Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mike on March 15, 2009 at 5:45pm

Victor, you're right to be concerned about treating Sleep Apnea. Ultimately, it will save you more money to treat it now, than to wait and leave it untreated until it wreaks havoc on your body causing other problems.

I think to get a good CPAP machine, it will cost you around $600; add to that the cost of a good mask and humidifier, and you're probably looking at an out-of-pocket expenditure of ~$800. if you aren't willing to pay that, you can buy a used machine for less online from a number of sources.

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Permalink Reply by Judy on March 15, 2009 at 6:39pm

Area of the country you are in influences costs. In my area if you want a full in-lab PSG you are looking at $1500 for the in-lb sleep evaluation and $1650 for an in-lab titration study. You can often negotiate a lower price w/the sleep labs if you are uninsured and paying out of pocket.

I've never had an in-lab split-night study so I can't give you any idea of price in this area but I would assume it wouldn't be any more expensive than an in-lab full night of titration and again you can usually negotiate a lower price if uninsured and self-pay.

I've heard estimates of $500 for an at-home full night of titration w/some of this new at-home equipment.

And then there is the option of discussing the matter w/your family doctor and asking if he will write you a script for an APAP and buying that APAP from an online DME supplier such as cpap.com in which case you would want to be sure to buy a fully data capable APAP. I'd suggest you also have your doctor include a heated humidifier on that script. You could delay buying the humidifier but have the script for it if needed.

The fully data capable APAP that provides the most data via the LCD screen is the Resmed S8 AutoSet Vantage or the 2 year newer Resmed S8 AutoSet II w/EPR. That would negate the need for buying software and cable reader for a later date. You could also shop for APAP and accessories at cpapauction.com - but make sure you know the usual retail price for the item you want. It is a little more complicated pricing CPAPs, APAPs, etc. online now due to the MAP (miniumum advertised pricing) policies that the manufacturers have instituted against the online DME suppliers so be sure to always check w/the online DME supplier via their toll-free number or if they suggest a code or adding to your shopping cart to get the "true" price you will be charged.

You NEED to educate yourself if you opt to titrate yourself w/an APAP. For instance setting the pressure range wide open, 4 cms to 20 cms, is NOT a particularly good idea. For one, many people can't breathe comfortably at pressures as low as 4 or even 5 and because the APAPs crawl up the pressure in increments and may take too long to reach the pressure needed to intercede w/the apnea event.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

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Permalink Reply by Victor on March 15, 2009 at 7:57pm

Judy said:

Area of the country you are in influences costs. In my area if you want a full in-lab PSG you are looking at $1500 for the in-lb sleep evaluation and $1650 for an in-lab titration study. You can often negotiate a lower price w/the sleep labs if you are uninsured and paying out of pocket.

I've never had an in-lab split-night study so I can't give you any idea of price in this area but I would assume it wouldn't be any more expensive than an in-lab full night of titration and again you can usually negotiate a lower price if uninsured and self-pay.

I've heard estimates of $500 for an at-home full night of titration w/some of this new at-home equipment.

And then there is the option of discussing the matter w/your family doctor and asking if he will write you a script for an APAP and buying that APAP from an online DME supplier such as cpap.com in which case you would want to be sure to buy a fully data capable APAP. I'd suggest you also have your doctor include a heated humidifier on that script. You could delay buying the humidifier but have the script for it if needed.

The fully data capable APAP that provides the most data via the LCD screen is the Resmed S8 AutoSet Vantage or the 2 year newer Resmed S8 AutoSet II w/EPR. That would negate the need for buying software and cable reader for a later date. You could also shop for APAP and accessories at cpapauction.com - but make sure you know the usual retail price for the item you want. It is a little more complicated pricing CPAPs, APAPs, etc. online now due to the MAP (miniumum advertised pricing) policies that the manufacturers have instituted against the online DME suppliers so be sure to always check w/the online DME supplier via their toll-free number or if they suggest a code or adding to your shopping cart to get the "true" price you will be charged.

You NEED to educate yourself if you opt to titrate yourself w/an APAP. For instance setting the pressure range wide open, 4 cms to 20 cms, is NOT a particularly good idea. For one, many people can't breathe comfortably at pressures as low as 4 or even 5 and because the APAPs crawl up the pressure in increments and may take too long to reach the pressure needed to intercede w/the apnea event.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

I thank you as I've thanked Mike Judy, I must admit I am a little shaken by this. I take in what both of you have said, my problem is I really don't understand what is happening. I will have to go scour Net Doctor and find out what this is all about. Being as you mentioned I would need a prescription. Maybe it would be wise to look around first, see I am not very trusting of our friendly PCP's, when ever I walk in I can hear the cash register crancking round. LOL Thank you once again both of you kind people. Victor

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Permalink Reply by Mike on March 15, 2009 at 8:10pm

Victor, what don't you understand? Perhaps we can help if you're more specific.

Victor said:

Judy said:

Area of the country you are in influences costs. In my area if you want a full in-lab PSG you are looking at $1500 for the in-lb sleep evaluation and $1650 for an in-lab titration study. You can often negotiate a lower price w/the sleep labs if you are uninsured and paying out of pocket.

I've never had an in-lab split-night study so I can't give you any idea of price in this area but I would assume it wouldn't be any more expensive than an in-lab full night of titration and again you can usually negotiate a lower price if uninsured and self-pay.

I've heard estimates of $500 for an at-home full night of titration w/some of this new at-home equipment.

And then there is the option of discussing the matter w/your family doctor and asking if he will write you a script for an APAP and buying that APAP from an online DME supplier such as cpap.com in which case you would want to be sure to buy a fully data capable APAP. I'd suggest you also have your doctor include a heated humidifier on that script. You could delay buying the humidifier but have the script for it if needed.

The fully data capable APAP that provides the most data via the LCD screen is the Resmed S8 AutoSet Vantage or the 2 year newer Resmed S8 AutoSet II w/EPR. That would negate the need for buying software and cable reader for a later date. You could also shop for APAP and accessories at cpapauction.com - but make sure you know the usual retail price for the item you want. It is a little more complicated pricing CPAPs, APAPs, etc. online now due to the MAP (miniumum advertised pricing) policies that the manufacturers have instituted against the online DME suppliers so be sure to always check w/the online DME supplier via their toll-free number or if they suggest a code or adding to your shopping cart to get the "true" price you will be charged.

You NEED to educate yourself if you opt to titrate yourself w/an APAP. For instance setting the pressure range wide open, 4 cms to 20 cms, is NOT a particularly good idea. For one, many people can't breathe comfortably at pressures as low as 4 or even 5 and because the APAPs crawl up the pressure in increments and may take too long to reach the pressure needed to intercede w/the apnea event.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

I thank you as I've thanked Mike Judy, I must admit I am a little shaken by this. I take in what both of you have said, my problem is I really don't understand what is happening. I will have to go scour Net Doctor and find out what this is all about. Being as you mentioned I would need a prescription. Maybe it would be wise to look around first, see I am not very trusting of our friendly PCP's, when ever I walk in I can hear the cash register crancking round. LOL Thank you once again both of you kind people. Victor

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Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on March 15, 2009 at 8:23pm

Victor please read as much as you can about sleep apnea. Learn as much as you can. This site is a wonderful source of information and if you have questions, please ask.

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Permalink Reply by Victor on March 15, 2009 at 9:48pm

sleepycarol said:

Victor please read as much as you can about sleep apnea. Learn as much as you can. This site is a wonderful source of information and if you have questions, please ask.

Thank you Carol, come to that thank you each and everyone of you again, In answer to Mikes question, what I don't understand is what is happening to me? But with the advice given by carol, Judy and not lastly Mike; I am going on a quest to find out as much as I can about SA. Maybe I should get to know the beast I am trying to control first. Maybe a little history would help, I have been a smoker for most of my life and having stop 15 years ago I hoped I had beat it, (lung problems that is). I was diagnosed with CAPD or Emphasema a few months ago. I have been coping well with it, know my limitations and back off sooner than later, when I feel I am starting to suffer. Didn't undersdtand what was happening is the reason for coming here. Now to save you kind people your own valuable time, I will do what Carol has suggested and do some study. I am looking after my 96 year old father in-law at the moment we have hospice helping us but as soon as his time has passed I will put my head into top gear speak with you all once I get educated. (said smiling) God bless you all, (I'll be back don't worry).

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Permalink Reply by Mike on March 15, 2009 at 11:03pm

Victor, Sleepy Carol contributed the following post on sleep apnea treatment --- you might check it out to orient yourself and let us know if you need anything further.

Victor said:

sleepycarol said:

Victor please read as much as you can about sleep apnea. Learn as much as you can. This site is a wonderful source of information and if you have questions, please ask.

Thank you Carol, come to that thank you each and everyone of you again, In answer to Mikes question, what I don't understand is what is happening to me? But with the advice given by carol, Judy and not lastly Mike; I am going on a quest to find out as much as I can about SA. Maybe I should get to know the beast I am trying to control first. Maybe a little history would help, I have been a smoker for most of my life and having stop 15 years ago I hoped I had beat it, (lung problems that is). I was diagnosed with CAPD or Emphasema a few months ago. I have been coping well with it, know my limitations and back off sooner than later, when I feel I am starting to suffer. Didn't undersdtand what was happening is the reason for coming here. Now to save you kind people your own valuable time, I will do what Carol has suggested and do some study. I am looking after my 96 year old father in-law at the moment we have hospice helping us but as soon as his time has passed I will put my head into top gear speak with you all once I get educated. (said smiling) God bless you all, (I'll be back don't worry).

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Permalink Reply by Judy on March 16, 2009 at 12:21am

Victor, I was a smoker of 2 packs a day for over 50 years. I was Dx'd w/COPD in 1996. I started CPAP therapy in 2006 and was switched to a bi-level in 2008. Maybe I can help you out w/some of your questions.

Another much cheaper test you could ask your doctor for, since you've been Dx'd w/COPD/emphysema, is an overnight oximetry. It can be any where from free to at the most I've ever heard $65. OO can't Dx OSA but it can give an indication if you are desaturating overnight whilst sleeping. Its a worthwhile place to start anyway w/o emptying your wallet..

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Permalink Reply by Victor on March 16, 2009 at 12:32am

Judy said:

Victor, I was a smoker of 2 packs a day for over 50 years. I was Dx'd w/COPD in 1996. I started CPAP therapy in 2006 and was switched to a bi-level in 2008. Maybe I can help you out w/some of your questions.

Another much cheaper test you could ask your doctor for, since you've been Dx'd w/COPD/emphysema, is an overnight oximetry. It can be any where from free to at the most I've ever heard $65. OO can't Dx OSA but it can give an indication if you are desaturating overnight whilst sleeping. Its a worthwhile place to start anyway w/o emptying your wallet..

Thank you Judy, I will keep this info so its at hand along with the othere points, so I have it come the question period with my PCP. Have a pleasant week you guys, spring is in the air. Victor

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