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[Inky1]

So I have another question to ask. My doctor has recommended APAP for me with pressure of 6-15cm. Could this be a way for him to eventually put me on CPAP instead?

I haven't started treatment yet, still waiting on insurance and DME, its frustrating. Thanks!

[OpalRose]

I don't see the problem with Doctor recommending an APAP. Is this for titration only, or will this be your machine? An APAP can be put in CPAP mode if you want. You can't put a CPAP in Auto mode,
So an APAP is best.

You should be contacting your insurance yourself to see what is covered. Never leave that up to a DME.

[Inky1]

I believe that the APAP will be machine going forward. I didn't do a titration study at all.

I have a PPO insurance plan. My carrier is in DC area, but I live in NC so I will have to find a way to contact insurance in my area since the allowed amounts will be different.

So you are saying that an APAP machine is better than CPAP? I'm just concerned if I have to switch over to CPAP not sure if I could handle air being blown into me constantly. Thanks!

Jamie

[OpalRose]

I believe that the APAP will be machine going forward. I didn't do a titration study at all.

I have a PPO insurance plan. My carrier is in DC area, but I live in NC so I will have to find a way to contact insurance in my area since the allowed amounts will be different.

So you are saying that an APAP machine is better than CPAP? I'm just concerned if I have to switch over to CPAP not sure if I could handle air being blown into me constantly. Thanks!

Jamie

APAP isn't necessarily better than CPAP, but it just makes more sense to acquire an APAP if possible.

Some people actually do better with CPAP, because they don't like the pressure changes of an APAP, but with an Auto machine, you can use it either way.

Just know that for insurance purposes, insurance will pay the same to the DME for either machine. The DME isn't going to tell you that, because they make more profit by giving you a CPAP. Just touch base with your doctor and be sure he writes APAP on perscription.

[Inky1]

I have another question to ask. Sorry for so many.

Does anyone use a special pillow to sleep with? I'm thinking of getting a nasal mask but am afraid it may come off or leak when using regular pillow. I have seen them for sale on websites, just want to know if they are good to use.

[OpalRose]

Inky1,
I don't use a special Cpap pillow, although I've tried a couple. They just were not comfortable for me.
Some use Cpap pillows that are cut out on the side so that your mask sort of hangs over.

If you don't get responses here, then start a new thread with that question.

[GPSMapNut]

>>>>>snip>>>>
So you are saying that an APAP machine is better than CPAP? I'm just concerned if I have to switch over to CPAP not sure if I could handle air being blown into me constantly. Thanks!

Jamie

CPAP and APAP constantly blow air. One of the APAP benefits is that most of the time it blows air at lower pressure than CPAP would and it automatically increases the pressure only when and for as long as needed.
As an example: My recommended CPAP pressure was for a long time 13.4
After the last sleep study, it was recommended to set CPAP at 15
I got an APAP. It's currently set to 10-16 range. 90% of the time it runs at 11 or less and I'm sleeping better than ever!

[Sleeprider]

APAP is a form of CPAP. An auto CPAP provides constant positive air pressure (CPAP) over a range, rather than at a fixed pressure. This allows the unit to respond to increased or decreased airway resistance and maintain the lowest possible pressure. Any APAP can also be operated in fixed CPAP mode, but CPAP is usually set at your 90% pressure. That means APAP can be below the CPAP pressure as much as 90% of the time. The advantage is clear if you are sensitive to higher pressures...most of the time you can be effectively treated with a lower pressure using APAP.

As far as a nasal interface, I strongly recommend you consider nasal pillows rather than a nasal mask. Early in my CPAP journey, I used a nasal mask, and it can be hard to get a good leak-free fit. They are larger and have a larger seal area to maintain, and are easier to dislodge. Nasal pillows simply rest on the bottom of your nose and are very easy to maintain a seal. If you like to sleep on your side, they easily accommodate that without a special pillow. The only good reason I can think of to use a nasal mask is if you develop irritation using pillows you simply can't overcome, or have had a surgery that causes a marked irregularity to the shape of the nares. Nasal pillows have the advantage of really opening up your sinuses, even when you have a cold.

Best of luck as you go forward.

[Inky1]

Thanks Sleeprider for clearing up between APAP and CPAP for me.

In regards to the nasal pillow masks, I have looked at them online and they seem that they wouldn't be comfortable to me. I don't usually like have something stuffed up my nose. I tolerated the nasal cannula for the sleep test, but it felt annoying.

I have had nitrous oxide at the dentist using a nasal hood before. I guess that is why I am looking so intently at a nasal mask. I know they are used differently, but I could tolerate that. I will definitely try both the nasal pillow and nasal mask on when I go to DME. Thanks for the info!

Jamie

[Sleeprider]

Inky1, there is nothing stuffed up your nose with nasal pillows. They are not prongs or canulas. The slightly raised surface around the openings of a nasal pillow are soft, and simply conform to the exterior of your nose where the nostrils curve inward. They rest on the outside, and nothing should contact the epithelial surfaces on the interior of your nose.

Uncomfortable is irritation on the bridge of your nose, or your nose encased in a plastic pocket that prevents you from scratching that itch. Just sayin' that an erroneous impression may prevent you from enjoying the comfort and minimal contact that is possible with pillows.