CPAPtalk.com

JReinhal wrote:I am attempting to self treat due to insurance reasons. Would the following model be recommened:

http://www.respshoppe.com/auto-cpap-mac ... -p-91.html
Thank you!

Without an Rx, you will likely have to get a used machine.
In addition to the ResMed machine mentioned, you will do well with a Respironics model 750 or 760 machine.
The 750 will be substantially lower in cost as it is one model older.


Get the humidifier if you can.

Can you do the home sleep test > prescription > used machine route?

Or post a message to the forum that you're looking to buy a used S9 Autoset. The prescription route really is preferable because you'll still need to buy a mask, and it usually takes some trial and error with masks before you find one that will work best for you. You need a prescription for masks too (with some models you can buy the parts of the mask separately without a prescription and then assemble the mask yourself).

Let us know what you decide to do, there are lots of folks here who will help you along the way.

JDS74 wrote:

JReinhal wrote:I am attempting to self treat due to insurance reasons. Would the following model be recommened:

http://www.respshoppe.com/auto-cpap-mac ... -p-91.html
Thank you!

Without an Rx, you will likely have to get a used machine.
In addition to the ResMed machine mentioned, you will do well with a Respironics model 750 or 760 machine.
The 750 will be substantially lower in cost as it is one model older.


Get the humidifier if you can.

Thank you for your reply. So Im a bit confused here when you say in addition to. Would the ResMed machine I mentioned not be all that i need??

kaiasgram wrote:Can you do the home sleep test > prescription > used machine route?

Or post a message to the forum that you're looking to buy a used S9 Autoset. The prescription route really is preferable because you'll still need to buy a mask, and it usually takes some trial and error with masks before you find one that will work best for you. You need a prescription for masks too (with some models you can buy the parts of the mask separately without a prescription and then assemble the mask yourself).

Let us know what you decide to do, there are lots of folks here who will help you along the way.

Sorry for my barrage of questions. I have literally no experience with this. So if I am able to get a used machine, I would only need a prescription for a mask at that point, correct?

JDS74 just meant that either of the two makes, ResMed or Respironics, would be appropriate for titrating. You only need one machine.

Don't worry about the 'barrage' of questions -- you're doing exactly the right thing by asking and figuring all this stuff out. And you're young, so if you do have OSA you'll be protecting your health for years to come by getting started on this therapy now. So ask away.

If you want to buy a mask from a retailer you will need a Rx. But lots of people buy and trade masks on the forum (mostly with established forum members) with no prescription involved.

The man who bought my machine last year didn't have insurance but was sure enough that he had OSA that he bought my machine without having had a sleep study or a prescription, then he bought a mask (probably a few) from other forum members, got some help from us with how to download free software and understand what the machine was telling him, and making some adjustments to the pressure settings on the machine so it was optimized for him. He doesn't come here often now, but last I heard he was sleeping well and feeling great since starting cpap therapy.

So if you do have plain old garden variety OSA, it's possible to get yourself set up without a prescription. It's just easier if you have Rx in hand to get everything you need. And for anyone who can afford it, a sleep study is the ideal first step.

Keep asking questions.

No, I meant to add to the list of acceptable models.

If you need CPAP, the S9 AutoSet is an excellent machine. A PRS1 (Philips Respironics System One) Auto is roughly equally good. Avoid S9 Escape Auto, which is not the same as AutoSet.

It's not rocket science, but figuring out the right CPAP treatment without a sleep test and good doctor is not child's play. Do NOT assume you can just get an "AUTO" CPAP, and let it figure out everything on its own. It needs to be set right, you need to monitor your treatment results, and then adjust the pressure settings to make it work right.

You may just have what's called positional apnea, and if you can stay off your back (there are long foam wedges designed to help with it) you may not need anything more. Here's a thread by a previous member. I have edited non-relevant bits out for brevity.

Hi Everybody

As most of you know, I have been experimenting with myself, and using positional sleep apnea therapy for my obstructive sleep apnea (untreated AHi = 41) for some months now. The recent study I posted on positional sleep apnea is worth noting - in particular their conclusion -

"Positional therapy has the potential to be an effective therapy in a significant proportion of patients with sleep apnea. Rigorous outcome studies evaluating the efficacy of this treatment modality are urgently needed in patients with mild-to-moderate sleep apnea.

According to the experts at the American College of Chest Physicians in an October 2005 issue of "Chest" magazine, as many as 60% of the people with obstructive sleep apnea experience a lowering of symptoms when they slept on their side as opposed to their back. They estimate that as many as 50% of the people that experience sleep apnea could be successfully treated by using positional therapy."

I knew from my recliner/napping times with an oximeter that I did not desaturate with my body nearly upright, and my head back; and that I did desaturate if my head was forward, or my body more supine.

I also remembered seeing some Forum posts of the head being moved backwards, so opening the throat. This being cited as a possible help in overcoming obstructive sleep apnea. So I bought my first soft cervical collar for $8 from the medical equipment shop, and tried it out.

And that was when my experimenting became testing, as using the collar and sleeping on my side meant no desaturations.

The starting point is sleeping on my side - all night. I have also worn an oximeter every night since I started this, and the only time the alarm went off is when I have deliberately turned onto my back and fallen asleep again. I no longer do this.

http://www.the-pillow.com.au/more/side_ ... r_more.php

and I still use this most of the time - but possibly no longer need to -

and, of course, the soft cervical collar - together with a feather pillow -

I no longer use a cervical collar, but advise all those experimenting to start by using one. When using the soft cervical collar I do not use the cervical neck support pillow, I use a feather pillow. I now use a cervical neck support pillow which keeps my head upright, ( head in the dip and chin resting against the edge,) and serves the same purpose as the soft cervical collar. The pillow has less resistance than the collar, so I believe it is best to use the collar first until one is used to the head being upright in relation to your body when going to sleep.
I am still experimenting with the two inserts, but it works with and without the inserts. I also have two oximeters - CMS50E and CMC60D.

I have just had another full diagnostic sleep study, using only a cervical collar and thigh wedge support and back wedge and the doctor has told me that I no longer need to use the cpap machine.

So there it is. The prescription of cpap machine is easy, it works if successfully applied, and a whole manufacturing and retail industry is supported by it. And I have no argument with that. But for those it does not suit - for whatever reason - taking the steps to find out if positional therapy is for them - may be a step well worth taking."

I may be able to help you find a S9 AutoSet if you want to go the DIY route.
I will send you a private message in just a bit with more details.
It can be done but you need to be prepared to do a heavy workload of learning so that you can do it "right".

We still need to find you a suitable mask and those require RX also. Depending on the mask..I might have a couple you can try as I have a few donated masks.
Can you normally breathe through your nose just fine or do you have chronic nasal issues that make you have to mouth breathe a lot during the day?

kaiasgram wrote:JDS74 just meant that either of the two makes, ResMed or Respironics, would be appropriate for titrating. You only need one machine.

Don't worry about the 'barrage' of questions -- you're doing exactly the right thing by asking and figuring all this stuff out. And you're young, so if you do have OSA you'll be protecting your health for years to come by getting started on this therapy now. So ask away.

If you want to buy a mask from a retailer you will need a Rx. But lots of people buy and trade masks on the forum (mostly with established forum members) with no prescription involved.

The man who bought my machine last year didn't have insurance but was sure enough that he had OSA that he bought my machine without having had a sleep study or a prescription, then he bought a mask (probably a few) from other forum members, got some help from us with how to download free software and understand what the machine was telling him, and making some adjustments to the pressure settings on the machine so it was optimized for him. He doesn't come here often now, but last I heard he was sleeping well and feeling great since starting cpap therapy.

So if you do have plain old garden variety OSA, it's possible to get yourself set up without a prescription. It's just easier if you have Rx in hand to get everything you need. And for anyone who can afford it, a sleep study is the ideal first step.

Keep asking questions.

Ohhh, ok. I got it now. I may actually have access to a nasal mask from a friend. I will update with more questions if I can get my hands on a machine. Thank you!

archangle wrote:If you need CPAP, the S9 AutoSet is an excellent machine. A PRS1 (Philips Respironics System One) Auto is roughly equally good. Avoid S9 Escape Auto, which is not the same as AutoSet.

It's not rocket science, but figuring out the right CPAP treatment without a sleep test and good doctor is not child's play. Do NOT assume you can just get an "AUTO" CPAP, and let it figure out everything on its own. It needs to be set right, you need to monitor your treatment results, and then adjust the pressure settings to make it work right.

I have zero experience with this so if I am able to self treat, I am hoping I will be able to get the information I need from knowledgeable folks like yourself via this site.

Julie wrote:You may just have what's called positional apnea, and if you can stay off your back (there are long foam wedges designed to help with it) you may not need anything more. Here's a thread by a previous member. I have edited non-relevant bits out for brevity.

Hi Everybody

As most of you know, I have been experimenting with myself, and using positional sleep apnea therapy for my obstructive sleep apnea (untreated AHi = 41) for some months now. The recent study I posted on positional sleep apnea is worth noting - in particular their conclusion -

"Positional therapy has the potential to be an effective therapy in a significant proportion of patients with sleep apnea. Rigorous outcome studies evaluating the efficacy of this treatment modality are urgently needed in patients with mild-to-moderate sleep apnea.

According to the experts at the American College of Chest Physicians in an October 2005 issue of "Chest" magazine, as many as 60% of the people with obstructive sleep apnea experience a lowering of symptoms when they slept on their side as opposed to their back. They estimate that as many as 50% of the people that experience sleep apnea could be successfully treated by using positional therapy."

I knew from my recliner/napping times with an oximeter that I did not desaturate with my body nearly upright, and my head back; and that I did desaturate if my head was forward, or my body more supine.

I also remembered seeing some Forum posts of the head being moved backwards, so opening the throat. This being cited as a possible help in overcoming obstructive sleep apnea. So I bought my first soft cervical collar for $8 from the medical equipment shop, and tried it out.

And that was when my experimenting became testing, as using the collar and sleeping on my side meant no desaturations.

The starting point is sleeping on my side - all night. I have also worn an oximeter every night since I started this, and the only time the alarm went off is when I have deliberately turned onto my back and fallen asleep again. I no longer do this.

http://www.the-pillow.com.au/more/side_ ... r_more.php

and I still use this most of the time - but possibly no longer need to -

and, of course, the soft cervical collar - together with a feather pillow -

I no longer use a cervical collar, but advise all those experimenting to start by using one. When using the soft cervical collar I do not use the cervical neck support pillow, I use a feather pillow. I now use a cervical neck support pillow which keeps my head upright, ( head in the dip and chin resting against the edge,) and serves the same purpose as the soft cervical collar. The pillow has less resistance than the collar, so I believe it is best to use the collar first until one is used to the head being upright in relation to your body when going to sleep.
I am still experimenting with the two inserts, but it works with and without the inserts. I also have two oximeters - CMS50E and CMC60D.

I have just had another full diagnostic sleep study, using only a cervical collar and thigh wedge support and back wedge and the doctor has told me that I no longer need to use the cpap machine.

So there it is. The prescription of cpap machine is easy, it works if successfully applied, and a whole manufacturing and retail industry is supported by it. And I have no argument with that. But for those it does not suit - for whatever reason - taking the steps to find out if positional therapy is for them - may be a step well worth taking."

I've wondered for quite some time if it's positional apnea. The symptoms while laying on my back are extremely obvious and scary to say the least. For that reason, I side sleep now. Is there an over the counter item I could purchase to verify I am getting proper oxygen while side sleeping?
I am very interested in the pillow mention in the thread but it appears the link it no longer valid.
Thanks so much for this information!

You need to go pulseoxstore.com and get a cms50d pulse oximeter to check your oxygen saturation levels. It will keep a record of your sleeping oxygen levels and then you hook it up to your computer the next day and it will display your levels.

That 50D has a 'plus' sign after it - the one without that does not record overnight.... and it's probably the least expensive thing you can buy that will do the job, but it is only available through the online dealer ("Kevin"), who's very helpful. The ex-member who wrote the note I posted is in Australia, so won't be of much help re finding answers here.

For self diagnostics a CMS pulse oximeter is a good place to start since an overnight test is often required prior to insurance paying for a full sleep study. I now use mine occasionally to verify my treatment and track the oxygen concentrator settings I have connected to my CPAP mask. I am also using it now during the day to help track my AFIB before my doc ads a new medication.
There are several models and I would read the descriptions and reviews of each, as well as talking to Kevin, before I ordered one. I chose the CMS50i, the most expensive model. I assumed that might be cheaper than buying the cheap one and being disappointed in its results and buying an upgrade later.
I have been monitoring my own results with much help from the folks here. I then provide reports to my doc and have been teaching him how to read them. He now reads some of them better than I do, especially the pulse ox.
At first he thought I had a new sleep study. Now he is getting used to me.

If you decide not to get a prescription I have some new and near new masks that might work for you.
Let me know if you are interested and I will provide details.