11-18-2017, 08:30 PM
(This post was last modified: 11-18-2017, 08:36 PM by ajack.)
RE: New Guy, Central Sleep Apnea, wrong machine?
If you have insurance, I would go for a sleep study, the odds are you will go home with an ASV, ST or a/i vaps. If you are self funded and have a stable lung health, the ASV is normally the lower cost of the 3 and may do the job. I would at least get medical advice on your decision. There are no Ti, rise time and trigger adjustment, they are fixed and factory set on the ASV
RE: New Guy, Central Sleep Apnea, wrong machine?
I had a sleep study done, in a lab. 2 actually, the first to determine that I had the sleep apnea, 20ahi central. Then I went back for the 2nd, mask fitting/titration. We tried Cpap, and i failed miserably, because it triggered the Centrals like crazy. Then after fiddling with the settings for an hour or so, (by the lab tech) I passed out for the last 42 minutes of the test, with almost 0 ahi, so they called that a success. The problem is that even with my current data, It's almost identical, even with these settings of Epap 4 and ipap 10. I have a ton of events, then I'm usually "ok" for an hour or so. It's possible that's just the timing in my sleep that the lab 'discovered their settings'. So my dr. just copy and pasted the lab techs results/findings, the lab tech told me everything he did.
11-18-2017, 08:55 PM
(This post was last modified: 11-18-2017, 09:06 PM by ajack.)
RE: New Guy, Central Sleep Apnea, wrong machine?
Take your SD card to your sleep doctor, It should be proof enough that you aren't being treated and need more investigation, there is no debate with 20 an hour. (another machine with back up breathing)
just to confirm, you haven't changed meds to something that can suppress the nervous system?
RE: New Guy, Central Sleep Apnea, wrong machine?
Awesome. That's the plan then. I was supposed to have a follow up (SIDE BAR...this pisses me off, Since i started this whole thing and had my initial appointment with the doctor in July, i've never actually spoken with him about this...it's always been nurses calling me to schedule studies, etc. and them saying 'you'll be hearing from a distributor for your machine etc... i haven't actually spoken to the doctor at all since he made fun of me for thinking i had central sleep apnea...now I'm P*ssed again. But I'm in the school of thought that nobody looks out for you but you, so it makes me glad that i came here and found you guys.) side bar over.... I am supposed to have a followup appointment in aobut 10 days, but im not gonna wait that long. Theres no way.
RE: New Guy, Central Sleep Apnea, wrong machine?
Good idea from ajack to use the machine data; however if you were diagnosed with central apnea to begin with, then your "doctor" making the prescriptions is clueless. ASV is absolutely the best solution. If you can get the script, then Supplier #2 provides some significantly discounted machines. Ask about the Resmed S9 VPAP Adapt and Aircurve 10 ASV. These machines will cost about $4000 USD new at an online supplier. I have seen them purchased for $1600 to $2100 from Amazon and Craigslist suppliers new, and for as little as $800 used on Craigslist. The retail of these machines from a DME under insurance can be $5000-$6000. Just FYI.
While lower pressure support will not solve your central apnea, it will generically improve your results. It is a stop-gap measure that can get you through to ASV. Your bilevel machine does not have a backup rate, so when you have a central apena, it just loiters on the EPAP pressure and waits for you to take a breath. The high pressure support washes out CO2 and causes higher central apnea. So this is the worst of all scenarios. By reducing pressure support, or even using CPAP pressure, you reduce the number of central apnea. It's an improvement, not a cure. With ASV, when a central apnea occurs, the machine provides pressure support to inflate your lungs, even if you don't make respiratory effort. It targets your last 3-minutes of "minute-vent" or normal respiratory flow, so this ventilation feels normal. ASV is your solution for central apnea.
RE: New Guy, Central Sleep Apnea, wrong machine?
Boodmaster,
Just FYI, I meditate regularly in various ways, not too much yoga anymore, and deal with centrals. I use a gently used Resmed Aircurve S10 ASV that I self-funded from Supplier #2 (see Supplier List at top of page). I previously used Respironics bipap auto sv advanced for years. I don't even recall the last time I saw a central. My respiration rate at night according to sleepyhead is generally 12-14, so while my resting and meditating BPM is much slower it doesn't seem to affect sleeping rate or centrals.
ct
11-19-2017, 12:20 AM
(This post was last modified: 11-19-2017, 12:22 AM by Boodmaster.)
RE: New Guy, Central Sleep Apnea, wrong machine?
I appreciate all of everyone’s info. It’s been so hard to even get through the days. I get so fuzzy and exhausted and emotional, it’s insane. My goal is definitely to get on ASV asap. Since my insurance is paying for the resmed, I can’t imagine it taking any less than another few months at least to move forward. They’ll wanna schedule another study, $$, results take 2-3 weeks, schedule insurance call, schedule distributor. I’d much rather take the financial hit and get a used one than wait.
I’m glad to hear about meditation not appearing to be affecting CSA. I tend to forget to breathe sometimes even at rest the mixing desk, on the couch, computer, etc. Since I’ve started doing yoga and meditation again I’ve noticed my scores have been worse, but I am super stressed from my business.
If I was going to order a used ASV online, would the prescription need to be specifically for an ASV or will the copy of the prescription I have for my current machine suffice?
Sorry @ajack I missed your last question, no I don’t take any medications. I recently quit caffeine about a week ago when I noticed my symptoms getting worse. No meds of any kind. Just a daily morning For Him vitamin.
11-19-2017, 03:04 AM
(This post was last modified: 11-19-2017, 03:11 AM by ajack.)
RE: New Guy, Central Sleep Apnea, wrong machine?
Even if you self fund an ASV, I would still have further medical investigation. This sudden onset would worry me and I'd want it looked further into. I've also messaged you about an ASV that I would enquire about, where the price could be considered even for short term.
11-20-2017, 12:53 PM
(This post was last modified: 11-20-2017, 12:54 PM by Boodmaster.
Edit Reason: Typo
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RE: New Guy, Central Sleep Apnea, wrong machine?
I called my respiratory therapist this morning at my drs office. He looked at my data and told me to come in immediately. They said I have one of the worst cases of central sleep apnea they’ve seen at their office. I’m set for another sleep study *TONIGHT*. They said they couldn’t believe that they put me on BiPAP therapy instead of Auto ASV. It’s nuts. I am super grateful for the quick response. I’m hoping to get on the machine immediately. I feel like total sh*t. 35ahi the other night and totally kicking my ass. So now I’m Sitting in the waitin room of their satellite office to see the Dr today, required before the study tonight. Crazy. But I’m glad to see that my concerns and complaints seem justified. Nobody deserves to feel like this.
RE: New Guy, Central Sleep Apnea, wrong machine?
That is a brilliant outcome..just one thing, make sure you get an echocardiogram and check you HFrEF. It should be a top priority before you go on an ASV long term
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