Sleep Apnea

["H"]

Originally Posted by Seeing Spots

When I first used the cpap i wanted to throw it against the wall. For some people it takes a while to get used to. I have to keep my pressure lower than what is recommended because I would have severe cramps in the morning that would last til 10:00...Could barley move...No problems now. Im sure many people that "died in their seelp" had this disease and didn't know it. I would think i was sleeping all night til my wife told me i stopped breathing many times througout the night and the episodes would last for 20 to 30 seconds. This can lead to lead to many other health issuse like heart disease so get used to the machine! it will save your life. Some people notice a difference right away in their energy level others like me take much longer.

same here, I thought I was sleeping all night. My wife said I would stop breathing for such long periods she thought I was dead. Bad on many levels for your health. When I went for the sleep test, I was suppose to stay most of the night, after an hour they woke me up...."Oh Yeah, You Got It".

[jkcckc2002]

Just the other day I said something to my wife about me sleeping on my side, she said no. Apparently I sleep on my back all night now. I am way better off with my Cpap. I'll look at the type maks I have later when I get home. I have showed it to some friends that have the Cpap and they switched.

["H"]

Originally Posted by "W"

Have a machine and used it 5xs and never put it back on!!! I sleep on my stomach and that thing never stayed on 20mins right


Use it to blow up mattresses @ camp

Doctors & Chiropractors both will tell you sleeping on your stomach is bad for your back. So STOP doing that W!!

[Swlatiger]

Originally Posted by "W"

Have a machine and used it 5xs and never put it back on!!! I sleep on my stomach and that thing never stayed on 20mins right


Use it to blow up mattresses @ camp

I've had one for 3 years and tried using it with four different masks and figured out how to adjust the pressure on my own and tried every trick I could think of and I can't sleep for more than 15 or 30 minutes with the darn thing. I hate it.

[speck-chaser]

My wife says I quit breathing too at night. She just shakes me in the morning when its time to wake up, and I start up again. Seriously though, can you even get a machine without having a sleep test done?

[kveille]

I have used one for the past 5 years. Like the others have said, it has changed my life. I get a great nights sleep with it. I tried the full face mask, but kept having a leak or having to have it so tight that it was uncomfortable. I have been using the nasal pillows and can sleep on my stomach, side or back.

I would highly recommend the Resmed 9 elite with humidifier and the resmed swift lt nasal pillows. I did a lot of research initially and ended up with the resmed machine and never looked back. I also found that using the machine without a humidifier would dry my throat out. My pressure is set at 14.

One thing to keep in mind with a DME is that they will try to push the cheapest machine on you. When they code it in the system it is all coded under the same thing. So if you get the $300 machine or $1200 machine it coded under the same insurance code. Therefore, the DME may be reimbursed $1300, so pushing the $300 machine means greater profit over the $1200 machine. Do your research ahead of time and let the DME know what make and model you want before showing up to the appointment. If they don't want to give you that model, go to the next DME provider on your insurance until you find one willing to give you what you want. You will be stuck with it for 5 years, so get what you want.

[Jordan]

Well, i just got a call back from the Dr's office. Looks like im going to get the screwing of my life soon.... They want $945 for me to sleep in a bed hooked to a machine for 2 different nights to "MAKE SURE" I have sleep apnea. I've met my deductible for the year, but anything I have done, I have to pay 20% of the total which equals $945....... What can I do to get around this ?? Suck it up and pay it ?? Definately dont have that kind of money. Thought Dr's were here to help you.... not screw you as hard, if not harder than the government..... End of my rant... Anyone else have any other suggestions ?

[eman]

get a second opinion. never heard of the sleep test taking more than one night.

[scott craft]

Originally Posted by eman

get a second opinion. never heard of the sleep test taking more than one night.

I went one night for a sleep study and another to sleep with a cpap to see what pressure I needed. It wasn't a big deal for me since my insurance covered it.

[tom1959]

i have a used spare cpap machine . i would make someone a goo deal on 9853209464

[AceArcher]

Yeah my ins made me go two nights as well..

Jordan if the doc is sure that you need it, I would look for a good used machine (either locally or thru the web.. (not even sure if you can buy one without a prescription)... and then follow the direction on how to set the pressure on the machine.

Start low and work your way up.

[scott craft]

If the doctor you see doesn't have any used machines see if they would set up a machine if you bought it somewhere else.

[Jordan]

I wont know what % of pressure to use until I do the sleep study WHICH COSTS $945

[goldenrod]

Can't legally buy a machine without rx. They will give pressure setting after sleep study

[gumboman]

[SIZE=3]I was diagnosed with a mild/medium sleep apnea a couple of years ago and tried using the CPAP machine for 2-3 weeks. The problem I had was trying to get used to the constant positive pressure even on my exhale . This made me feel like I was being suffocated. A few months ago, I heard about the BiPAP alternative. With the BiPAP, the pressure is reduced on my exhale instantly. Now I enjoy using the machine because it really makes a difference with my ability to get a relatively good night’s sleep . I would recommend trying the CPAP and if that doesn’t work, ask your doctor about the BiPAP.[/SIZE]

[Elbert Chamblee]

I had a study set up by my local Dr. but my part was $875+. I cancelled the study and called my insurance company. They gave me some places to call and the study will only be $125 out of pocket. A buddy says the machine is like candy once you get used to it.

[Samarai]

Before we talk about cpap or bipap can i ask if u are overwieght? Exercise regularly? Have u explored some preventive measures before u get hooked up to the positive pressure machines. I was a respiratory therapist in the past and did alot of home care and once u are on those machines, problems just compound later on.

[Jordan]

I am overweight. I exercise regularly. I have tried everything my dr has asked me to do. I take Ambien. Tried sleeping on my side. Im still tired when I wake up. I sometimes "doze" off driving to work. I wake up in the mornings and still feel like i could sleep another 10+ hrs after ive slept 10 hrs....

[scott craft]

Originally Posted by Jordan

I am overweight. I exercise regularly. I have tried everything my dr has asked me to do. I take Ambien. Tried sleeping on my side. Im still tired when I wake up. I sometimes "doze" off driving to work. I wake up in the mornings and still feel like i could sleep another 10+ hrs after ive slept 10 hrs....

I know the money is a big obstacle, but I felt tired like you and had trouble staying away before I got a cpap machine. It made a huge difference in my quality of life.

[breed372]

I had two studies in June and have had a machine since. I still struggle to sleep with that mask. My brother had the mouth piece made by his dentist and swears by it. He has an old machine that he would love to sell if you are interested.

I would suggest you look into spending the money on the mouth piece. Not sure of the cost but it may be less than the sleep study and you won't have to keep going to doctors to get masks, etc for the insurance to cover it. He had his mouthpiece done by Dr Domingue at Jerome smith dds in lafayette. Hope I helped.