New member with a few questions

[nicpaige]

Hello everyone. I am glad I found this forum. Hopefully I can get some questions answered that I should have had nailed down when I started this adventure. I believe I have been using a CPAP for over 8 years. The same machine since day one. It was the one they pulled out of their closet handed to me and sent me out the door. My experience with the doctor and assistants was less than desirable and only got worse from that point.
After a sleep study and follow up appointment I was handed a ResMed Escape S9 with humidifier and I use the Mirage FX nose mask. They had set it already and was sent out the door.
I had two follow up appointments where the doctor poked his head in and asked if I was doing okay then off he went. Then that was it. I have been sleeping okay. My questions are the following.
1. What is a normal check up schedule for someone with sleep apnea?
2. How long do these machines last and how would I know if it wasnt working correctly?

[Beej]

My sleep doc expects to see me annually, unless something comes up requiring a visit sooner.

[srlevine1]

My questions are the following.
1. What is a normal check up schedule for someone with sleep apnea?
2. How long do these machines last and how would I know if it wasnt working correctly?

1. The frequency of your visits is determined by the severity of your condition and if your symptoms appear to be getting worse or you develop new symptoms. So there is no such thing as a "normal" check up schedule. Personally, I have found that with many doctors most checkups are a product of the insurance compliance issues and have little or nothing to do with your health. If you have downloaded the #SleepyHead software and reviewing your numbers, you may wish to discuss pressure changes in your therapy before you undertake self-determined changes. I expect to see my sleep doctor once per year to review progress and results absent any modifications to my daily activities which may require a consultation. Pretty much how you feel is the guideline to seeking an appointment.

2. Most machines have a design life of at least five years and many are still operational long after that. You may wish to have your doctor or DME check the pressure once in a while or you can purchase a pressure gauge and do it yourself periodically. If you have a "burnt" or strange smell in the system after appropriate cleaning, you may wish to have it checked out professionally. If you are on Medicare, you may be eligible or a new machine after five years. Otherwise, it is a function of your finances and insurance.

Good luck with your continued therapy.

[OpalRose]

Hello everyone. I am glad I found this forum. Hopefully I can get some questions answered that I should have had nailed down when I started this adventure. I believe I have been using a CPAP for over 8 years. The same machine since day one. It was the one they pulled out of their closet handed to me and sent me out the door. My experience with the doctor and assistants was less than desirable and only got worse from that point.
After a sleep study and follow up appointment I was handed a ResMed Escape S9 with humidifier and I use the Mirage FX nose mask. They had set it already and was sent out the door.
I had two follow up appointments where the doctor poked his head in and asked if I was doing okay then off he went. Then that was it. I have been sleeping okay. My questions are the following.
1. What is a normal check up schedule for someone with sleep apnea?
2. How long do these machines last and how would I know if it wasnt working correctly?

Hi nicpaige,
Welcome to Apnea Board!

A normal followup with your Doctor should be once a year; that is what most insurances would require. You have been lucky to not have problems in the 8 years of therapy on the S9 Escape. But now it's time to think about an updated machine.

Depends on your situation now (whether you have insurance coverage or not) how to proceed. If you have coverage, they may require you to have a sleep study done, especially if you haven't seen a doctor for 8 years.

If your old enough to have Medicare coverage, you would be eligible for a new machine, but they would still require a new study.

Do you have your original perscription from 8 years ago?

If you don't have coverage, there are ways we can advise to obtain a good machine for a decent price.

Start some research on the current machines and which to avoid.
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...ne_Choices

Your S9 escape may or may not be working at it's best, and it is a matter of time before it will die.

You will want to pursue a fully data capable auto cpap that works with #SleepyHead software.

Good luck, and let us know what you decide so we can help.

[trish6hundred]

Hi nicpaige,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
You are due for a new machine, you would be better served by a fully data-capable one.
Good luck to you as you continue your CPAP therapy.