CPAP Without Prescription

[jwoodz]

Thanks so much for the advice and info! Do you mind describing why bpap was better for you than cpap?

[SarcasticDave94]

Actually for me, BPAP is far worse. I have predominant/pre-existing central apnea and COPD. For about 3 years, an ASV was providing very good treatment. About 6 months ago though, COPD has ticked upward and I'll now need to advocate for a ventilator. The PSG sleep study that got me a BPAP 3 plus years ago had 124 CA to 24 OA FWIW.

[srlevine1]

There are a few DME equipment suppliers who will arrange a telephone consultation with one of their physicians who will write the appropriate script. The cost is approximately $100. You may also search for "CPAP Prescription online" and participate in a "telehealth" consultation -- again for about $100, sometimes a few bucks less.

I would consider this circuitous route as a last resort and would urge you to opt for the more comprehensive and traditional sleep lab test if you can arrange it. It will provide a baseline for all of your future decisions.

Good luck.

[jaswilliams]

Supplier #2 can help you get a script and sell new and used machines

[Hydrangea]

I fear they will dismiss my issue as not significant enough to treat. Hopefully I can convince them one way or another that even if they can classify me as a "mild" case, it's still worth treating considering I'm rarely able to get a proper night's rest.

I saw a sleep specialist, and he told me (based on my sleep study) that I do have obstructive sleep apnea, but "it's so mild it's not worth treating".  He made the typical lame suggestions (don't sleep in certain positions, lose weight, and "think about it").  

I responded "I *really* need to not feel like this anymore.  I'd *really* like to try treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, since I *do* have sleep apnea albeit mild.  Could we please pursue that?"

And he went for it.  I did the titrated sleep study, and after mere hours of sleep with the CPAP for that sleep study, I woke up SO very refreshed and was like the Energizer Bunny that whole day.  From that moment, I was even more adamant that I get a CPAP, and thankfully my sleep specialist/doctor prescribed it.

He did prescribe the lowest pressure, which is really ridiculous. But thankfully the pressures can be changed by the patient.  All I needed was the Rx and machine (so insurance would help foot the bill).

[jwoodz]

Thanks much, Hydrangea! This is encouraging. 

I had to really push for my initial oximetry test and also the next test (Alice Night One). I won't be surprised if my doc says again says the results seem "mild" so just deal with it, leaving it up to me to fight yet again for the next step.

[SarcasticDave94]

Wouldn't it be great if the doc collects no fee unless you win like Workers Comp and SSDI attorneys advertise.

[Crimson Nape]

A doctor is in the only profession that doesn't refund your money if they don't fix your problem.

[Dormeo]

You're getting good advice here. I do want to underline which machine you should ask for: the ResMed Airsense 10 Autoset. Each word counts. You could also get the same machine "For Her," which has one extra mode of operation for you to try. It can benefit men as well as women.

I got attention for my condition by stating that I was having trouble functioning cognitively at the level I needed for work, with memory lapses, trouble finding words, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty following complex reasoning. More generally, giving some examples of how your condition affects your day-to-day core activities of life could be helpful.

[jwoodz]

Thanks, Dormeo! The info is much appreciated.

As it turns out, I was actually given a recommendation/rx to use a cpap. Seems it's been ordered and is on the way to me. 

However, I have no clue what specific device will arrive. I only know they are having me first use the ResMed AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow Mask. Not sure if that goes to one specific machine or not.

jwoodz