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→Advice for brand-new patients
== Advice for brand-new patients ==
Read this. [[New_to_CPAP_–_The_Process|New to CPAP - The Process]] Documentation is important. * Get a copy of your Sleep Study/Studies. * Get a copy of your Prescription Most users do not need a BiPAP/BiLevel or an ASV machine. Thus most users need a CPAP machine (insert content hereBiPAP/BiLevel or an ASV machines treat more advanced apneas)Within these basic CPAP machines are many models with different capabilities. The machine of choice is an Auto CPAP. The most recommended Auto CPAP recommended on the Apnea Forums is the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet (best choice) (E0601) with heated hose (Fixed CPAP, Auto CPAP) (or the for her version)Why you want Auto CPAP..* It is a very versatile machine* It can be used in either Fixed CPAP or Auto CPAP modes* It provides Compliance Data* It may be used for home-titration* It provides full efficacy data (detailed data down to breath by breath info if necessary) that can be read and evaluated by doctors office to modify treatment or yourself for “info. This data can either eliminate the need for an additional sleep study or highlight the need for an additional study.* You will be using this machine every night for about 5 years, It is likely that your treatment will change over this time. It is very versatile. The autoset function will adjust pressure as required to meet changing circumstances (even mundane things like sleeping on your back or side)* The "For Her" includes an extra algorithm which provides gentler pressure changes and is (apparently) more attuned to the patterns of apneas experienced by women* The Resmed machines typically respond much faster to precursors, killing many apneas before they get a chance to develop* These machines are supported by SleepyHead software to allow you to monitor and optimise your own treatment.Read this [[Prescription_-_CPAP_-_APAP_-_BIPAP#Prescription_APAP|APAP Prescription]] == Handling the DME ==The DME gets paid the same for this (ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet) state of the art Auto CPAP as it does for a much cheaper, potentially older model, fixed CPAP that has no data capability (affectionately called a brick). The “Brick” will be more profitable for them, and much less useful for you. YOU are the customer. YOU have the right to choose your DME. Do not be afraid to go elsewhere to get what you want, and let your DME know that. You want to get a New machine. You will be using it for about 5 years and usage hours (not only therapy hours) should be very low. (DME’s have been known to provide “used” machines as new.) So learn how to get to and read the usage hours for your machine. Call the DME before you show up and let them know what you expect to get. Masks are extremely important. So much so that they are at times called “Interfaces” because they interface between the machine and your face. Masks are typically the hardest to get right. That is because your face is unique. Visits to the DME are opportunities to try masks. Take advantage of these visits. Oh and read the [[Mask_Primer|Mask Primer]].
== Obtaining disposable supplies ==
Donate to Apnea Board
