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Permalink Reply by Melba Cooper on April 11, 2009 at 7:52pm

I checked into this issue with the sleep clinic where I live. In this clinic, they make accomodations for people who have no insurance. They charge the equivalent of a medicaid co-pay....about $140 for the initial intake interview. They also have a mobile sleep unit that will set up a sleep study in the home for much less than the hospital charges for the facilities. I don't know what accommodations can be made for purchasing a CPAP machine as they run about $2500. However, don't let your idea about cost keep you from asking for what you need. We all have to be advocates for ourselves....and their are compassionate medical and community people who are willing to work with you. Melba

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Permalink Reply by Jeffrey Donaldson on April 11, 2009 at 8:11pm

I know that this won't sit well with the medical professionals out here, but when you are desperate, you got to do what you got to do. I personally don't condone putting someone on c-pap without a sleep study. There are other forms of sleep problems that c-pap won't help, or could put someone at risk, but if you're willing to try, here is some info.
You can buy just about anything for c-pap online. hoses, masks, headgear, filters, everything and it is not that expensive, except for a c-pap machine. Like someone said earlier, you can find someone with a used one that got upgraded they most likely have stored away. I even found a complete c-pap setup at the dump. Machine, hose. nasil pillows and headgear all in a respironics bag. It is newer than my own machine. I would not use any used gear except the machine. That would be unsanitary. You would have to learn how to adjust the pressure. Start low and gradually increase it until he seems to be breathing normally while sleeping with no snoring.
Good luck.

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Permalink Reply by Marie Davis on April 11, 2009 at 8:52pm

Believe it or not , I saw a used CPAP machine on Craigslist for $150!! Maybe one of the docs on here know if you can convert the card inside or something to make it customized for your husband. After using mine, I deeply regret not purchasing mine many years ago when doctors were telling me I had this problem. You have to find a way to get a machine in your budget because it is cheeper than ending up with heart problems. You will not regret it and YOU will sleep better too! P.s. my photo is my cat sleeping! Why can't we be like them, they sleep anywhere, anytime!! Good luck to you.

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Permalink Reply by Mike on April 11, 2009 at 9:18pm

Yvonne Crews posted this to me by accident:

"Charolette,
I don't know the area you live in, but there is what is called an '"indigent care" at most hospitals and clinics. When you don't have insurance, according to your income, you may qualify for care there at a reduced rate or be covered 100%. For the test for apnea. I'm not sure about getting the machine, you need a prescription for that.
Try this it may be what you need."

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Permalink Reply by amott1973 on April 11, 2009 at 9:38pm

Find out where people go for sleep studies in your area and see if they ever take people with a sliding scale or as a charity case (there must be a better phrase for it, but I can't think of one). My mom has horrible apnea, has had it since I was a little kid. I watched her sleeping once and watched a clock with a second hand just to see how long she'd go without breathing. She'd breath for 30 sec, stop for 70 sec, breath for 60 sec, stop for 50 sec, etc. It was BAD. Well she didn't have any insurance at all, but we got her in at the hospital here that does sleep studies and they did hers for free! They even got her a mask and machine for free too. I don't know if it was a charity write-off for them, or publicity, or some grant they had, but it was awesome! We live in Gville, FL, so if you're here I can tell you the hospital was NFRMC, but maybe you can find one that would do this somewhere else.

Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Barbara on April 12, 2009 at 1:51am

I agree with the others who have already posted - if your hubby is willing to do anything to get treatment then go for it. Do whatever ya gotta do to get his needs met.
Just ideas:
You could start by having him spend a day or two simply on the telephone. A few ideas would be to call the following (just as a starting place) and ask about referrals, slide scale, research studies, freebies, ect....
If they can not help ask them who they think might could help you.

Neurology and Sleep Medicine of Houston & Houston Sleep Center 1-713-465-7066 (research Dept)

East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System Sleep Disorders Center 1-866-535-6568

Presbyterian Hospital of Allen Sleep Medicine Department 1-972-747-6260

Oh, maybe call EVERY teaching hospital in Texas. Medical schools may have the ability to be more flexible and may have more research studies in progress. Hubby might even get paid to participate in a study :).
Only a starting place if nothing else pops up that's quicker or easier.
My mom just walked in the room - she said she's seen CPAP's on EBAY.
Barbara

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Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on April 12, 2009 at 8:14am

Call around to different labs in your area. Some labs will do the studies for very low if not for free. This is good publicity for them. My lab has done sudies for as little as $200 dollars. I know that respironics has a refurbished line of products that are pretty reasonable. If by chance your husband is a vet. he can always check with the VA hospital. Also try the United way in your area.

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Permalink Reply by Charlotte on April 13, 2009 at 11:14am

Thanks for all the suggestions......we are doing the research. Everyone's comments are greatly appreciated! I just knew if explored, there would be options.

Charlotte

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Permalink Reply by Monica on April 13, 2009 at 1:29pm

Charlotte said:

Thanks for all the suggestions......we are doing the research. Everyone's comments are greatly appreciated! I just knew if explored, there would be options.

Charlotte

One other suggestion for you - my insurance refused to cover my machine in the beginning - I called my dr and she called the company directly and they GAVE me a brand new machine. Drs often have "ins" with certain companies and can accomplish alot with a simple call. As for the sleep test - talk to your dr and see if he/she knows of a study or lab nearby that might be of help.

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Permalink Reply by Jason Quinn on April 14, 2009 at 2:19pm

I was in the same position after years of sleep apnea. I broke down and bought a basic Puritan Bennett 318 off of Craigslist for $50.00 I can say my sleep has improved a lot. I'm not nearly as tired as I used to be. If you don't have decent insurance and are not looking for a hand out I don't see the harm in buying a basic used machine.

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Permalink Reply by Glen England on May 4, 2009 at 11:48pm

The only question I would have about buying a used machine would be the programming.

I suppose there are certain keypad combination's that allow one to program the machine and I don't know how you would fine those. So, unless it was an auto CPAP with the right lower and upper pressures, how would you program it?

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Permalink Reply by Mike on May 5, 2009 at 12:59am

that's a great point, Glen, but i think all they'd have to do is post the make and model of the machine to sleepguide, and someone would write back with instructions on how to program it.

Glen England said:

The only question I would have about buying a used machine would be the programming.

I suppose there are certain keypad combination's that allow one to program the machine and I don't know how you would fine those. So, unless it was an auto CPAP with the right lower and upper pressures, how would you program it?

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