Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Charles Austin Beck on January 28, 2010 at 10:22am

I am new at relatively new at this cpap use. This is the first time I have heard the term compliance. I am not sure what that means. I never lay down without putting on my cpap. It is just to miserable an experience to wake up needing air, and having every muscle in your body feeling weird.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Charles Austin Beck on January 28, 2010 at 10:27am

Another thing has my curiosity, What is this noise you are talking about. I don't hear any noise.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Christopher Gilliard on January 30, 2010 at 7:39am

Charles, the discussion is about the noise the air makes as it is leaving the vent in a full face mask. On one previous model I used, if the seals weren't put back properly after cleaning, it whistled %-) My current Mirage II FFM is very quiet until something interrupts the air within 3-4 inches from the vent, then it becomes a quiet roar!

Charles Austin Beck said:

Another thing has my curiosity, What is this noise you are talking about. I don't hear any noise.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Charles Austin Beck on January 30, 2010 at 9:57am

I have never had a noise problem. The only problem I have had was when I first received my machine it had those nose pillows, I got ride of those real quick.

Christopher Gilliard said:

Charles, the discussion is about the noise the air makes as it is leaving the vent in a full face mask. On one previous model I used, if the seals weren't put back properly after cleaning, it whistled %-) My current Mirage II FFM is very quiet until something interrupts the air within 3-4 inches from the vent, then it becomes a quiet roar!

Charles Austin Beck said:

Another thing has my curiosity, What is this noise you are talking about. I don't hear any noise.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by RL on January 31, 2010 at 1:46am

One month on CPAP, 100% compliance, 7+ hours per night....but, machine is not giving more than use compliance data, no actual apnea data. Spoke with RT yesterday, DME still does not have updated software installed correctly. RT is not sure if upgraded software will report more data from my CPAP beyond compliance. Waiting on call back regarding this issue. I will see PCP soon and ask for copy of Rx to see if written as general or specific for equipment. My company changed insurance provider from 2009 to 2010. Original insurance bought CPAP for me from beginning. New company could give new xPAP right away with new Rx, but this company "never" purchases, only rents equipment per RT. I will probably have to talk to pulmonologist to get APAP or ASV unit Rx, but as it stands now, it will be only rental until I can afford to buy out of pocket. I will check on this with insurance company also. I think I need a unit that will give data to evaluate success of treatment. I don't feel as good as I would hope yet, and am not sure if my current set up is taking care of the central apneas. I will keep working on this, as my 100% compliance has not provided even 75% improvement so far; maybe 50%, varies per day. Maybe it will just take time for body to adjust.

Thanks to all on forum for giving me a broad sense of what I need to know, ask, do. I would not know half this much if depending on my current medical team. When I think of what has actually been said to me by anyone from sleep center techs, RT, PCP, pulmonologist, I cannot recall anyone saying anything more than my general diagnosis of complex severe apnea to be treated with CPAP (no discussion of options at all). If I did not know what I know from SleepGuide, I would be very frustrated right now, and not know what to do or expect. I believe my medical team are all good people, and they want to help, but I only know what to ask from what I've learned here, and the good questions do get responses, but I don't think I would get this far so soon without your help, directly and indirectly. You guys are as important a part of my "team" as any other individual. And the best part is that the forum is available 24/7. Thanks a million!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Judy on January 31, 2010 at 8:38am

RL, are you SURE your current insurance will only rent "forever"? Most insurances have some form of "capped rental" (rent to own) wherein the payments are made on a monthly basis for x amount of months (usually 3 to 10 or even 13 months) at which time it reverts to your sole ownership. You might want to double-check on that. Some local DME provider staff members are not so informed as you would expect or are even less than truthful.

What brand and model xPAP are you using? If we know that we can probably tell you whether it is fully data capable or only capable of providing compliance data (which is of absolutely no use to you or your sleep doctor) but only to your local DME provider for reimbursement from insurance.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by RL on January 31, 2010 at 1:37pm

I do plan to check directly with the new insurance company regarding their rent/purchase policy. Maybe it is just a matter of the directive from an M.D. I am determined to get a fully data capable unit, as I see this as essential to managing my therapy long term. I would also want to get the card reader or at least have a way to read and write down data from the machine LED screen. I don't like the idea of being dependent on the DME for this data on an ongoing basis. The one I have, at least, doesn't seem to be likely to help me with interpretation. They will have the M.D.s do that.

My unit is Respironics REMstar Plus C-Flex (with C-flex turned off per Rx). I also have the System One Heated Humidifier. Upon reviewing the list of data capable machines posted on the FAQ section, I don't think this unit can do more than compliance info. This is a newer model, that just came out last fall according to the RT, and may be different in some ways. I was also reviewing Respironics web site to try and get more info. When I looked there several days ago, it appeared that maybe this unit can do more. I explained to the RT why I wanted the extra data, and she seemed to empathize, also indicating my pulmonologist would expect that also. I think maybe I got this unit because my PCP made the Rx, and she is not so familiar with the options or needs. It may be that the Rx was very general, and the RT was allowed to give the "default" option that is in their best interests. I expect I will get a different xPAP. It will be a question of which one, how long it will take to get it figured out, and who will pay for it (me - out of pocket, or me - through paying for my insurance).

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page