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CPAP Alternative
#1
CPAP Alternative
Good Morning Everyone.,

Recently I have lost about 30 pounds and have stared exercising a few times a week. I also bought a oximeter the CMS50d+,I believe it is that model. I have been using to monitor my levels on and off for the past month, I did it a few times and do have the data saved. My o2 level droppedba few times below the 4% deviation threashold but kajnky never went below 91 and usually was around 97 . i can post the pictures if interested I have a few questions but my first is as follows.

I am anticipating a call to a Law Enforcement academy soon that I would have to be away from home for 2 months, but I can come home on weekends. I was thinking about meeting with a new sleep doctor, my other doctor left and I haven't seen a sleep doc in two years, and asking about a CPAP alternative such as provant to use when I am gone so I do not have to lug my CPAP around also. What are your opinions on this/ has anyone used provant.

I see I need a script, but I also needed a script for a mask I bought offline and was successful in getting it without one,l from a mainstream supplier. I didn't have it on file so I did not send it to them.

Thanks for any advice. I know this question is loaded with alot of extra details.
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#2
RE: CPAP Alternative
I would expect your academy training to be mentally and physically rigorous. You will want to be on top of your game to be with the graduates. Why would you settle for anything less than the gold standard in treatment for your OSA.

TAKE YOUR CPAP WITH YOU.
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#3
RE: CPAP Alternative
If you're saying that with weight loss and exercise your SpO2 is above 90% consistently without CPAP, then you may be fine without it. If that is a treated result, then continue using CPAP. Provent will not achieve the same results. I think you can get a low-cost trial package if you produce a prescription.

If you are using CPAP under the direction of a physician, then you should have access to a prescription without any additional costs. Your medical record must contain a copy of that. Even if your doctor is no longer practicing those records are available for some time. Most of us do not need a specialist to obtain prescriptions. Once you are diagnosed and prescribed CPAP treatment, your primary care doc can probably take care of your prescription needs. Just discuss your therapy with him and offer any summary data from the CPAP or oximeter that you think will support his decisions. Get your old records before they disappear.
Sleeprider
Apnea Board Moderator
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#4
RE: CPAP Alternative
Thanks for the insight. I will need to call the doctor asap and see about getting my records. As far as my spo2 level they r consistently above 90 wth and without CPAP. It dropped a few times below that for a second or two.

I do realize my best bet is to stay on CPAP. But its simply not ideal to bring with me. If I have to and can clear it with the academy I will but I was looking for short term alternatives. I have the s9 elite, fixed pressure. I've gone a few days off CPAP with testing with the oximeter and I felt basically the same as I do on CPAP. But I know that long term that can have determential side effects that is why I want to continue to use CPAP.

I think my weight loss really helped my energy level and sleep apnea. My issue is I'm between primary care docs right now also so its an interesting situation.


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#5
RE: CPAP Alternative
TJM, I think if I was in your shoes, I'd pack the CPAP just in case. You can decide if you need it, but it's easier to have it and not need it, than to jump ship and hope for the best. It's not that big of a deal in terms of space. I can certainly understand a stigma in using CPAP in a barracks situation where physical fitness and training and your future are all at stake. There is a stigma to using CPAP, and I would share your concerns that it might not fit into that situation comfortably. However, you start snoring and keeping up the troops, you might find using CPAP is better than irritating your roommates and possibly compromising your sleep and endurance.
Sleeprider
Apnea Board Moderator
www.ApneaBoard.com

____________________________________________
Download OSCAR Software
Soft Cervical Collar
Optimizing Therapy
Organize your OSCAR Charts
Attaching Files
Mask Primer
How To Deal With Equipment Supplier


INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
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#6
RE: CPAP Alternative
(01-26-2016, 12:40 PM)Sleeprider Wrote: TJM, I think if I was in your shoes, I'd pack the CPAP just in case. You can decide if you need it, but it's easier to have it and not need it, than to jump ship and hope for the best. It's not that big of a deal in terms of space. I can certainly understand a stigma in using CPAP in a barracks situation where physical fitness and training and your future are all at stake. There is a stigma to using CPAP, and I would share your concerns that it might not fit into that situation comfortably. However, you start snoring and keeping up the troops, you might find using CPAP is better than irritating your roommates and possibly compromising your sleep and endurance.

Yes that is true. I would not want to put others in a bad spot with the potential snoring or what not. And yes frankly having a CPAP with me does carry a stigma I feel especially in that situation. But if its best for my health I'll just have to do it and hopefully there are no issues with me using it. I've thought about just brining the unit and detaching the humidifier to save space.


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#7
RE: CPAP Alternative
I appreciate your response. We're adults, and FWIW, life isn't perfect. You and I drew the apnea card, and are responsibly dealing with it. You cannot be discriminated against for for treating this condition, but you can be restricted if treatment is not effective, or you are not compliant. As a police officer with SA, you are not in a much different position than a truck driver with SA. Lives are at stake if you are not focused and alert. Your employer is required by law to accommodate your health needs (disability), but can hold you accountable for compliance for treatment.

Confronting this openly is a difficult decision, especially for a young person pursuing a career in a physical/military occupation. I wish you the best, and think keeping your options open is the best possible policy. Please do a Google search on this: sleep apnea active police officer I think you will quickly see, you're not alone, and are in very good company.
Sleeprider
Apnea Board Moderator
www.ApneaBoard.com

____________________________________________
Download OSCAR Software
Soft Cervical Collar
Optimizing Therapy
Organize your OSCAR Charts
Attaching Files
Mask Primer
How To Deal With Equipment Supplier


INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
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#8
RE: CPAP Alternative
Provent are expensive little doohickeys glued/stuck onto the nostril. Studies have shown it does not work very well. If you have very, very mild OSA with no hint of CSA; you don't breathe with your mouth open; have no claustrophobia; and generally fall for scams, it might maybe perhaps kinda sorta if you squint right be better than nothing.
PaulaO

Take a deep breath and count to zen.




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#9
RE: CPAP Alternative
Sleeprider, I greatly appreciate your comment and help in this matter. I am definatley keeping my options open. I will see how it goes.
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#10
RE: CPAP Alternative
I thought Provent was no longer available.

A lack of oxygen desaturation is not an indication that you no longer have sleep apnea. Your body keeps waking you up to breathe. For some of us that happens before our oxygen level drops very much.

A CPAP machine is nothing to lug around. It's light, easy to carry, and doesn't count towards your carry on allotment on a flight. It's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Plus, the only way to be sure you don't need it is a sleep study.

Dental appliances are an alternative to CPAP machines, but like Provent, they just don't work anywhere near as well as CPAP machines.

Sleepster

INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
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