Machine broke...what do I do in the meantime?????

Hi all, I could really use your feedback on this issue...

My machine suddenly stopped working last night and I have no idea what to do in the meantime. I'm no expert but I think the machine is having a big electrical issue and I don't anticipate an easy fix for it. So I'm thinking I need to get a new one. I'm going to call the manufacturer but of course they're not open until Monday. I've looked online and found some machines to purchase but they all require an Rx. I called my sleep clinic for a copy of my original Rx and they said the chart was now offsite in storage so I have to wait until they retrieve it before I can get a copy. And it was very clear they don't share my same sense of urgency on this issue. And now its the weekend so even if they cared I won't get any answers until next week. I currently have no insurance and limited funds. To further complicate matters I just moved to a new state and have no physicians in this area. I suppose one of my only options would be to go to an urgent care tomorrow and see if the physician there would write me an Rx and then rent a machine until I can get a replacement. The entire process of which will cost me a fortune...

But I'm curious what you all do when you've lost the use of your machine? I had to sleep without it last night and I'm already feeling the effects. I'm really worried about how this is going to impact my health over the next several days. Thank you.

I've had to sleep without mine for a few nights at a time due to traveling and once while I waited for repairs (my DME didn't think it was urgent either). I was pretty miserable but I didn't suffer any long term harm from it. That may depend on how severe your apnea is however. Mine is technically "severe" but I don't desaturate very much. You may be different.

Sleeping in a recliner or elevating the head of your bed even slightly may help quite a bit.

You might try calling local DME companies to see if any of them can help you out. I know pharmacists can use some discretion in providing a few days dose of a lost prescription. Perhaps DMEs can do the same. I'd definitely call them before spending money to get a replacement prescription from an urgent care doctor. I'd hate to lay out the money to get a rush prescription and then find out no one could provide a cpap for a week anyway.

Have you called the original provider of the machine? Even if you've had it awhile (and if your records are now "off site" I imagine you have) they may be able to help.

Would one of your former doctors be willing to write a prescription for you? That could save you some money but will still probably mean waiting until next week. Is anything for sale on your local craigslist - that won't need a prescription.

I'm going to assume you've checked the outlet. And obvious things like loose connections. However if you list the actual machine you use and exactly what is wrong someone here might be able to help you with more complex troubleshooting. Believe it or not, there are actually people on this board who take these things apart for entertainment!

Good luck.

Hi, hope it works out quickly for you, but to answer your question about what we do, though it doesn't sound like it would help you much now - we try to have back-up machines handy, whether oldies with some life still left in them, or smaller, less expensive ones we pick up in various places, etc. Have you considered asking any friends you think might have one for a loaner?

You don't say how old your machine is or what type of machine you have. You could check Craigslist for your city. Often there are several used machines available for very reasonable prices without a prescription. This way you will have a spare in case this happens again.

Does your DME have an emergency phone number? Mine does. You might try calling yours to see if they have provisions for patients who are having problems.

Debbie

If you choose to try the urgent care route, make sure the RX has your pressures, and your diagnosis as OSA. Call another DME, with that Rx in hand maybe they can help you out with the same Type of unit you have. Remeber that usaully they only sell the humidifier. Maybe you get get just the same cpap. What kind of unit do you have? Did you move it recently?

If your chart is 'offsite in storage' it sounds like it might be quite old. Can you call your general family doc and ask him/her to write a new Rx for general use so you can purchase cpap supplies online? All you need is a Rx that says Cpap machine with a pressure indicated and a mask of patient's choosing. Be sure it is a lifetime Rx and not limited to 1 fill. This way you can fax this type of generic Rx to our host site or other online vendors and be able to buy at will any machine, mask or supplies as needed.

With limited funds, do check out secondwindcpap.com for 'gently used' machines that they refurbish, certify, and warranty. They also sell some new machines, and if you can afford at least $500, consider the Intellipap Auto Adjust with SmartFlex. They have brand new ones with humidifier for about $450 or so. That is where I got mine..... great company and customer service.

Hi ,
How long have you had your machine? I'm sure you know that ins. replaces the machine every 5 years.
But I wanted to tell you this,I recently needed an autopap but wasn't due for a new machine until november 2011.
My dr. made some calls and found a wonderful DME that was willing to loan me an autopap to use until I can get one.
Make some phone calls!!!
Good luck and GOD BLESS YOU!

A friend of mine had that problem once and his DME was able to give him a loaner until the other unit was replaced. Even on the weekend, he called their emergency number.

I think this is why I am going to ask for my medical records of the sleep study and the prescription on a cd from the hospital. If anything happened and I needed the help, perhaps having the CD with your sleep study results may help a new doctor agree to order you a new machine after he loads the cd and reads the Sleep study. I am getting my CD on Monday...I think your loss has prompted me to make sure I have all my records with me at all times.

CalB. wrote:Hi all, I could really use your feedback on this issue...

My machine suddenly stopped working last night and I have no idea what to do in the meantime. I'm no expert but I think the machine is having a big electrical issue and I don't anticipate an easy fix for it. So I'm thinking I need to get a new one. I'm going to call the manufacturer but of course they're not open until Monday. I've looked online and found some machines to purchase but they all require an Rx. I called my sleep clinic for a copy of my original Rx and they said the chart was now offsite in storage so I have to wait until they retrieve it before I can get a copy. And it was very clear they don't share my same sense of urgency on this issue. And now its the weekend so even if they cared I won't get any answers until next week. I currently have no insurance and limited funds. To further complicate matters I just moved to a new state and have no physicians in this area. I suppose one of my only options would be to go to an urgent care tomorrow and see if the physician there would write me an Rx and then rent a machine until I can get a replacement. The entire process of which will cost me a fortune...

But I'm curious what you all do when you've lost the use of your machine? I had to sleep without it last night and I'm already feeling the effects. I'm really worried about how this is going to impact my health over the next several days. Thank you.

Incredible!
Sounds like you've been a "hosehead" for some period of time, too.

Now you know the logic behind having your prescription (the physical document), and backup equipment......and, purchasing them while you're still working. A lightly used (previously owned) CPAP machine can be had for about $100 or less (or a little more, depending on what a person needs). The Boy Scout motto definitely applies to this therapy.

Needless to say, if it should ever happen to me, I'm prepared........many times over.

Rotsa ruck.

Suggestion: If you previously had a brick and mortar DME (equipment supplier), they may still have your old Rx on file. If so, they could fax or e-mail it to you.


Den

I think the OP said he was told his DME records were filed off-site in storage. One of the first things I was told here besides getting software was to get a backup machine. When my husband needed emergency surgery recently I just grabbed the backup bag that's always packed and ready to go.

Our local hospital "stores" their records in another state. I was never able to get my full data report due to this. I think that the customer service reps are from overseas as they didn't have a clue of what I wanted even after multiple correspondance / contact with them.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. I don't have a DME supplier per se; my one and only machine was furnished by the sleep clinic where I had my study. I've had it 4.5 years and never had a problem with it until now. The sleep clinic is the place that has my records with my Rx. I'm pretty sure legally they have to supply me with a copy of my records including my Rx and pressures. Do I have that right??

I found my sleep study report but it doesn't provide info on the pressures. And my machine is now totally dead so I can't even read it off the display. This issue wouldn't be so complicated if I wasn't without insurance for the first time in my life. Doing everything without a doctor or insurance is really difficult.

I'm not sure about your getting reports from the clinic. They will send whatever they send to the doctor, who does have to provide you with any records, but if all he has is compliance data (no one seems to care about the important stuff!) then you may not be very lucky. But if you do get hold of an autopap then you can basically titrate yourself again. Have you tried somewhere like Secondwind.com (not sure of exact name) that sells recon'd machines cheaper?