[Diagnosis] Sleep test Required/Mandatory ???

[dalabera]

Hi, New member here. 
I need a CPAP machine, but insurance does not cover the neither the test nor the machine. I know I need one as have all the symptoms. 

Can I go ahead and buy the machine (looking at resmed autosend 10) and set it up myself or should I pay extra for the test that will tell me what I really know already?

Thanks,
JB

[staceyburke]

You need a Rx to buy a cpap unless you go to craigs list or other similar sites.  Without the Rx insurance will not pay and most if not all companies will not sell you one.  You could try your family Dr. but he still may ask for you to do a sleep study.  Once you have got a machine we can help with settings.  And I would suggest you buy a resmed 10 or 11 other companies might not be able to use Oscar.  Oscar is totally free but if your machine doesn't have similar codes no one can really help you with settings.

[dalabera]

Thank you for your response. That makes sense. Unfortunately I have a high deductible with my insurance and doesn't even make sense to claim it. 

Does the Home study that you can order online states they give you a prescription, but it's not clear to me if that's enough to buy the CPAP machine on one the suppliers list on this forum. Thoughts?

[SarcasticDave94]

What the sleep study will do is provide data (evidence) to indicate there's something to treat. It helps the doctor decide to write a script for a CPAP.

So bottom line is the test gives a reason to use CPAP, to help prove to doc, and in most cases also to insurance, that you'll need this for better health. The test also identifies what type and how many Apnea you have.

Having said that, I think I've heard of testing that if a CPAP is indicated as needed would include a script from their staff doctor. Read the fine print and be certain they're not providing the script to force a buy of their CPAP stock.

I agree with Stacey, the ResMed 10 or 11, likely an AutoSet, would be the machine to look for.

When you end up with CPAP, get OSCAR for free. The CPAP and an SD card in the machine will allow you to transfer data to your computer and load it into OSCAR the next morning. You'll see the overnight data and can include it as an attachment here so members can help with settings.

[dalabera]

Thank you for your response. Looking to buy the Resmed 10 autosense with SD card. 

Found it at [DME Link Removed] Supplier #1  has the best price here and they provide a home test. They are asking for a RX prescription prior to complete the purchase.

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Moderator Action: DME Link Removed

To maintain our status as an educational organization, links to DME-owned or DME-operated websites and links to pages that sell prescription-required items are prohibited in forum posts.  This is stated in the Apnea Board Rules.

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[SarcasticDave94]

OK, here's something you may try, whichever doctor you have best communication with, maybe the primary, ask doc or staff about getting a CPAP script.

If this is still true make this known also, you'll be paying full, no insurance involved. Maybe the doc will write your script.

Another thing, once getting a script keep this in mind:

• keep a copy for your records

• specify the exact CPAP machine, skip over settings, default will be OK because members here will assist

• mask of patient choice

• specify humidifier, yes ResMed 10 come with it integrated but include anyway

• may want to specify heated hose

• expiration in 99 years

• and DAW or Dispense As Written

[StratCat48]

One thing that helped me realize I had an apnea issue was an O2Ring that monitors and records Oxygen saturation levels though the night. Apnea events can cause ones blood oxygen levels to drop which can lead to health problems usually related to the heart. When I had a few reads from the newly aquired O2Ring I took these to my doctor and he ordered up a sleep study. After about 3 years on CPAP I'm still use the O2Ring and check the reads in the morning. If something seems off with the O2sat reads I'll then take a look at OSCAR to get a better look at what might be happening. The O2Ring to me is a good tool to diagnose an apnea problem and  as well as monitor the subsequent CPAP therapy. The O2Ring by Wellue can be found on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Wellue-Monitor-Co...10ad0&th=1

Others here with more knowledge than myself on the subject may comment, but possibly one benefit of a sleep study might determine if you need a basic CPAP/APAP or a BiPAP (Philips)/ BiLevel (Resmed) type machine.
https://www.healthline.com/health/apap-vs-cpap#apap

The report below is a worst case sample of my O2sat's prior to using CPAP

[Jay51]

I purchased the Lofta home sleep test.  It is home sleep test #3 I think on the supplier's list.  After I completed it, it came with a prescription (by a Sleep Dr.) for a pap machine.  Check with them 1st to make sure they still give prescriptions after the home test.  Also, the prescription will be based on the results, so it will only be for a specific pap machine (It may not be the one that you are looking for).  I paid around $175 for it a few years ago.  There price may have changed.  Ask them also if you have to purchase that machine from them, or if you can use that prescription to purchase that type of machine from anyone else.

[dalabera]

Thank you All. Very helpful information!!

[Sleeprider]

Dalabara, you can get 20% off on the purchase with code FALLSAVE at Supplier #1. That applies to the CPAP, test mask, etc. Glad to help when you get underway. If you have a physician you normally see for general health they can write the CPAP Rx based on your feedback and history since you are self-financing. We can help you with pressure settings and optimization.