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What's the Right Machine?
While I'm sleeping better since my June, 2013 diagnosis, I'm not waking really rested and refreshed. Also, I am more tired than I'd like to be with a serious 6:00 pm sleepiness.
I understand that some have found that they do better with a different machine. Right now I have a standard CPAP machine, the continuous air presssure variety. The question: Have some of you found that you do much better with an Auto-Adjusting ASV machine which (as far as I understand) "breathes with you"? If so, pleaee let me know.
Also, if the Auto-Adjusting machine proved to be an improvement for you, would it be best for me to talk to my doctor to see if I could get a prescription for it? (A prescription would cut my cost, I think. Otherwise, I'll have to buy it outright.)
I'd appreciate advice.
Thank you!
Views: 1092
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on
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Zollistar, the more I learn about sleep apnea the more I find I do not know. At least research is ongoing- there's a lot of money in the field.
You're right- there are differences in how each machine senses and treats an apnea.
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Permalink Reply by ZolliStar on
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Mary Z said:Zollistar, the more I learn about sleep apnea the more I find I do not know. AMEN!!!
At least research is ongoing- there's a lot of money in the field. The more money, the better: It will encourage research, study -- and constantly improving equipment.
You're right- there are differences in how each machine senses and treats an apnea. Speaking about mask differences: I switch between four different masks (nasals and nasal pillow varieties). Each has benefits that I really like; each has downsides, albeit none that I really hate.
I remain grateful beyond belief that: (1) I was finally diagnosed; (2) there is something that can help, i.e., CPAP and its "descendants"; and (3) that I have adjusted quite well to the therapy as it exists today.
I am also grateful for SleepGuide.com and YOU!
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Permalink Reply by Clueless in Redwood Shores on
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Mary (or Rock). does servo help to avoid swallowing air?
Mary Z said:Zollistar, I think the ASV is hands down the best machine. It took me four years to get hooked up. Because of lingering depression and continued day time sleepiness with a high AHI my doctor suggested a night in the lab with an ASV. It worked in the lab and I began to feel real benefits before the six month mark. Sixteen months later my depression has resolved and I am no longer sleepy during the day. If you cannot get one through your physician, perhaps after a trial in the lab, second wind has used ASV machines for a good price. My machine is $3700 on cpap.com. Knowing what I do now I would have asked for the trial long before I did. I had failed all the other modes of therapy- I've posted at length of my time on ASV. I never even feel the pressure changes and have to put my hand over the mask exhaust to see if the machine is on. I think because of the complex algorithm the machine responds more quickly and naturally. If your present mode of therapy isn't working you need to call for an appointment with your sleep doctor. It seems doctors are more readily prescribing ASV. Dr. Krakow has some videos about ASV on YouTube (I think you pointed me there). Good luck and keep us posted.
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Zollister- CSA means central sleep apnea and DX means diagnosis. The dumb questions are the ones you didn't ask. Acronyms are best explained the first time used, but these are
pretty common. Still, not a dumb question.Like Rock said ASV is like a tricked up BiPAP, but I think they should be the choice for anyone who can get the script. Insurance may not pay for it, but the machine is very comfortable to use.
ZolliStar said:May I ask two dumb-dumb questions? What do "Dx" and "CSA" mean?
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Permalink Reply by hifay on
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I was told that because my machine was helping me I could not get a new machine now. Any other type of machine was not talked about. I feel like ASV would help, but right now I have to pay off my part of the cost of the sleep studies and equipment..
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Hifay, yes, I believe that everyone would be helped and find an ASV to be more natural and comfortable. Unfortunately right now the price is so high. My DME charged my insurance $6,000 when my model is $4,000 on cpap.com. You can get one on Secondwind for a reasonable price. I hope as they become more common the price will come down. The cost would have to come down a lot since some cpap machines are less than$1000.
How are you doing with the higher pressure? Are your pillows working?
I had an appointment with my sleep doctor Thursday. I have gained 30 lbs. in the past six months and needed to have a pressure increase on my EPAP from eight to ten. I hadn't taken the power cord with the machine because I imagined they would have power cords already and without the power cord they could not turn the machine on. I said I would change the pressure, but my doctor told me straight out he didn't want me to "mess it up". He wrote for the DME to change the pressure. Naturally I got home and promptly changed the pressure without messing anything up. I am not making a trip to the DME's office, or wait for someone to come by the house. I think the CPAP professionals would be better served by teaching us to take care of the machine instead of depending on a third party. Diabetics are trusted to take care of their blood sugar and insulin dosage. My follow is in a year or when needed.
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Clueless, I just saw your question today. I don't know if servo would stop/prevent aerophagia. I don't have that side effect.Mary
Clueless in Redwood Shores said:Mary (or Rock). does servo help to avoid swallowing air?
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No worries Mary,
I just read another post last night that said that a servo machine prompted aerophagia. Mine has never gone above the nuisance level -- I only suspected I had it when weeks of imbibing only water after 3 PM on three to five days out of seven led to no discernible dimunition in early morning bi-orificial gas expulsion (but a small and steady dimunition in avoirdupois). My AHI is averaging about 1 to 2 and Resmed claims that is all central, not obstructive, but I know they have a difficult time distinguishing leak and apnea at that nearly "noise level" disturbance rate.
Rock, Mary or any other proponents of servo -- is it even worth trying servo given my current situation (and assuming that the doc will prescribe it and the insurance cover it when the time comes)?
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Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on
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I think it is a shame that everyone doesn't get an apap from the get go. The price isn't much higher than a straight cpap, and can be run in one pressure if that is what the doctor is wanting.
Machines are getting "smarter" and price should come down some.
In the spring of 2012 I was able to buy a PR System bilevel auto with biflex with 0 hours for less than $300.00. I purchased from a young man that got it for his dad, but unfortunately the father passed away prior to using the machine. It is the machine I use nightly now.
I have used Resmed and the M series Respironics and even the difference between these two machines is noticable to me. I prefer the Resmed (which I purchased again used).
Keep an eye our on Craigslist -- just be careful and meet the person in an area that is public with people around it and if possible check the machine out prior to handing over you money.
Hopefully you can get the machine you want.
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Wow I might look on Secondwind. I had not found that site, thanks for the info. I have turned the pressure up to 12 and I am not having the ear popping problem right now, but the Eson mask is leaking like a sieve ( I guess that is why the ears are not popping.) and I am going to have to take it back. Last week I got a gel piece that goes across the nose. That does help with the pressure at the top, but it still leaks. Is this normal? I have not used a mask in a long time. I do not know if I should try the Wisp or go back to nasal pillows.I called and ordered RemZzzs liners for it, but I do not have them yet. I was told last Tuesday that the doctor recommended them, and I ask why didn't I know sooner, they do not stock them and I have until Sept. 2nd to return this mask. I like these people so much better than the last I tried but what?? Why not tell me some of this sooner? I had called several times. I work and can not drop by the place that is about 45 minutes away any old time. They were nice enough to see me really early before work. (mine and theirs)
IF anyone uses/used Eson please let me know what you think about it.
Mary Z said:Hifay, yes, I believe that everyone would be helped and find an ASV to be more natural and comfortable. Unfortunately right now the price is so high. My DME charged my insurance $6,000 when my model is $4,000 on cpap.com. You can get one on Secondwind for a reasonable price. I hope as they become more common the price will come down. The cost would have to come down a lot since some cpap machines are less than$1000.
How are you doing with the higher pressure? Are your pillows working?
I had an appointment with my sleep doctor Thursday. I have gained 30 lbs. in the past six months and needed to have a pressure increase on my EPAP from eight to ten. I hadn't taken the power cord with the machine because I imagined they would have power cords already and without the power cord they could not turn the machine on. I said I would change the pressure, but my doctor told me straight out he didn't want me to "mess it up". He wrote for the DME to change the pressure. Naturally I got home and promptly changed the pressure without messing anything up. I am not making a trip to the DME's office, or wait for someone to come by the house. I think the CPAP professionals would be better served by teaching us to take care of the machine instead of depending on a third party. Diabetics are trusted to take care of their blood sugar and insulin dosage. My follow is in a year or when needed.
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sleepycarol. it's so good to see you on the forum. Things have been a bit bleak lately with just a handful of people hanging in to keep the forum going.
I too believe everyone should at least have an auto. They are much more versatile and will serve well for the five years we use a machine before replacement is due. As I said before I think sleep professionals would do better teaching xpap users how to monitor their treatments. It's easily determined when a xpap user or family is not up to the task.
Hifay, I have never used and Eson mask. I have heard that some minor leaking may not be a problem. Does your machine show leak numbers? That's the only way I know leaks are happening in most cases I sleep so deeply. I didn't have any luck with the nose pad either- it caused leaks where the pad ended at the edge of the mask. The RemZzzs may help with leaking, keep us posted, please.
Zollistar, are you making more progress with Dr Park? I hope your sleep maintenance insomniac is responding to reason.
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Right now I'm supposed to be using a manibular advancement device (MAD). I write "supposed" because I got enthusiastic (I was having no adjustment problems) and for two nights in a row forced advanced the device in my mouth.
Big mistake.
I really hurt my jaw or did some darned thing. I quit the device completely and have relied strictly on my APAP. I'm seeing Dr. Chase, the dentist that Dr. Park referred me to, on Wednesday. I'm not doing anything until I've seen him.
Dr. Park also had me using a steriod nose spray. Upon thinking about it, I decided to quit using the spray. I have a powerful aversion to drugs and medications: I've been made sicker from the side-effect of drugs than I was with the condition the medications were supposed to "cure". I will say, I think the spray was helping, but a life-time reliance on a steriod spray gives me the willies.
I'll just endure.
Once I stabilize on the MAD and having something to meaningful report, I'll see Dr. Park again. One thing I recall him telling me: One must try different approaches to see what really works.
btw, I'm consistently waking about 90 minutes after going to sleep. Don't know why and it definitely annoys me!
I don't seem to sleep through the night. At least two wake-ups, some for the bathroom, some just to bid "hello" to the moon. Go figure.
I think a really top-of-the-line machine might make a difference, maybe a big difference. I don't want to spend the money -- but I sure think about it. I keep checking SecondWindCpap.com....
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