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Newly diagnosed - OSA
Hi Everyone! I really appreciate this website with helpful resources and reading the discussions. I had my first sleep study in November and was diagnosed with significant obstructive sleep apnea. The first sleep study was rough and got very little sleep as expected. I was surprised they were able to get some results. I just had my 2nd sleep study for titration test this past Saturday with an open mind. I managed to get a couple of hours of sleep with the face mask and CPAP machine. I love my sleep tech that I was to able to have for the first and second sleep study. She put the nasal mask on me and that was not comfortable at all and could not breathe with it. My nose is messed up anatomically. Thanks goodness for face mask because I am a mouth breather. My doctor emailed me today stating that my CPAP machine will be order soon and then sleep coordinator just emailed stating my CPAP setting will be @ 7cm. So thankful you guys talked about making sure the machine has a data card because my DME is to suppose to get me a CPAP with a smartcard.
Since my setting will only be at 7cm, should I look into getting a dental device instead or is it more of a preference?
Do you know if DME can provide a very small face mask or even child size? I am only 4'7" and the face mask at sleep study seem a little big and would prefer it not sitting so close to my eyes. Anything I should be wary of when dealing with a DME company?
I will see my sleep specialist in February to ask questions and she will look at my results (4 weeks worth) of sleeping with CPAP machine at home. I love to hear your opinion and tips!
Corinne
Views: 131
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Rooster on
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First of all, watch out for lying DMEs. Plenty of basic machines have data cards that record only the hours used. This is worthless information to you because you already know how many hours you use it. Your DME will tell you that this type of machine records and reports data. But he won't tell you it only records hours used.
You should insist on a machine that records efficacy data such as apneas, hypopneas, snores, mask leak, pressure, etc.
As far as a dental device goes, there is not a good correlation between low pressure requirements and suitability for dental devices. CPAP is the gold standard and you should make a strong commitment to this therapy.
Before you take delivery of the CPAP machine find out in advance the exact model they are ordering for you and someone here can tell you if it is really data capable and has optional software to help you take control of your therapy.
Also check out this list of questions from My Page:
Questions to ask about your PSG and Titration Study
1. Did I have any central apneas? How many?
2. Were there any comorbidities? What were they?
3. Did I breathe or leak through my mouth? How often? What do you recommend to prevent it?
4. Did I exhibit Positional Sleep Apnea (PSA)? Was my apnea more severe in one sleeping position as compared to others? Is my pressure requirement higher in one position as compared to others? (Often sleep apnea is more severe when sleeping on the back.)
5. Is there anything else unusual about the results?
6. How will I know my therapy is preventing apneas?
7. I am determined to own a data-capable machine and software to monitor apneas, hypopneas and mask leak. This will allow me to call your office with specific questions if I have problems with the therapy. Will you help me with the appropriate prescription?
In addition to the questions:
1. Get a copy of your PSG. It is your legal right to have one.
2. Get a copy of your CPAP prescription.
3. Make sure the prescription calls for a humidifier with the machine.
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Permalink Reply by Corinne on
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Thanks Rooster! I have an appointment to the DME office at 5:30pm Monday. It is better to contact the sleep disorder clinic or the DME office to find what machine the doctor ordered for me?
When should I ask question about my PSG and Titration study? Should I be asking that before I accept the CPAP machine on Monday. I do not see the specialist until Feb. 28.
I plan to get a copy of my PSG when I see the specialist. How do I get a copy of the CPAP prescription?
Last question: why does the CPAP machine need a humidifier?
Sorry for all the questions. Thanks for your time and valuable advice!
Rooster said:First of all, watch out for lying DMEs. Plenty of basic machines have data cards that record only the hours used. This is worthless information to you because you already know how many hours you use it. Your DME will tell you that this type of machine records and reports data. But he won't tell you it only records hours used.
You should insist on a machine that records efficacy data such as apneas, hypopneas, snores, mask leak, pressure, etc.
As far as a dental device goes, there is not a good correlation between low pressure requirements and suitability for dental devices. CPAP is the gold standard and you should make a strong commitment to this therapy.
Before you take delivery of the CPAP machine find out in advance the exact model they are ordering for you and someone here can tell you if it is really data capable and has optional software to help you take control of your therapy.
Also check out this list of questions from My Page:
Questions to ask about your PSG and Titration Study
1. Did I have any central apneas? How many?
2. Were there any comorbidities? What were they?
3. Did I breathe or leak through my mouth? How often? What do you recommend to prevent it?
4. Did I exhibit Positional Sleep Apnea (PSA)? Was my apnea more severe in one sleeping position as compared to others? Is my pressure requirement higher in one position as compared to others? (Often sleep apnea is more severe when sleeping on the back.)
5. Is there anything else unusual about the results?
6. How will I know my therapy is preventing apneas?
7. I am determined to own a data-capable machine and software to monitor apneas, hypopneas and mask leak. This will allow me to call your office with specific questions if I have problems with the therapy. Will you help me with the appropriate prescription?
In addition to the questions:
1. Get a copy of your PSG. It is your legal right to have one.
2. Get a copy of your CPAP prescription.
3. Make sure the prescription calls for a humidifier with the machine.
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Thanks!
99 said:
have a photo of the machine that you want make sure that the script
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Reply by Corinne
Thanks Rooster! I have an appointment to the DME office at 5:30pm Monday. It is better to contact the sleep disorder clinic or the DME office to find what machine the doctor ordered for me?
When should I ask question about my PSG and Titration study? Should I be asking that before I accept the CPAP machine on Monday. I do not see the specialist until Feb. 28.
I plan to get a copy of my PSG when I see the specialist. How do I get a copy of the CPAP prescription?
Last question: why does the CPAP machine need a humidifier?
Call the DME right away and ask them the exact model of machine they will be supplying and then get back to us.
It is fairly standard to get a heated humidifier. Many people claim it helps keep their nasal passages from drying out. Unless you have a real slime ball DME, the machine should have an integrated heated humidifier.
Ideally you would know the answers to the question before you take delivery of a machine. But it is more important to get the right machine so I would not worry about the questions before your appointment.
Just ask your doctor's office for a copy of your prescription and your sleep study. It is your legal right to have these. You can do this at your February appointment.
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Good morning! I called my DME office and they told me that I will be getting the Philips Respironics Remstar AutoFlex machine. Is this a good CPAP machine to have? The lady said they have all kinds of masks in small size so that is good.
Thanks Rooster! I appreciate your time and advice!
Bests, Corinne
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I'm curious about how a mask can be fitted in the DME office. Don't you have to be laying down? Pat
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I am not sure but good question.
Pat Kniel said:
I'm curious about how a mask can be fitted in the DME office. Don't you have to be laying down? Pat
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I have an older Respironics Remstar C-Flex machine and it works as good today as it did in 2006. Kaiser Permanente, where I had the sleep study used Respironics machines (lots of them) so they had to know something.The DME office had a separate room with a small bed to try masks out. Bought Swift Mirage I, at the time they said was best seller, and I'm still using it today despite trying 2 others. I might get a new machine, it looks like my insurance might cover, but I don't have the oxemetry test results yet. I can tell you I don't think I want or need a machine with a bunch of electronics gizmos that go bad. My basic machine (maybe I need Bipap) has been great.
Corinne said:
I am not sure but good question.
Pat Kniel said:
I'm curious about how a mask can be fitted in the DME office. Don't you have to be laying down? Pat
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Permalink Reply by Andy on
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Hi Corinne,
Welcome to the forum! I'm glad you found this forum before you have your CPAP unit, and early on in your treatment.
First off, sorry this post is so long. Once I get started... ;)
I've been on CPAP for over a year, and the people at this forum have very helpful to me. There's lots of good advice, and people willing to give you as much support as possible.
Good that you're finding out the type of CPAP you'll be getting! You'll find, as you progress through your CPAP therapy, that you'll do best if you take an active role in your treatment. Ask lots of questions of your medical providers and DME, and check with us to see if their answers make sense. That'll keep them honest!
You'll hear lots of negative stories about DME providers. Many (most?) seem to more interested in their profit than in yur care. With some luck, and some assertiveness, you'll find one that helps you as much as you need.
My DME is not bad, I'd rate them as average. They answer my questions, though it may take a few times asking, and they help when I need it. I've been able to try different masks, return the ones that don't work well for me, order supplies over the phone, and I'm able to pick them up or have them sent in the mail.
You should be able to return any mask within 30 days for an exchange, if it doesn't fit properly. Ask about the return/exchange policy on the CPAP, though you shouldn't need to return it if you get the right one first. Ask if you'll be "renting" it, or owning it. If renting, find out when the rental stops and the insurance "buys it out" so that you then own it.
If you have any problems with the machine or mask(s), get help right away! Don't let problems linger!
I called my insurance company before I got my machine, and got info on the supplies I was allowed, and the schedule by which I'd be able to get them. Talk with the DME, too, and make sure that they know the terms of your insurance plan, and that you get what you need, when you're entitled to it.
Whenever you have a sleep study, ask if you can keep the mask! Some sleep centers allow this. Mine lets me try as many as three masks during a particular sleep study, if they don't seem to fit well, and I can keep all of them. (Funny, but the first two never seem to fit for me... ) I even asked for the "disposable" hose they used in my sleep study, so I could keep it as a spare.
I've managed to get ahead on supplies, so I have a brand new mask, hose, and humidifier tank "in stock" and ready to go when I need it! I have two masks for regular use, and I switch between them. I've also got three others (full-face, full nasal, and a nasal pillows) that I've collected from my sleep studies, and I can use those at certain times, such as when I have a cold (full-face for those nights!) or if I want to just switch off mask styles.
The humidifier seems to be pretty necessary. My nose/throat severely dry out without the humidifier, so I use it every night, and always have an extra gallon or two of distilled water for it.
You're starting off with a relatively low pressure, so hopefully you'll acclimate to it quickly. I started at 8 and then bumped up to 10, and have had no problem with either setting.
I practiced using my CPAP for an hour or so the first night, before going to bed, and that helped.
I've tried to keep an open mind with CPAP therapy, and I've had no serious problems at all. I actually enjoy using it. My nose is clear each day, and it hasn't been for years! I get a kick out of changing the filter in the CPAP, and seeing how much dust I didn't breathe in!
Please do keep in touch, and let us know if you have any questions, no matter how silly or trivial they may seem!
Good Luck!
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great points Andy. Even in 2006, they told me they didn't even sell machines WITHOUT humidifiers, that's a must.
I kept the lousy cheap mask from the sleep study, I used the straps and velkro from it. The tube is a backup, nothing wrong with it but thinner than standard.
I know if I have electronic junk/data to send my doctor, that is worthless, they are never going to respond without an apt, at least with Anthem/Blue Cross. For instance, I had the oxemetry test last Thursday, I called yesterday, they said "oh, you have to call your doctor for those results", I call him, I said it's data, right? they should be able to read it immediately, right? It's my oxygen level, right?. She says: " Oh, they email that...as soon as the doctor gets it, we'll call you. There's 2 reports, we wait for the followup "WET REPORT" ?..." I think she said wet, that's when I decided this is the USA system at work, folks. Be glad if it's not a life or death situation. Maybe that's hand-written, who knows, maybe it's my H20 level. :~)
Andy said:Hi Corinne,
Welcome to the forum! I'm glad you found this forum before you have your CPAP unit, and early on in your treatment.
First off, sorry this post is so long. Once I get started... ;)
I've been on CPAP for over a year, and the people at this forum have very helpful to me. There's lots of good advice, and people willing to give you as much support as possible.
Good that you're finding out the type of CPAP you'll be getting! You'll find, as you progress through your CPAP therapy, that you'll do best if you take an active role in your treatment. Ask lots of questions of your medical providers and DME, and check with us to see if their answers make sense. That'll keep them honest!
You'll hear lots of negative stories about DME providers. Many (most?) seem to more interested in their profit than in yur care. With some luck, and some assertiveness, you'll find one that helps you as much as you need.
My DME is not bad, I'd rate them as average. They answer my questions, though it may take a few times asking, and they help when I need it. I've been able to try different masks, return the ones that don't work well for me, order supplies over the phone, and I'm able to pick them up or have them sent in the mail.
You should be able to return any mask within 30 days for an exchange, if it doesn't fit properly. Ask about the return/exchange policy on the CPAP, though you shouldn't need to return it if you get the right one first. Ask if you'll be "renting" it, or owning it. If renting, find out when the rental stops and the insurance "buys it out" so that you then own it.
If you have any problems with the machine or mask(s), get help right away! Don't let problems linger!
I called my insurance company before I got my machine, and got info on the supplies I was allowed, and the schedule by which I'd be able to get them. Talk with the DME, too, and make sure that they know the terms of your insurance plan, and that you get what you need, when you're entitled to it.
Whenever you have a sleep study, ask if you can keep the mask! Some sleep centers allow this. Mine lets me try as many as three masks during a particular sleep study, if they don't seem to fit well, and I can keep all of them. (Funny, but the first two never seem to fit for me... ) I even asked for the "disposable" hose they used in my sleep study, so I could keep it as a spare.
I've managed to get ahead on supplies, so I have a brand new mask, hose, and humidifier tank "in stock" and ready to go when I need it! I have two masks for regular use, and I switch between them. I've also got three others (full-face, full nasal, and a nasal pillows) that I've collected from my sleep studies, and I can use those at certain times, such as when I have a cold (full-face for those nights!) or if I want to just switch off mask styles.
The humidifier seems to be pretty necessary. My nose/throat severely dry out without the humidifier, so I use it every night, and always have an extra gallon or two of distilled water for it.
You're starting off with a relatively low pressure, so hopefully you'll acclimate to it quickly. I started at 8 and then bumped up to 10, and have had no problem with either setting.
I practiced using my CPAP for an hour or so the first night, before going to bed, and that helped.
I've tried to keep an open mind with CPAP therapy, and I've had no serious problems at all. I actually enjoy using it. My nose is clear each day, and it hasn't been for years! I get a kick out of changing the filter in the CPAP, and seeing how much dust I didn't breathe in!
Please do keep in touch, and let us know if you have any questions, no matter how silly or trivial they may seem!
Good Luck!
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Hi Gordon! That good to know that you like your machine.
gordon said:
I have an older Respironics Remstar C-Flex machine and it works as good today as it did in 2006. Kaiser Permanente, where I had the sleep study used Respironics machines (lots of them) so they had to know something.The DME office had a separate room with a small bed to try masks out. Bought Swift Mirage I, at the time they said was best seller, and I'm still using it today despite trying 2 others. I might get a new machine, it looks like my insurance might cover, but I don't have the oxemetry test results yet. I can tell you I don't think I want or need a machine with a bunch of electronics gizmos that go bad. My basic machine (maybe I need Bipap) has been great.
Corinne said:
I am not sure but good question.
Pat Kniel said:I'm curious about how a mask can be fitted in the DME office. Don't you have to be laying down? Pat
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