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+--- Thread: Newbie help (/Thread-Newbie-help--38914)
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Newbie help - IAWH - 01-22-2023
Hello,
I've been recently diagnosed with severe OSA.
At this point I won't get into what got me to this point.
I need help moving forward. I've tried to read up on the subject. I'm in somewhat denial as to even needing a CPAP.I think I sleep well, 8-9 hours daily and wake up mostly just to change positions??
I'm new to all the terms and acronyms.One being AHI, my sleep test doesn't show AHI, only REI,OAI,CAI and desat. I've had 2 home sleep tests and 1 sleep lab CPAP test.
In my opinion my lab sleep test went horrible. Technician and Dr.said it went well. I only sleep for 4.5 hours broken with zero REM, 85% stage N2 sleep.CPAP was completely foreign and strange. Hard to breath out.They determined I need 12cm and slept for 44 minutes with AHI of 0.
Bottom line is I guess I need CPAP. I don't need more heath problems. I'm worried about getting used to it. I like the idea of a APAP for better breathing out.
I need advice on quality machines.Im a nose breather and will try both pillow and nostril masks. My test was with pillow.From what I'm reading these machines are not very reliable but are expensive.
Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Sorry for the fragmented rant.
I really feel stupid and lost.
RE: Newbie help - Nightynite - 01-22-2023
Welcome Iwah, look at the home page, second post describing exactly what machine you need to get. Spend some time reading and educating yourself, it’s all there and will really get you started on the right path quickly.
RE: Newbie help - Melman - 01-22-2023
Welcome. You’ve come to the right place. At one point CPAP was new to all us and we were just as confused and apprehensive. Hopefully we can address your concerns and help as you begin this journey. Getting used to it is harder for some than others. Many of us have reached the point of being entirely comfortable with it. Resmed machines are quite reliable and are the best choice for a number of reasons. They make several models. You want the Resmed airsense 10 or airsense 11 autoset. That you get the autoset model is most important. It permits you to have fixed or variable pressure.
Here’s a link to a comprehensive article on machine choices: http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php/Machine_choices
AHI is the average number of apnea plus hypoxia events per hour. CAI is the aveage number of central apneas per hour. This is an important destruction. Obstructive apnea are due to restriction of the airway. Central apnea are the a lack in the drive to breath, They require different treatment if they are predominant. If possible, please post copies of your sleep study results with personal information redacted. I won’t go into more now. Hopefully I haven’nt confused you more. Don’t feel stupid. I know from experience how challenging this an be and that you may not get clear and good advice from your Dr. and other professionals. Wish you the best.
RE: Newbie help - IAWH - 01-22-2023
I have read that post and the Wiki article.
I guess my main concerns are DME or purchase outright? I have not met my deductible so I'm paying either way.
Also after reading consumeraffairs cpap-machine reviews
the reliability of these machines seem subpar at best. Maybe that is a positive reasin to go with DME so it can be returned or exchanged?
RE: Newbie help - IAWH - 01-22-2023
Thank you Melman.
Yes, my doctor is very vague and inpatient with my questions. I have very limited pulmonary choices where I live.
Here is the worst of my two sleep tests.
RE: Newbie help - Melman - 01-22-2023
Your problem is predominantly obstructive so the Resmed airsense 10 or 11 autoset is your best choice. If your not covered by insurance try one of the suppliers from the list at the top of the page. I believe most DMEs inflate prices. Sometimes you can get a good deal on a low hour used machine on craig's list. You just need to be sure it's not from a home with smokers. I disagree with the reviews saying the machines are unreliable. My Resmed as10 machine was 6 years old when I replaced it and still ran like the day I bought it. I now keep it as a backup.
RE: Newbie help - Melman - 01-22-2023
You will need a prescription for the machine and supplies. Ask your Dr. to specify resmed airsense 10 or 11 autoset, dispense as written, if you choose a DME. Otherwise they may substitute a different make or model.
RE: Newbie help - IAWH - 01-22-2023
My script says heated humidifier, heated tubing via Resmed Airfit N30 or mask of patients choice.
I take that as I can select any machine??
Glad to hear about reliability.
RE: Newbie help - Crimson Nape - 01-22-2023
Nope! So long as it meets the written order, the DME can provide you any brand of their choosing. You need to have the doc specify the brand you want, and include the phrase, "Dispense as written".
- Red
RE: Newbie help - IAWH - 01-22-2023
I'm leaning towards the Resmed Airsense 10 Autoset.The card to cloud model. Is card to cloud ok? Also the 10 because it seems to do everything the 11 does for less $ and has a longer track record of high ratings. Thoughts.....