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Need help with asking for BiPAP from doctor.
#1
Need help with asking for BiPAP from doctor.
Hello,

I recently hit a wall in my treatment with Auto CPAP due to Aerophagia and a the EPR of 3 not being able to control flow limitations (might not understand correctly). Based on my research and the advice of several board members, I have come to the conclusion that it might be a good idea to get a BiPAP machine. Unfortunately my Sleep Physician (who interpreted the polysomnography I did) said that my AHI was low and that it couldn't cause my symptoms, but offered a repeat study because I didn't get any REM sleep at all due to short sleep duration (2 hrs). The at home sleep study I did showed that my REM AHI was 4.4 while my nREM AHI was 0.8. This is still quite low and I'm worried that when I get the repeat study done he will say that the AHI isn't high enough to cause symptoms. I don't have direct contact with him and have only spoken to him once.

At the same time I have an upcoming consultation with a ENT doctor who performs various sleep surgeries and also does something called DISE (Drug induced sleep endoscopy), which simulated sleep and allows them to pinpoint where the airway collapses and whether or not surgery would be helpful. Unfortunately due to Covid things are delayed and the appointment was booked a month out, and the procedure will likely be booked even farther out after the consultation. My symptoms are ongoing and CPAP isn't providing much relief at all. The appointment is in person so I was wondering if I could give the APAP data I have collected over the past two months to the ENT and try and convince them to prescribe a auto BiPAP machine. The insurance company directly employs the doctors? (Kaiser) so I wonder whether or not I would have the same limitations of not being covered if my AHI is under 5 as Medicare. If it is possible, could I have some advice on what and how I need to convince the ENT. Sorry for the rambling and thanks for any advice.
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#2
RE: Need help with asking for BiPAP from doctor.
Since you're on AutoSet and you say you want to go up to BPAP, this indicates you're looking for a ResMed AirCurve 10 VAuto. How to justify it? Comfort. Create talking points to convey the CPAP based machine therapy isn't comfortable enough. Even if you are treated with CPAP, you can state it's not comfortable enough to use and that BPAP will be more comfortable for you.
INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEBSITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
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#3
RE: Need help with asking for BiPAP from doctor.
Thanks for the reply. Would that be enough though? Would there not be any objective points that could be used in addition?
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#4
RE: Need help with asking for BiPAP from doctor.
This is almost the exact same position I find myself in and I have no idea how to convince the Dr. that I need help. I want to trial a BiPap machine to see if it makes a difference to my flow limits and how tired I am feeling despite a low AHI on auto cpap. Following for advice.
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#5
RE: Need help with asking for BiPAP from doctor.
I think many people have given up on their doctors and purchased their own bipap. If you consistently check craigslist you can get a good price but it won't have a warranty. You can buy a used one with a warranty through the supplier list.
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#6
RE: Need help with asking for BiPAP from doctor.
Unfortunately I can't afford a BiPAP right now. I'm a 1st year college student and used my savings on the APAP machine. I'll try and convince my parents if the doctor says no.
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#7
RE: Need help with asking for BiPAP from doctor.
However I might be able to muster up enough to buy a used vauto on craigslist. Do you have any tips on how to check whether or not it is in good condition and not malfunctioning?
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#8
RE: Need help with asking for BiPAP from doctor.
You can sell your autoset and may get as much as you can find an aircurve. There are a lot of people looking with the dreamstation being recalled.
Apnea (80-100%) 10 seconds, Hypopnea (50-80%) 10 seconds, Flow Limits (0-50%) not timed  Cervical Collar - Dealing w DME - Chart Organizing
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#9
RE: Need help with asking for BiPAP from doctor.
Craigslist can be enhanced with SearchTempest.com. I have used this search engine countless times with great success to find the best deal. On these Craigslist ads, the important information is run-hours and whether the machine has been used in a smoking environment. Ask about any noise from the blower, but in my experience, many sales are by people that no longer feel the need for the machine, or are selling on behalf of an estate. As bad as that sounds, those are the best machines.
Sleeprider
Apnea Board Moderator
www.ApneaBoard.com

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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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#10
RE: Need help with asking for BiPAP from doctor.
Hello,

I found a seller and he says it's new and that he got it from a "friend". How do you check the hours that the device has been used? Is there any way to reset the hours used on the device?
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