New here - suggestions for new machine?

[vertigo]

Hi everyone. I've been learning a lot looking over the different threads here. There's certainly some great information!

I had a sleep study done earlier this month as my psych suspected I may have sleep apnea. I had been blaming medication (for depression and some psychotic issues) she has me on for being so sleepy during the day, but she wanted to see if it wasn't something else. I'm now very glad she did as I was evidently found to have moderate sleep apnea, 18 "events" per hour I was told.

I don't have a copy of the sleep report yet, but plan on requesting a copy at my next visit with the sleep doc. Over the phone yesterday they told me that during the study the apnea was corrected with a cpap set at a pressure of 6. Seems pretty low to me, but I guess that's a good thing.

They said they'd fax through my prescription to a local medical supply company and they will in turn call me to set an appointment to get my equipment. Does anyone have any suggestions, tips, etc. for anything I should be asking/doing when I go?

I'd like to get an autoset machine but I don't know if that's going to be possible since she said the doctor has prescribed me just the single pressure. I guess I'll have to wait and see.

Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself and thank you all in advance for any advice/tips/encouragement you can offer. This is all new to me so I really appreciate your help.

[trish6hundred]

Hi vertigo,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Just make sure that you get a data-capable machine even if it is straight CPAP.
Hang in there for more suggestions.
Best of luck to you.

[cbramsey]

Hi vertigo,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Just make sure that you get a data-capable machine even if it is straight CPAP.
Hang in there for more suggestions.
Best of luck to you.

Welcome to the forum!!! We are glad you joined us!!!

Trish summed up the important points. You also need to ask about the DME's return policy on masks. It is very rare that you find the right mask for you on the first trial.

[JJJ]

They said they'd fax through my prescription to a local medical supply company and they will in turn call me to set an appointment to get my equipment. Does anyone have any suggestions, tips, etc. for anything I should be asking/doing when I go?
I'd like to get an autoset machine but I don't know if that's going to be possible since she said the doctor has prescribed me just the single pressure. I guess I'll have to wait and see.

When you go to the appointment insist on an Autoset. If they say that the prescription is not written for it refuse the machine they offer and call your doc to get the prescription changed. Whatever you do, do not accept a machine that is not data capable. Once you accept what they offer you are stuck with it.

And once you get the prescription correct be sure to get a copy of it. You'll need it when you order things from other suppliers.

[imfletch]

Howdy Vertigo,
The most important thing is that you get a data-capable machine.
Many DMEs attempt to push off units that only record compliance data. Some call these "bricks" because they give you no usable data. Obviously, they make more money off of these, but those that record additional data give you so much more to work with.
ResMed and Respironics are the two big players here.
With ResMed - avoid anything that has the word "Escape" in the name.
If you can get your DME to give you a ResMed S9 AutoSet, you'll be set!
Some DMEs use Fisher & Paykal. The ICON is not a bad unit, it keeps a good deal of data...but only in its own format and it can be trickey to work with.
Once you have the machine you will want to download Sleepyhead software. Send a PM and I can give you the URL for the download.
That software will allow you to track your progress and give you data that will encourage you to stick with your therapy.
Good luck and welcome to the world of the HoseHeads
-jim

[vertigo]

Thank you so much for the warm welcome from everyone. I really appreciate it.

From what I've read so far on the forums and around the Web, I pretty much have my heart set on a ResMed S9 Autoset. I'll just have to wait and see how things go in regard to me getting one. I figure if I'm going to be using this machine for years to come, I want to get something that is truly worth having. Hopefully it won't be too much of an issue.

I'll definitely check on the DME's return policy on masks, etc. I can certainly imagine it will take some trial and error to find what works best.

Once I get a machine I'll also check out the software to be able to track things myself.

Thank you for the help!

[Shastzi]

Hi Vertigo!



I have been where you are and done that stuff too.
Just get the S9 AutoSet already.

The the DME gets all icky about getting you what you want the folks here will show you how to MAKE them bend to your will!
Then we will show you how to get the most out of that unit.

Being your own healthcare advocate. That's what it's all about.

Good luck and hang in there!

[Tez62]

vertigo, I was also diagnosed with depression and on all sorts of meds for over two years and kept tell the numerous specialists I saw that I wasnt depressed I was tired and couldn't sleep and when I did I couldn't breathe. They all said it was depression. I accidently found sleep apnea was the cause and have never looked back. I am off all meds and have been for nearly a year now and feel so much better for it. It's unbelievable how much a good nights sleep can help. Like the others said, I also use a Resmed Autoset and love it.

[zonk]

I'll definitely check on the DME's return policy on masks, etc. I can certainly imagine it will take some trial and error to find what works best.

Definitely its trial and errors, finding the right mask is the most important and essential for effective treatment

This might be of some help, "Tips for new CPAP users"
Avoiding 10 common problems .. Mayo clinic
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...CPAP_users

[vertigo]

Thanks for the further welcomes, suggestions and encouragement. I really appreciate it. It dawned on me last night...should I be looking to buy a machine or rent one?

Tez62, thanks for sharing your story. In my case, I think the depression and psychosis is probably a separate issue from the sleep apnea as I've had it since I was young. It just took me to be married to seek treatment as my wife realized the problem/s I had and insisted I seek treatment.

I've been blessed to have a great psych doc who recognized that I may have sleep apnea and sent me for the sleep study. I'm sure eventually getting a good restful night's sleep will do nothing but help. It will be interesting to see just how much of a difference it will make. I'm looking forward to hopefully feeling awake during the day, instead of feeling like a zombie. I'm also looking forward to having more energy (let's face it, right now I have none!) and hopefully then feeling motivated to exercise and getting back to a normal weight.

I think this is something that has truly sneaked up on me over the years. I had no idea! I was stunned and disappointed when the sleep tech came in and said I was having "breathing difficulties" and that he was going to put me on a CPAP machine for the remainder of the study. Oh well, at least now it's being addressed.

Thank you so much everyone for your help. This is all completely new to me and I really appreciate everything you all have had to share.