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Is this worth discussing with my PCP
#11
RE: Is this worth discussing with my PCP
I agree you should not be falling below 90% at night much if at all.
I was bottoming out at 70% and knew I needed help at that point.
CPAP keeps my O2 above 95% now.

Go get checked out.
"With ordinary talent and extraordinary perseverance, all things are attainable." - Thomas Foxwell Buxton

Cool
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#12
RE: Is this worth discussing with my PCP
So assuming my PCP agrees tomorrow that a CPAP makes sense and that the insurance company won't cover it till I meet my annual deduction ($1500 to go) what would be the better choice of machines.

1) Used Airsense 10 Auto with Climateline Hose (89 hours) $300 + shipping
2) Used S9 AutoSense & H5I with normal hose (? Hours but 1 Year old) $200 local pickup

The comments on improvements I've seen on the A10 seem to be inconclusive but it does seem to be having issues that the S9 doesn't (Vader Breathing, Humidifier Whistling, Early failures).

Another option is
3) New A10 with Climateline Hose and documentation for registering it from what appears to be an unauthorized reseller @ $575 and local pick-up

4) New DS760HS with Normal Hose and docs @ $700 (same reseller as #3)

I expect to be flamed on this and told that I should just bite the bullet like everyone else and spend up my $1500 deductable to get a couple of sleep studies, buy a new machine from the local DME and hire a second doc to help monitor progress. In this case I need to push off the analysis and help for another two months (when my deductible restarts). I'm tired of being tired and assume there's a couple of people out there who have taken the frugal route with success. If not, I'll wait till January to address this as I've already put it off two years...

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#13
RE: Is this worth discussing with my PCP
(10-12-2015, 07:03 PM)cpetku Wrote: So assuming my PCP agrees tomorrow that a CPAP makes sense and that the insurance company won't cover it till I meet my annual deduction ($1500 to go) what would be the better choice of machines.

1) Used Airsense 10 Auto with Climateline Hose (89 hours) $300 + shipping
2) Used S9 AutoSense & H5I with normal hose (? Hours but 1 Year old) $200 local pickup

The comments on improvements I've seen on the A10 seem to be inconclusive but it does seem to be having issues that the S9 doesn't (Vader Breathing, Humidifier Whistling, Early failures).

Another option is
3) New A10 with Climateline Hose and documentation for registering it from what appears to be an unauthorized reseller @ $575 and local pick-up

4) New DS760HS with Normal Hose and docs @ $700 (same reseller as #3)

I expect to be flamed on this and told that I should just bite the bullet like everyone else and spend up my $1500 deductable to get a couple of sleep studies, buy a new machine from the local DME and hire a second doc to help monitor progress. In this case I need to push off the analysis and help for another two months (when my deductible restarts). I'm tired of being tired and assume there's a couple of people out there who have taken the frugal route with success. If not, I'll wait till January to address this as I've already put it off two years...


Some of us on Apnea Board have had to do exactly what you're saying (myself included). You just have to be ready to take charge of your own treatment by being self-motivated. Also, be aware that some doctors will drop you as a patient if you use self-treatment. Ask all the questions you want, and someone will point you in the right direction.

If you're thinking of a private sale, options 1 and 2 on your list are reasonably priced. Option 3 is priced too high. Option 4 is OK for a bilevel, but it may be the wrong machine for you. DIY setup of a bilevel like the DS760 will be more complex than a CPAP or an auto-CPAP.

If you're able to get a prescription, you may want to consider Secondwind CPAP (see Supplier #2 on the supplier list--use the link at the top of the page). Any doctor including your PCP or dentist can write a prescription for a CPAP if you self-pay.
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#14
RE: Is this worth discussing with my PCP
Don't know if anyone is aware, but the Philips Respironics Line of pap machines are reduced in price now.

You can purchase a new System One 560 APAP complete with heated humidifier, heated hose, the 80watt power brick and filters all in new case for a few bucks over $500.

If you are self paying, you can't beat this price. Check out the suppliers list at top of page.
OpalRose
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www.apneaboard.com

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#15
RE: Is this worth discussing with my PCP
Hi cpetku,

There is a world of difference between "at home" and "in clinic" sleep studies and a world of difference from doctor to doctor. If another study is done, either at home or in clinic you should consider getting plugged in to a doctor who is a sleeping disorder specialist. If you buy a machine and your oxygen saturation level does not come into line then the question of supplemental oxygen comes up. A sleep disorder specialist should be able to help you sort out the whole situation, possibly with more insurance cooperation.

Good luck in getting on top of your situation. The depth of interest and concern that you have will definitely help in finding the right answers.
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#16
RE: Is this worth discussing with my PCP
To possibly close the loop on my observation of Pulse Rate Vs Oximetery the following link seems to discuss a Divers Reflex whereby the hear rate slows initially then speeds up (overshoots) when the obstruction is removed. Might apply to snorkeling, can't see a relationship to SCUBA. While interesting, I'm not sure it really describes my chart, but worth noting if you've ever wondered about this topic. Sorry, you have to add the http stuff and delete spaces since I'm to new on this board to post the clickable link.

www . ncbi . nlm . nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3147220/
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#17
RE: Is this worth discussing with my PCP
Just closing this thread out.

Saw my PCP today, showed him the graph and discussed my concerns and thoughts of buying a gently used machine. He was good with it and was on my side. He indicated that the issue with Prescriptions is all the paperwork the insurance companies require him to fill out. Without a sleep study, the PCP can't complete the insurance paperwork to make these companies happy even if they have other evidence that there is a problem (my study). He advised me on initial machine settings to try and asked that I update him on progress (or lack of it).

So I'm working around the system with an okey dokey from my PCP as he sees me taking charge of my health a good thing and doesn't feel I can hurt myself trying one of these machines. A ResMed A10 Auto with Climateline hose and New Mask are now on order. This thread has done it's job and convinced me to discuss my concern and treatment options with my PCP instead of ignoring it for another six months till my annual physical.

Doc will keep me as a patient (check)
Initial settings recommended (APAP with 10 max)
Mask ordered (check)
Machine ordered (check)
Chin strap ordered (check)
Clinician manual downloaded (check)

Hopefully I haven't missed anything and if I did, expect to see a new thread on the forums...
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