CPAP no Dr/Rx
My dentist sent me home with a device that recorded sleep events. I have like 300 a night. I need (as my son tells me) to get a CPAP. I don't have insurance and really don't like the idea of a sleep center where people "spy" on me sleeping. I'm weird like that.
Firstly, is there a CPAP machine that will adjust the settings to be right for me, foregoing the need to see a Doctor?
I don't mind paying cash and buying a machine outright.
Secondly, what are the top three machines on the market?
Thanks in advance.
RE: CPAP no Dr/Rx
Hi Zzzsleeper,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Hang in there for morre answers to your questions and good luck to you as you start your CPAP therapy.
trish6hundred
RE: CPAP no Dr/Rx
Thank you so much, after calling around all day, they want me to pay upwards of $3000.00 for a sleep study (price inflated due to their expectation of insurance). I can't see paying that for them to tell me things I believe I can figure out on my own. Your information has been very helpful.
03-08-2017, 02:29 AM
(This post was last modified: 03-08-2017, 02:31 AM by big_dave.)
RE: CPAP no Dr/Rx
The device you got from the dentist did an at-home diagnostic sleep study. Although it doesn't give as much detail as a sleep study in a lab, it gives enough for a diagnosis. You certainly have the option of asking the dentist for a CPAP prescription and then ordering a machine online. The dentist would probably prefer to sell you a dental appliance, and won't be much help in getting your CPAP settings fine-tuned, but lots of people on the board can help with that. You will want to download Sleepyhead to view your data; see the link at the top of the page.
03-08-2017, 09:35 AM
(This post was last modified: 03-08-2017, 09:57 AM by 2PAPs.)
RE: CPAP no Dr/Rx
You want to have a legitimate test. You can suffer from obstructive or central apnea. I have a bit of both. You want to make sure you have the right machine for what is your problem. The machines can be a CPAP, BiPAP, or SVPAP. They can be bought online at discount and used for substantial savings. Setting them up is no hassle, as long as you get an AUTOMATIC.
Also, you want to get the right type of mask with the right fit: nasal mask, full face, or total face. To legitimately get the machine and mask you need an Rx. Mask requires either replacement or replacement parts periodically. Don't chuck old masks, they have parts that can be scrounged. Masks can get pricey. Again, there are places online that can have them on the cheap.