NEWBIE-just got interpretation of study

So I get a call from my sleep center explaining my sleep study results. I started out my second sleep study with a face mask and ended up with the swift nasal pillows, loved it. She said with pressure of 9 I had 0 apneic events. When I asked about apap, cpap, she said no, the doctor ordered straight cpap with pressure of 9. I have several DMEs to choose from, but from all I've read on here, I'm dreading contacting any of them. She suggested the ones closest to me: Apria, Advanced, and Gentiva. I'm disappointed she shot me down immediately on apap, will I have a difficult time getting a data capable machine? Is this all one big pia? Will I ever sleep soundly and healthily? I'm depressed, and worried about getting what I need. Can you help with suggestions??

PS - first sleep study, 12/26, second with cpap 1/02. Anxious to move forward.

Tossandturn.....

You infer that "insurance" is to pay for your machine....and if that's correct, they are trying to "corner" you.

You'll have to fight your way out....with knowledge, determination, and firmness.

1. Read everything listed under the yellow lightbulb.
2. Have a list of the exact equipment you want.
3. Get a prescription for the exact equipment you want.
4. Shop the local DME's to see if any of them will furnish what you want (prescription).
5. If they won't, purchase what you want from CPAP.com....and submit bills to insurance CO. for payment.

The fastest way to learn what you need in the way of equipment....is to read every post of a recent thread about "the Holy Grail" of CPAP machines. Follow that guy's lead....and you'll only have to make minor "course corrections" as you go. You won't be headed in the wrong direction.....as you absolutely WILL be if you let the sleep center and the DME's dictate what equipment you are to get.

The BS is about to start flying thick and fast......so, you need to have your "shield of knowledge" at the ready.

Gerald

Following is a link to the "Holy Grail" thread I mentioned.

Read everything.....

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=38052&st=0&sk=t&sd= ... holy+grail

Be relentless....You can do it.

This can be a frustrating time, and at some point I guess you have to pick your battles. If the effective pressure of 9 was arrived at while you were in REM and supine, it is likely to continue to be effective. A suboptimal titration may increase you leverage in asking for an apap. What I would not compromise on is getting a machine that is data capable. I would recommend you be proactive in talking with the different vendors - much easier than trying to make an exchange. Getting a data capable cpap should not require going back to your doctor to ask for changes. It's between you and the DME. When I got mine, I was fortunate that me telling the vendor I wanted a data capable machine sufficed.

If you are ok with a data capable cpap, hone your negotiating skills and create a win/win situation. Discuss with them first what is going to be needed for you to get an apap. Then introduce the data capable cpap as a possible viable option. At that point, hopefully they'll be glad to do that to avoid the apap scenario.

It can take a lot to fight for what is best for you when you don't feel up to it and want to do something quickly. And the hardest part is knowing what is a worthy battle. Personally, the only deal breakers for me are data and exhalation relief. Everyone sees it differently. Best wishes as you go forward.

Kathy

Hi, from everything I've read on this forum over a few years, the last place I'd ever want to deal with is Apria - terrible reputation! You might incidentally find the one in a hundred 'good' place locally, but chances seem pretty remote.

I"m currently in the middle of getting the Remstar Pro....TBH, it has been a pain. However, I think I'm moving in the right direction....I would definitely have your doctor write an rx for the EXACT machine you want...that should save you at least the hassle of calling them back three times. (Like I just did.) Good luck!

I read a lot of wonderful information, contacted my insurance company, asked specific questions about coverage, copays, etc. They have a contract with Apria, only one other DME in my area, so I called Apria. Spoke with a RT who basically said the same thing this forum says, to get physician to write script for the exact machine I want, and should be no problem. Insurance coverage is amazingly good for this..I never would have believed it. So I am sending a letter to the sleep center, certified mail, return receipt requested, for what this forum says I should request: copies of sleep studies, script for "ResMed S8 Elite II, with integrated humidifier, pressure of 9, ramp on, efficiacy and usage date access, and mask of my choice". I have read all afternoon, thanks for the plethora of good information! I 'm getting excited again, can't wait to start feeling better!! Thanks to all of you!!!

Id tell them, i want a apap, for now i will set it on cpap, and if the need arises in the future, i can go to apap without buying another machine.
if they wont give it to you, take your business elsewhere.