RE: Simple, basic, question..too many strings here.
Check the "useful links" in my signature line at the bottom of this post for info on which machine to get and how to not get screwed as badly in the process.
You can also buy from someone on craigslist. You may have to wait a while to find a good deal. Lots of people want WAY too much money for old, used equipment. I usually see a good, full auto, current model CPAP machine for sale locally for around $300 once a month or more around here.
The usual safety warnings for craigslist apply.
Get the free OSCAR CPAP software
here.
Useful links.
Click
here for information on the main alternative to CPAP.
If it's midnight and a DME tells you it's dark outside, go and check it yourself.
RE: Simple, basic, question..too many strings here.
Just be aware that purchasing prescription only items without a prescription is illegal in the United States and several other countries. Buying from such places as Craigslist is, technically, illegal. Doesn't stop it from happening though.
If you do decide to go through an online or even local supplier, you will need a prescription for the machine and even the mask (stupid, right??). But any doc can write it. It does not have to be from a sleep doc. If you are paying out of pocket, the supplier doesn't care.
PaulaO
Take a deep breath and count to zen.
RE: Simple, basic, question..too many strings here.
(02-25-2015, 12:47 PM)Bswans1 Wrote: Hi there.. yes, I had a sleep test and have apnea.
If you know that then you must have heard it from a doctor. Ask that doctor for a prescription and a copy of your sleep study. During your sleep study did they hook you up to a CPAP machine? If so then that report will indicate the pressure. That's the pressure you need to set on your machine. It'll be a number somewhere between 4 and 20.
Sleepster
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.
RE: Simple, basic, question..too many strings here.
(02-25-2015, 12:47 PM)Bswans1 Wrote: Hi there.. yes, I had a sleep test and have apnea. I just don't have the $2000 to fork out right now for a CPAP - especially since there is no guarantee that it will even work for me. So I borrowed a friends older model and it just blows air too hard seemingly all night, I was just trying to figure if I can turn it down at all. Probably not. Not a big deal, was just curious. Thanks..
Bswans1,
You stated you've had a sleep test and know you have apnea. None of us have started therapy with a guarantee that it will work for us, but it's a pretty good bet that the longer you delay therapy, you will end up in worse shape.
Ask your Doctor for a copy of the sleep report, your titrated pressure will be on it.
Also, you can purchase a "gently used" machine...check out
Supplier #2.
Good luck to you,
OpalRose
