I started CPAP therapy in April, 09. Once the doc indicated I needed a
machine I was led to a different room in the sleep center and was issued a
Sleep Style 600 CPAP machine and a RESMED Mirage Quatro mask. (I can’t get
enough air by nose only so I have to wear a full mask).

I know CPAP machines as well as pacemakers, (no clue). So I took it home and used
it. They started me at “12”. I had another sleep study done in June ’09 and was
instructed that the machine needed to be adjusted to “20” but it was OK to do
it in stages so it was adjusted to “17” and then “20” a couple of months later.

At “20” the air blasts by the seals of the mask often, waking both of us up. By the
way, “20” is the max for this machine!

So now I’m running at “20”. I have to tighten the headgear so tight that I have
marks for almost an hour after taking the mask off. The head strap lost all of
its elasticity to the tight fit I am required to use.

Meanwhile a friend of mine told me that he went to this doctor who placed him on a CPAP
machine that hovers very low and ramps up when you need the assistance. He also
told me that compliance data is in a USB adapter that you take to the doc to
have read. I have to lug the entire machine to the doc to get the data
extracted.

Anyway, I thought I’d visit my friend’s doc. He said that he would talk to my doc and
suggest a different machine. The very next day my “coordinator” calls me and
says “what’s the problem”, please come in to see the Doc.

I go in that afternoon and am told by this doctor that the ramp machine would not
give me the benefit that I needed. I told him the back of my head hurt from
sleeping with the mask so tight. His reply was that I place a wash cloth under
the strap and wear that to sleep.

On a follow-up visit to my friend’s doctor he indicated that my original doctor
said I am “in compliance” and no different machine is necessary.

This doctor also questioned the Doctor and CPAP provider in the same location and he
thought there was a law against that practice.