Home Tests

[Kaunakakai]

Looking to cut to the chase and get a machine with as little hassle as possible (e.g., no overnight tests in labs).  I am concerned about getting scammed or locked into a DME that will hold me hostage.  Does anyone have experience with home tests?  For example, will the ApneaLink Plus from Supplier #10 get me an Rx that I can use at that website and elsewhere?

[chill]

You don't need a sleep study to get a prescription.  All you need is a doctor or a dentist that believes you have sleep apnea and will write a prescription for you.  I got mine from an ENT doctor after a look down my nose and a discussion of symptoms.  

Depending on your insurance, you might be better avoiding the DME entirely.  Amazon sells the Phillips DreamStation Auto for a low price, perhaps lower than your co-pay.

[trish6hundred]

Hi Kaunakakai,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Good luck to you as you start your journey toward getting a CPAP machine and becoming a hosehead; Nothing meant by that, it is just what we call ourselves.
Hang in there for more responses to your post.

[Sleeprider]

For testing also check out Supplier #30. Your primary care doctor can work with you to get a prescription. Also, the easiest fastest way to get a machine and mask is just go to Amazon and check out a Philips Dreamstation Auto (around $400) and Resmed Airfit P10 ($65). No one will ask for a prescription through that channel, so you're on your own.

[DeepBreathing]

G'day Kaunakakai, welcome to Apnea Board.

Some good advice above about sourcing a home test. I'd be very reluctant to go straight into getting a machine without a test or at least a clinical appraisal by doctor who knows something about apnea. We do tend to see all health matters through the prism of apnea on this forum (which is understandable) but I believe it's necessary to take an holistic view to ensure it really is apnea that's the problem and not some other condition which needs a very different type of treatment.

[Beej]

You might pick up a Pulse Oximeter, such as the Contec CMS 50D+ or more recent (in the $40-$55 US dollar range) to see if you are having any oxygen desaturations which take you lower than about 89%. If so, then you have some supporting evidence for asking your doc for a sleep study besides how you are feeling.