Sleep study results

Got my sleep study results moderate 17 ahi. Appointment to discuss is Tuesday then appointment with respiratory therapist later that day. Who proscribes the type of machine? I know i should get a resmed 10 or 11. I have kaiser but also Medicare so I only pay 10%. My odi was below 88% for 3.8 minutes and under 85 for .3. Only 6 1/2 hours sleep. Will I need oxygen? I am 65 female bmi 25.3 discovered when I had recent colonoscopy (didn’t have sleep Apnea 3 years ago at that colonoscopy). Came out of the blue so have appointment with ent Dr to see if they can tell why I have this. Gonna give Cpap a try but very claustrophobic so will probably get very minimal mask. I am a nose breather. So my question is (sorry can’t attach anything) do I need oxygen too? Anything else I should discuss with doctors. All are over the phone except ent Dr. Thanks

Ewaltz wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 07, 2022 8:33 pm

Got my sleep study results moderate 17 ahi. Appointment to discuss is Tuesday then appointment with respiratory therapist later that day. Who proscribes the type of machine?

In the US the doctor prescribes the machine and the DME dispenses it. Typically the respiratory therapist works for the DME.

I know i should get a resmed 10 or 11.

Agreed. However there is a shortage of machines at the moment (long story) so you may either have to wait for the Resmed or accept a different make of machine.

My odi was below 88% for 3.8 minutes and under 85 for .3. Only 6 1/2 hours sleep. Will I need oxygen?

Very unlikely based on those numbers. Unless there's something we're not aware of, a CPAP/APAP machine such as the Resmed Airsense 10 Autoset (or 11 Autoset) should take care of your apnea quite nicely.

Anything else I should discuss with doctors.

- There are basically two types of apnea - obstructive and central. Obstructive is by far the most common, but you should ask your doc whether you had central apneas. If so, what's his plan to treat them?

- How will your therapy be monitored to ensure settings are optimised? Will there be a titration study? This is a study you undertake with the machine to try and optimise the settings. Personally I think it's not a very good way to proceed.

- Getting a mask which suits you, doesn't leak and is comfortable is one of the hardest parts of this therapy. Talk to your DME about mask trial / return arrangements if the first (or subsequent) mask is no good.

Ewaltz wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 07, 2022 8:33 pm

I know i should get a resmed 10 or 11.

Wrong. You should get a ResMed AirSense 10 or 11 AutoSet.

Ewaltz wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 07, 2022 8:33 pm

I have kaiser but also Medicare so I only pay 10%.

I don't know about Medicare but I can address Kaiser and have some advise that might benefit you. Not sure where you are, but I am in Kolorado.
I have the same 10% DME deductible as you. I paid $77 for my AirSense 11 AUTOSET.
As far as the availability of machines go- it is all BS and more made up panic caused by... well I am not going to go there. Google it- If you look online to buy a ResMed AS11 AUTOSET they are shipping daily. CPAP.com ships today if ordered by 4PM EST! I just looked to make sure. Only your doctor has a shortage.

I had my at home sleep study on June 14. I was diagnosed on the phone on June 17. I was told by my doctor at that time there is a 6 to 8 week lead time for Apria to send me a machine OR I could go to my doctors office and pick up my machine 4 days later on June 21st. HA!!!
Be aware, my Kaiser office in Lone Tree where I picked up my machine gave me ZERO instructions or fittings. I checked in and I was told to wait in the office lobby. A person came out about 3 minutes later and handed me my case. When I asked about fitting or instructions, I was told "The instructions are with the machine" Not exaggerating one bit.
The lack of help from my "medical team" has been less than spectacular. Kaiser sent me an email stating anytime I have trouble or questions I can call anytime and talk directly to a respiratory specialist. HA! All they do is tell me over the phone to email my doctor who will get back to me within 72 hours. (and doesn't)

My journey here started out of anger and frustration 4 days later on June 25th and yada, yada, yada... Here I am now.
I started in a bad place and I am making progress. I still have a long way to go but to be honest, the help and understanding I have received here is one of the only reasons I am making progress.
Ask your questions. Be patient. Listen to the advise given here. Search and read old posts. There are so many good people here that can help you.

Brad s I am in colorado also. Had to wait six weeks to just get my results told to me. That happens on Tuesday on the phone. Then another phone call with respiratory therapist. Very anger with kaiser also. I have had them 30 years and never waited 6 weeks for anything. I call Apria to see what machines they have and they do have resmed 10 but with sd card. Should I accept this. Kaiser doesn’t even want to know what caused this. I am not overweight. They just want to give me a machine and good luck. I have appointment next week with ent doctor hope to get more info.

Ewaltz wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 08, 2022 5:22 pm

Brad s I am in colorado also. Had to wait six weeks to just get my results told to me. That happens on Tuesday on the phone. Then another phone call with respiratory therapist. Very anger with kaiser also. I have had them 30 years and never waited 6 weeks for anything. I call Apria to see what machines they have and they do have resmed 10 but with sd card. Should I accept this. Kaiser doesn’t even want to know what caused this. I am not overweight. They just want to give me a machine and good luck. I have appointment next week with ent doctor hope to get more info.

I am sorry for your troubles with Kaiser. My regular doc is ok.... Just the sleep doc and department is not great.
I am not one to give educated advise on machines, I have the AirSense 11 AUTOSET. I do know the AUTOSET feature is what you want. Others can advise between 10 and 11.You definitely want an SD card even if you have to buy one. I got one for 8 bucks at Walmart and it works great.
Is it possible you can call your doctor and ask if you can pick a machine up from them? I am not close to Denver but the Denver area is my Kaiser option. Dr Mills is my apnea doc if that helps you any. My doc volunteered the option of waiting to be sent one or picking one up. Maybe you could call and ask?
For me, this whole thing starting out was very frustrating but I received the support I need/needed here.