Thinking of Taking a Break Until I Can Get Bilevel

[Idub88]

I've been working with a sleep tech that is out of my insurance's network because it's really hard to get seen by a sleep doctor. Anyways, I have felt like absolute crap since starting CPAP. I am so tired during the day, my emotions are completely unregulated and my quality of life has gone pretty far down the drain.

Anyways, we have determined that I likely need a bilevel because my breathing patterns don't really improve regardless of what pressure I have the CPAP on. My airways still attempt to collapse and it still wakes me up leading to a horrible night of sleep and a worse day. The problem is that since this was determined out of network, my insurance is requiring more testing to determine if I need a bilevel and with how they operate, I'm guessing it'll be months before that happens. That's if they even do approve it. My sleep docs aren't very competent and don't understand flow charts and all that. They only look at AHI. 

Right now I'm considering taking a break from CPAP until I can get a bilevel. I never felt nearly this awful before and the idea of at least being able to function during the day sounds amazing. In the meantime, I will likely be looking into options of buying my own, maybe even secondhand. 

I want your guy's thoughts on this. 

Thanks.

[SarcasticDave94]

You have to do what you feel is best. Be faithful to yourself here.

A note, other doctors than sleep specialists could script a bilevel. Sometimes sleep specialists end up being not helpful.

[Idub88]

Thanks, Dave. I did, in fact, reach out to my primary so fingers crossed that he helps me out.

[Jay51]

Who can write a prescription for a cpap machine:  

Medical Doctor

Doctor of Osteopathy

Psychiatrist

Physician's Assistant

Nurse Practitioners

Dentist

Naturopathic Physician

[Idub88]

Who can write a prescription for a cpap machine:  

Medical Doctor

Doctor of Osteopathy

Psychiatrist

Physician's Assistant

Nurse Practitioners

Dentist

Naturopathic Physician

Thanks, Jay. I did reach out to two doctors so far but haven't heard back. Now my sleep tech is saying it's probably not a good idea to go without the CPAP in the meantime because my apnea is so severe. 

I'm just feeling really down and defeated. Can't sleep with it, can't sleep without it. I'm so tired during the day.

[Big Guy]

I took a two year break from my CPAP Therapy. I did just fine w/o it. I'm back on it cause my doctor wants me on it, due to some AFIB issues I'm dealing with. 

I'm going to have a Catheter Ablation done in mid October. I'm hoping that it will be successful and might end my need for CPAP once and for all. The success rate is right about 75% or so. 

[Idub88]

I took a two year break from my CPAP Therapy. I did just fine w/o it. I'm back on it cause my doctor wants me on it, due to some AFIB issues I'm dealing with. 

I'm going to have a Catheter Ablation done in mid October. I'm hoping that it will be successful and might end my need for CPAP once and for all. The success rate is right about 75% or so. 

How severe is your apnea?

[Big Guy]

How severe is your apnea?

Since having began CPAP Therapy, my AHI #'s are usually under 5. I can't recall what they were when I took an in-lab sleep test back in 2018. I do know that my apnea was rated moderate to severe. That, I remember. 

I took to the therapy well. No problems or issues from the very 1st night. No issues since.

[Idub88]

I took to the therapy well. No problems or issues from the very 1st night. No issues since.

Hoping something clicks for me soon.

[Big Guy]

Stick with it! That's the only way it's gonna work, if it does at all. You have the support of this fine forum and it's members, and that's invaluable.