Newbe

My first sleep study was on Jan 24th. My doctor told me that there were allot of problems with my study and I will have to have a second study done using a BiPAP machine. He told me to remember numer 36, I think he said this was my AHI number. He told the number 36 was high and he would like to get me started with my treatment ASAP. April 4, 2011 I had my 2nd sleep study. On this study the lab used a BiPAP Synchrony Lab System machine with auto tank. I guess the Auto Tank was the humidifier. The mask they had me use was a Softgel fullface mask. Not sure of the model, The mfg. was Respironics.
I made it through the whole night and did get a little sleep (Not much). The BiPAP machine was a lot better than the regular CPAP machine I used the first time. I could exhale with the BiPAP machine. The Tech would not tell me what he set the air pressure at. It was high, My cheeks would blow up like a balloon, than the pressure would drop so I could exhale.
It appears we only have one DME in our small town. I called him today and he told me they carried Respironics and ResMed plus one other mfg. Didn't get their name. He told me he liked the Respironics the best. His 1st choice would be a PR System one BiPAP with a humidifier and a Respironics full face mask. He said the reason he liked Respironics was their mask exchange policy was the best. Over the first 30 days he could exchange my mask until I found one that was halfway comfortable for me. I am now waiting for my doctors visit to get my script.
Would appreciate any comments or suggestions. I will be 81 this coming August, so I have to get it right the first time. 5 years might be to long of a wait to consider a second machine. One final note. The sleep lab used Respironics and this is what the DME recommends???
Thanks,
cm6961

Don't make the same mistake that I did. Get a machine that gives you a screen readout and software so you can monitor your daily results. These machines are not much more than than the machines that give little or no readings. Look at cpap.com (at the most popular machines). Please do your research before. Also research sleep apnea (in general). Educate yourself. There are a lot of doctors and DME's that are uneducated in this area.

WELCOME!!!!
Welcome to our forum and the hosehead club . Respironics is an excellent machine, many here use it...me too. It will take you awile to get used to the gear and the machine, but don't fret, its all worth it. I have been on the machine for just over a year now and my energy and well being is fantastic. I have gone through six masks to find the one I like best, and you probably will go through a few too. It won't happen overnight, so don't expect to immediately feel on top of the world. You have lost alot of sleep over the past while and it will take you some time to catch up but once you do, you will feel sooo much better.
Keep us posted on your progress and do not hesitate to ask ANY questions...on this board there are no stupid questions, someone will chime in ans try to asnwer.
Again welcome and good luck.
Cheers
Nan

Respironics and ResMed make excellent machines, but you have to be careful of what model you get. Make certain, at the very least, that whatever machine you get is capable of giving EFFICACY data. For Respironics, avoid the CPAP "Plus" model (but CPAP Pro with C-flex plus is OK) and for ResMed avoid either of two machines with "Escape" in the name (Escape CPAP and Escape Auto). Neither has true data capabilities. If your Rx is truly for a BiPAP, you don't have to worry about getting stuck with those models.

Next, you need to understand how your insurance will cover the machine. Yes, it's true that you can get a machine for less online, but not necessarily if you expect insurance to pay for it--many require that you use a certified durable medical equipment supply company that can bill, particularly if you are on Medicare (there are some online companies that can bill Medicare, but not all of them).

Please take a look at my blog link below for "What you need to know BEFORE you meet your DME". That's very important information--it will tell you how to check your insurance and then get what you want and need as far as the machine.

BTW, 36 events per hour is categorized as severe, but some people here have more than 100 events per hour, and still don't need a biPAP.

I want to thank everyone for the sound advice. I have checked with my insurance and I will be covered. I have Medicare and Tricare for life. I called Medicare and they gave me a name of a DME who has a contract with medicare who is located in my area. When I visit my doctor I plan on asking him to list the CPAP machine of my choice on the script, plus the mask of my choice. I will also ask for the original script, I do not want him to fax it to anyone. With the script in my hand It will give me an option if needed. I plan on having a list of 3 CPAP machines and three masks. My 1st choice will be a S-9 Auto BiLevel W/H5i heated humidifier.

I would like to receive some feedback in the order I should place the next two. S-8 VPAP Auto 25 W/H4i heated humidifier and a PR System One REMstar ViOAO Auto with Bi-Flex and heated humidifier.

My three masks will be in this order: (1) Quattro FX Full face CPAP Mask W/headgear. (2) Mirage Liberty Full face mask W/Nasal Pillows W/headgear. (3) Mirage Quattro Full Face Mask.

I might be daydreaming, but I will try. At least it will start a conversation.

Any suggestions will greatly be appreciated.
cm6961

I just picked up my VPAP machine this past Wednesday. They issued me a ResMed S9 VPAP ST with a H5i heated humidifier with ClimateLine tubing. I received a full face mask, Quattro FX. My AHI is 63. My settings are, IPAP 15, EPAP 5, and a back-up rate of 10. I also have an Oximeter. Over the last three nights I have averaged around 6 hours of usage per night. I am having some minor air leak problems. I think this will improve with usage. I do not get much sleep right now, the last three nights while on the machine I only slept about one hour. I have to quit at around 1:30AM or 3AM so I can get some sleep.
I also have downloaded ResScan 3.14. I'm now looking for some directions on how to understand what the readout means.
I appreciate all the suggestions.

http://montfordhouse.com/cpap/resscan_tutorial/

try that first.

objective is an AHI at 5 or under... usually lower is better.