Switched from APAP to CPAP

[linn]

I've been switched from an APAP to a CPAP.

The APAP was MUCH more comfortable for me - is this common?

Is an APAP a lot more expensive?

[cate1898]

It's not a question of money. Doctors cannot prescribe an Auto CPAP without the patient's sleep lab results exhibiting certain criteria.

This is cut and pasted from an Ontario ADP document:

335.01 Auto-Titrating Positive Airway Pressure Systems (APAP)
Individuals requiring APAP systems must meet the Medical Eligibility Criteria
for a positive airway pressures system (see 335) and the Medical Eligibility
Criteria outlined below.
The individual must have polysomnographically documented OSAS where
there is a change in pressure of a minimum of 4 cmH2O on a prescribed fixed
CPAP level of 10 cmH2O or more; and the change must occur between REM
vs. NREM sleep or supine vs. sleeping on their side.

[linn]

It's not a question of money. Doctors cannot prescribe an Auto CPAP without the patient's sleep lab results exhibiting certain criteria.

This is cut and pasted from an Ontario ADP document:

335.01 Auto-Titrating Positive Airway Pressure Systems (APAP)
Individuals requiring APAP systems must meet the Medical Eligibility Criteria
for a positive airway pressures system (see 335) and the Medical Eligibility
Criteria outlined below.
The individual must have polysomnographically documented OSAS where
there is a change in pressure of a minimum of 4 cmH2O on a prescribed fixed
CPAP level of 10 cmH2O or more; and the change must occur between REM
vs. NREM sleep or supine vs. sleeping on their side.

What if I were to pay for the whole thing myself? I understand that ADP won't cover it.

[zonk]

What if I were to pay for the whole thing myself? I understand that ADP won't cover it.

I cannot see a problem there but you'll need a script

In Australia, APAP much more expensive than fixed CPAP but in US, only few dollars is the price difference
As for "The APAP was MUCH more comfortable for me - is this common?"
I can vouch for that, I've being using AutoSet on Auto since started treatment 5 years ago and never looked back

[DariaVader]

what pressure did they stick you with? I think that when apnea is obliterated at lower pressure, apap is *much* less likely to make a big difference... I personally cant imagine straight cpap for myself... but i would certainly meet the criteria Canada uses

[linn]

What if I were to pay for the whole thing myself? I understand that ADP won't cover it.

I cannot see a problem there but you'll need a script

In Australia, APAP much more expensive than fixed CPAP but in US, only few dollars is the price difference
As for "The APAP was MUCH more comfortable for me - is this common?"
I can vouch for that, I've being using AutoSet on Auto since started treatment 5 years ago and never looked back

[linn]

what pressure did they stick you with? I think that when apnea is obliterated at lower pressure, apap is *much* less likely to make a big difference... I personally cant imagine straight cpap for myself... but i would certainly meet the criteria Canada uses

7.6 pressure with a ramp at the beginning. I feel like I'm racing to get to sleep before the pressure goes up

They have me using the same machine, but they turned off the auto features. They set it up for me and I'm not allowed to change it yet.

I found the automatic settings much more comfortable.

[DariaVader]

I hope you can get them to see sense. You Canadian apnea patients all need to band together and start a petition or something - raise some awareness on how much more cost effective the APAP is.

Your pressure is lowish - so they probably expect you will get used to it soonish. I don't feel like I am getting sufficient air if I am below 7, and prefer to begin at 8, but at first 6 felt like a windstorm!!!

[linn]

I hope you can get them to see sense. You Canadian apnea patients all need to band together and start a petition or something - raise some awareness on how much more cost effective the APAP is.

Your pressure is lowish - so they probably expect you will get used to it soonish. I don't feel like I am getting sufficient air if I am below 7, and prefer to begin at 8, but at first 6 felt like a windstorm!!!

My pressure may change - I'm still in the trial period. My pressure may be low, but it sure helps me to sleep much better. I'm not on the verge of passing out anymore.

If I can't get an APAP, I will try my best to adapt to CPAP. It's only been a week and I can't sleep without it now! I'm so grateful for this technology.

Now, if I could only get a big spike in energy and clean my whole apartment

[DariaVader]

if you do, pass it on...