoGranny
Posts: 14409
Joined: Sun Jan 29, 2012 1:43 pm
Location: USA

Re: Advice before I buy a CPAP

Post by ChicagoGranny » Mon Oct 18, 2021 11:34 am

faysalals wrote:
Sun Oct 17, 2021 9:49 am
Sorry im new can you please link me how to get started with Oscar program?
The first two announcements on the index page

User avatar
Julie
Posts: 19898
Joined: Tue Feb 28, 2006 12:58 pm

Re: Advice before I buy a CPAP

Post by Julie » Mon Oct 18, 2021 11:40 am

There are experts in Oscar here and they will help you interpret things and suggest any changes that might be needed. Forget the doctors (and I spent my life working for them in teaching hospitals) because so few seem to know anything much about apnea, let alone Cpap and... forget Oscar.

User avatar
chunkyfrog
Posts: 34377
Joined: Mon Jul 12, 2010 5:10 pm
Location: Nebraska--I am sworn to keep the secret of this paradise.

Re: Advice before I buy a CPAP

Post by chunkyfrog » Thu Oct 21, 2021 7:41 pm

Follow the advice of regular posters.
Experience is the best teacher--better still if it's not YOUR experience.

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Airsense 10 Autoset for Her