New to board, not to CPAP

[40 Winks]

Hello everyone!

Just taking a moment to introduce myself. Started CPAP in August of 2005, helped for awhile but for the last year I've been feeling run down, so at the recommendation of my sister, I went to her pulmonary doc. Had my PSG a week and a half ago, and will have the Titration test this Weds.

I SURE WISH I FOUND THIS BOARD WHEN I FIRST GOT STARTED.

I've been known as a very loud snore-er for as long as I can remember. Even in my thirties when I was actually fit. I've fallen asleep during meetings at work, fought to stay awake late afternoons in my office, would be wakened by the onset of dreams during rush hour drive homes. I always thought it was me, thought I was lazy or something, this condition normalized itself into my life - I didn't know any better.

I finally went to my family doctor, had the tests, was prescribed the equipment, began therapy, and ordered new masks, hoses, and filters every six months. I received no further support or directions from the doctor, no nothing from the DME, and here I am 3-1/2 years later symptomatic again.

I know now that the C-PAP equipment I received is C-RAP. I was never given any options by the DME and didn't know any better, the only equipment options I was informed about was the heated humidifier was not covered by insurance (which I now know is not true) and I would have to buy that on my own if I wanted it at the tune of $350. The Remstar Plus machine I have is not the Cflex model, it is the pre-Cflex version. I stopped using the passover humidifier early in my therapy because I didn't like the cold, damp sensation. When I don't use Cpap, or take it off during the night, it is because my nose is stuffy and I can't get enough air breathing thru my nose.

Anyway, when I went to the pulmonary doc he said we may be able to get new equipment if I have both tests done again, I'm hoping. They scheduled the PSG and I went that nite. The tech at the sleep lab told me about Cpap.com and Cpaptalk.com. In the couple of hours before actually going to bed, the tech talked about the problems I had and let me try out an APAP, with heated humidifier, and a mask with nose pillows. I can only say, WOW, what a difference.

That's it for now - I've got to find a picture of my son when he was 2 or 3, asleep on his tricycle in the middle of the driveway - will make a great avatar for me.

Talk to y'all later.

[hummer3d]

Welcome to the Cpaptalks community 40 Winks!

I too am net here and have found everyone here is very friendly and very knowlegable with cpap usage. Everyone has been very helpful with all problems i have encountered with getting used to how cpap works . Thanks everyone

[Slinky]

WELCOME, 40Winks. Wow, given your history w/the sleep profession its great you are still "with it" and willing to give the sleep profession another chance!!! At least now you know, if you get the same shoddy treatment this time cpaptalk is here and will get you up to snuff w/effective therapy and good equipment. If push comes to shove all you need from an ineffective, disinterested sleep profession is that precious script. But hopefully this time you encounter GOOD sleep professionals, from lab and doctor to local DME supplier. Good luck and God bless!

[rested gal]

The tech at the sleep lab told me about Cpap.com and Cpaptalk.com. In the couple of hours before actually going to bed, the tech talked about the problems I had and let me try out an APAP, with heated humidifier, and a mask with nose pillows. I can only say, WOW, what a difference.

And I say, WOW, what a helpful tech that was!

Welcome to the board, 40 Winks. I agree with what Slinky said about how it's a wonder you were willing to give it all a try again, after such poor treatment by your first DME.

Glad you found your way to this board! Again...WOW...that the sleep tech told you about cpaptalk and cpap.com. That's a cool tech.

[40 Winks]

Thanks for the welcome all.

Yes, the tech was helpful. She seemed genuinely interested in finding my non-compliance issues and addressing those with equipment alternatives. As far as sticking with the therapy, I don't have a choice really. When I'm with family or friends there are the occassional stories of me keeping people awake with my loud snoring, people wondering if I'm ever going to start breathing again, etc. These stories go back to when I was thirty or so. Who knows when the problem started.

For decades I was living life behind "dirty windows".

I am a bit PO'd at the DME, who is Apria by the way. Needless to say, I won't be using them anymore and I would advise people steer clear of them based on my experience. I really hope to obtain some good equipment now and monitor my status with the software. I'm going to take a much more proactive approach from here forward - now that I am armed with some knowledge.

I've got decent insurance coverage, $100 annual deductable with 10% co-pay. I called the insurer and found out the allowable frequency of supply purchases. It's more like as needed for masks and supplies, and twice a month for filters. Not even close to the six month period told to me by the DME. I've got a nasal mask now, I've ordered a nasal pillow and I plan on getting a full face mask to use when I have colds or sinus trouble. Even the cushions to these masks are "as needed" and not 6 months as I was told.