(09-21-2017, 01:53 PM)skylark Wrote: I think I was given a CPAP brick seven years ago (my equipment in is my profile). I'm thinking I might benefit from an APAP or a BIPAP. Per my sleep study, my apneas were of the obstructive type. Does this make a difference in which machine might work better for me? Honestly, I've felt no great benefit to CPAP in my time of using it. Yes, I've had long periods where I gave up, but even returning to it with a new mask as technology as evolved hasn't made an ah-ha! kind of moment.
Maybe I'm expecting too much?
This depends greatly on how your therapy was working for you, what your stats where and how you were feeling at the time. To be honest, from my own personal research, I haven't seen a reason as to why an APAP wouldn't work for someone whose been using specifically a CPAP as it just adjusts the pressure depending on your needs throughout the night (I've heard of situations where APAPs can cause CAs in those who can't handle too low of a pressure which sounds silly, but you learn new things about this condition and it's variants everyday). The billing code for both, however, is actually the same, the problem arises when trying to convince your Insurance to purchase an APAP over the other if that's how you're going about it.
You also mentioned you took breaks. Why is this? Why do you think you'll benefit from a different machine?
As for the difference affecting your choice, yes. Everything about you determines what machine would work for you best. If you're using a CPAP and you're not seeing results, depending on the data, an APAP or BPAP might be necessary, it depends. However, if we're just focusing on OSA, BPAP might be overkill unless you're experiencing Central Apneas/Mixed Apneas or you can't adjust to the singular pressure caused by CPAP on exhale. You've been doing this for seven to eight years, but if you've been having issues for this long, it's hard to say. Again, data would help here.
I certainly wouldn't say you're expecting too much, there's tons of technology that has changed or been upgraded and there's something for everyone. The best idea would be to document your symptoms and compliance then speak with your specialist to see what other options would e available. If you DO go for new machine, make sure you get one that isn't a brick so you have this information available to you in the future.
