Hi,
I have been told that I need a cpap. My doc contacted a supplier and they
contacted me saying that I would need to pay rent on the cpap every month.
I don't want to do that. I would rather have my own unit. Is this the normal
insurace company route? Also do I need to take the one 'they' choose?
I really don't want to wear that mask and headgear every night. I saw a
product called CPAP-PRO on the internet and wondered if any of you have
any experience with it?
Basically any advice you can give will be deeply appreciated.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
Newly diagnosed and clueless
5 posts
• Page 1 of 1
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fujiinator
- Posts: 64
- Joined: Thu Apr 13, 2006 5:39 pm
CPAP
There have been questions on the CPAP PRo and if you look it up you will find it. From what I understand for most people it does not work.
Most insurance companies do the renting first because they want to make sure that it will work and that you will use the machine. As to the machine, figure out what features are must have and request the machine that fits your requirements.
As to the mask/headgear you will need to decide if having a better quality of life and extending it are worth wearing the device. For me it is worth it so I am have committed myself to using it so I can be around longer for my wife and son. Also I am not as irritable and easier to be around. This is only after five weeks. Although be aware of the fact that you may not have immediate results, it may take some time.
I wanted features like C-flex so the machine will decrease pressure when I exhale.
A heated humidifier so I was not as irritated with the air flow from the CPAP.
Also ask a lot of questions here and you will be better prepared from the experience of others.
Most insurance companies do the renting first because they want to make sure that it will work and that you will use the machine. As to the machine, figure out what features are must have and request the machine that fits your requirements.
As to the mask/headgear you will need to decide if having a better quality of life and extending it are worth wearing the device. For me it is worth it so I am have committed myself to using it so I can be around longer for my wife and son. Also I am not as irritable and easier to be around. This is only after five weeks. Although be aware of the fact that you may not have immediate results, it may take some time.
I wanted features like C-flex so the machine will decrease pressure when I exhale.
A heated humidifier so I was not as irritated with the air flow from the CPAP.
Also ask a lot of questions here and you will be better prepared from the experience of others.
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birdiebaby
- Posts: 137
- Joined: Tue Apr 18, 2006 9:34 pm
Welcome!
I am a newbie myself... hoping to get my machine tomorrow. Here's what I can tell you from my research and experience.
Let's start with the Dr. Some seem to issue a prescription for a generic CPAP machine and pressure. Others will write a specific prescription for a specific machine. Sometimes this is because the patient does his or her research and asks for a particular machine. My doctor prescribes specific kinds of machines so that they can read the machine data on followup visits.
Insurance companies are the next animals. Some insurances are insistant that you rent for a few months, and then if you are still using it, they will buy the machine. Some will provide coverage for base level machines, others are less restrictive.
You do not have to purachase from the supplier that your doctor's office contated! I would strongly advise that you call your insurance company to find out what your coverage is and call the DME supplier to ask about your portion of the payment, whether they have the machine that you want in stock.
You always have the right to ask your doctor for a prescription so that you can purchase out-of-pocket from an online supplier like cpap.com.
Good luck!
I am a newbie myself... hoping to get my machine tomorrow. Here's what I can tell you from my research and experience.
Let's start with the Dr. Some seem to issue a prescription for a generic CPAP machine and pressure. Others will write a specific prescription for a specific machine. Sometimes this is because the patient does his or her research and asks for a particular machine. My doctor prescribes specific kinds of machines so that they can read the machine data on followup visits.
Insurance companies are the next animals. Some insurances are insistant that you rent for a few months, and then if you are still using it, they will buy the machine. Some will provide coverage for base level machines, others are less restrictive.
You do not have to purachase from the supplier that your doctor's office contated! I would strongly advise that you call your insurance company to find out what your coverage is and call the DME supplier to ask about your portion of the payment, whether they have the machine that you want in stock.
You always have the right to ask your doctor for a prescription so that you can purchase out-of-pocket from an online supplier like cpap.com.
Good luck!
Hey......stick with us.......sometimes this reads like a real squirrel den (full of nuts).......But we are sincere, and are ready and willing to help out with all your questions......Not that terribly long ago we all were where you new ones are now........and not feeling exactly overjoyed about it. We come to terms.....each in his or her own way, and we keep propping each other up when we hit a snag. Hang in there.......we're on your side!
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apneaicinisrael
- Posts: 142
- Joined: Tue Jan 31, 2006 6:41 am
Hi, and welcome! Now I know that this isn't a club you have always wished you belonged to, but as you will find out, it isn't so bad. In fact, we even have fun, sometimes!
Tell us a bit more about how you got diagnosed. Did you do a sleep study? Was it one night, or two? Did they try the masks on you during the study? And did you get a copy of your results? Did they tell you your "AHI"? What pressure/s did they recommend? There is a lot to understand and learn, maybe "we" can help. There are a lot of smart people with a lot of experience here.
I am 3 months into my CPAP experience and believe it or not I enjoy going to bed with my machine on. I guess that means my body benefits from it. It takes a bit of trial and error to get to the right settings, and even more sometimes to get to the right mask, but you will get there.
Keep on posting and asking questions. No question is too silly. We have all been there - some more recently than others.
Regards, AII
Tell us a bit more about how you got diagnosed. Did you do a sleep study? Was it one night, or two? Did they try the masks on you during the study? And did you get a copy of your results? Did they tell you your "AHI"? What pressure/s did they recommend? There is a lot to understand and learn, maybe "we" can help. There are a lot of smart people with a lot of experience here.
I am 3 months into my CPAP experience and believe it or not I enjoy going to bed with my machine on. I guess that means my body benefits from it. It takes a bit of trial and error to get to the right settings, and even more sometimes to get to the right mask, but you will get there.
Keep on posting and asking questions. No question is too silly. We have all been there - some more recently than others.
Regards, AII
5 posts
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