Newbie - machines

I have only been using a CPAP for four days. I think it's going OK, although every night I have a new little problem. I'm using the Escape II with nose pillows. Last night, I woke up several times during the night. At least once I was drooling.This morning my mouth was dry. That didn't really happen in previous nights. I also worry that it's leaking and I don't know it. After reading some of these forums, it looked like I should try to get them to switch me to an Elite II so I can monitor leakage and number of incidents of APNEA. Is the cost to me the same? I have BCBS. Other than being able to get more data are the machines the same?

cybermom53 wrote:I have only been using a CPAP for four days. I think it's going OK, although every night I have a new little problem. I'm using the Escape II with nose pillows. Last night, I woke up several times during the night. At least once I was drooling.This morning my mouth was dry. That didn't really happen in previous nights. I also worry that it's leaking and I don't know it. After reading some of these forums, it looked like I should try to get them to switch me to an Elite II so I can monitor leakage and number of incidents of APNEA. Is the cost to me the same? I have BCBS. Other than being able to get more data are the machines the same?

Welcome to the forum, and the world of cpap.

Yes, when I started, I also had a new little problem every night. Just tackle them one at a time. I found by reading and asking questions here, that there are several options for each little problem. The CPAP Wicki--yellow light bulb at the top of page has lots information about machines, masks, mouth leaks, etc.

Personally, I believe its essential to have a data capable machine so you can monitor how your therapy is going. It's my inner geek--I like looking at numbers and graphs. Others prefer to just go by how they feel, but it's not enough for me.

I'm not familiar with your insurance coverage, so I don't know if the cost would be more. I suggest calling your insurance company to find out, and also ask what DME's they contract with, so you know what your options are, should you want to change DME's.

Thanks. I'll do that. So far, this is a bit overwhelming.

Welcome, cybermom53! Most of us feel overwhelmed at first. It seems there is so much to learn. But little by little, we get comfortable with it all.

You may want to read Slinky's second post in this thread: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=46381&p=421944#p421944, where she discusses upgrade from the Escape to the Elite II and also Blue Cross/Blue Shield. I hope that helps!

Once you have a machine that's capable of reporting full data, you will be able to monitor your therapy by checking your "numbers". On the S8 Elite II LCD screen you can check your AHI (apnea/hypopnea index), AI (apnea index), HI (hypopnea index), leak rate and hours of use each day (before noon). Chances are that the DME will not set your machine up so you can access those numbers, but it can be done through information on this forum.

I never had a very high leak rate, as my masks fit quite well, but I discovered that I was losing some therapy air through my mouth. I now use a chin strap and have zero leaks every night.

I hope you're feeling better since starting CPAP! If not, seeing the numbers may help to figure out why.

~ DreamOn

cybermom53 wrote:I have only been using a CPAP for four days. I think it's going OK, although every night I have a new little problem. I'm using the Escape II with nose pillows. Last night, I woke up several times during the night. At least once I was drooling.This morning my mouth was dry. That didn't really happen in previous nights.

Hi,

I know what you mean about the problems...my first 3 months were like that. I'd figure out something, and then some other problem would creep up. The regulars on this forum had to talk me down off the ledge more than once. The biggest struggle for me was finding a mask that I could live with. That turned out to be a nasal pillow mask. I see that you are already using one. Trust me, these issues have solutions, and you will get dialed in over time.

As far as dry mouth goes...when that happens with folks who use a nasal mask, the issue is often that they opened their mouth while they were sleeping. That is a bad thing. It lets your pressure escape, and it can really diminish the effectiveness of your treatment. If you are not already doing so, you might want to try using a chin strap or a thing called a Pap-Cap. You can check them out at the web site of the forum sponsor (cpap.com).

-john-

cybermom53 wrote:...I should try to get them to switch me to an Elite II so I can monitor leakage and number of incidents of APNEA. Is the cost to me the same?

Should be, they are billed to insurance using the same code; the supplier sold ya the dumb, lowest level machine which cost him less than the data-capable Elite II, so 'cause he uses the same number to bill your insurance, he pockets the profit. I was on the Escape from Aug 07 and clueless as to the effectiveness of my therapy -- get the data-capable machine! I started having problems last Feb...guessed it was cardiac, spent a lotta $ getting investigated, found this forum and soon learned i was losing therapy air via puffs thru my lips..if I'd had a data-capable machine I've had seen the overnight leak and increased events right away. As it was, it took me until mid-July to graduate to a more complex mask. I recently got a ResMed AutoSet II APAP which my doc wanted me on but insurance denied (while nuther story) and now, with data, I know if feeling lousy in the morning is due to having more events overnight or mask leak...both of which I can do something about...or just because I had a bad night, not enough sleep, or did the 'got up on the wrong side of the bed.'

cybermom53 wrote:...Other than being able to get more data are the machines the same?

Pretty much. Same appearance and same controls.