Just diagnosed

[Skittles3350]

Hello everyone

First I want to say how excited I am to have found this forum. I was just diagnosed with sleep apnea. This has been such a frustrating process between insurance and the cpap machine distributor.

A little background: I noticed about 8 months ago after a car accident that I was waking feeling exhausted. Black circles under my eyes and a crabby attitude were becoming the norm. So needless to say I have been a joy to be around. When my body healed from the accident I thought I would be able to sleep but no such luck. I went to the Dr and did a home sleep test. I was diagnosed a month ago and contacted by the company to supply my machine. Since I have not met my deductible I have to pay for the machine out of pocket and there is only machine my insurance will approve to go against my deductible. I travel for a living so the full size machine is not feasible. So I am still exhausted and am gaining weight because I can't exercise and I just don't know where to turn.

Sleepless in California

Jen

[chill]

I am curious: has anyone said anything about a connection between the accident and the sudden onset of sleep apnea? I don't recall hearing of this before.

Depending on how you travel, I'd think carefully about a full sized machine. They are not that much larger or heavier, they are more robust, quieter, and have better comfort features (the humidifier and heated hose in particular). My DreamStation fits neatly over the handle on a carry-on bag. And as a medical device, it does not count against your carry-on allowance. I am going on a four week vacation in Europe soon and will travel with all the comforts of home!

[trish6hundred]

Hi Skittles3350,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
I've also heard that the travel machines are a bit noisier, than the "full" sized machines, of course, YMMV, (Your Milage May Very.)
Hang in there for more responses to your post and good luck to you as you start your CPAP therapy.

[PoolQ]

I fly with my machine all the time, never been a problem.

[Mosquitobait]

I am curious: has anyone said anything about a connection between the accident and the sudden onset of sleep apnea? I don't recall hearing of this before.

Not to take away from the OP question, a number of things can cause apnea where it didn't exist before. Surgery alone can do it, but whether it's the surgery or a long term effect from the anesthesia, I don't know.

FWIW, the man that I bought my used Apap from travels for a living. He buys used, full-sized cpaps and sticks them into his suitcase. He won't pay over $100 for one. Airlines do not cover electrical stuff, but for $100, he can live with that. He sets the cpap (which is straight pressure) to whatever his 95% reading is from Sleepyhead. At home, he uses apap.

[icyura10]

Hello everyone

I noticed about 8 months ago after a car accident that I was waking feeling exhausted.

So I am still exhausted and am gaining weight because I can't exercise and I just don't know where to turn.

Sleepless in California

Jen

Hi Jen,

I'm going to presume you were the driver of your vehicle.

Did your chest hit the steering column?

Did the Steering Column collapse?

In either case, it sounds like you should see a pulmonary specialist and look for a diaphragm paralysis condition.

Some of these diaphragm paralysis conditions can be repaired by surgery.

Best of success.
---ICY

[srlevine1]

Just got back from a trip to Central California and simply packed my ResMed AutoSet without issue or concern. And, if you want to save a little extra weight, and do not require the humidifier as a comfort item, simply replace the water chamber with an end-cap. For me, the benefits of a full-size machine outweighs the advantage of a smaller, but lesser capable machine. Best of luck with your therapy and progress to a healthier state.

[Skittles3350]

I was in the backseat of the car leaning to get my bag that fell when we were struck from behind. The seat belt and the impact through me backwards and I hit my head and shoulder.
Thank you all for the replies I didn't know that medical devices do not count against your carry on since I do not check luggage.

I have been curious about used machines. The internet us a blessing and a curse. So much information but some times it is too much. I read all of these horror stories about infections and I am already prone to bronchitis. Good to know others have had good luck with used equipment.