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What would you do in my situation?
#1
What would you do in my situation?
Hello. I was diagnosed with OSA about 3 weeks ago. I am having my titration study tomorrow night. I don't know how long its going to take for the doctor at the lab to give my sleep doctor the titration results, nor do I know how long its going to be for my next appointment with my sleep doctor to get the prescription. Even when I do get the prescription it might be a problem because my doctor apparently likes to prescribe brick cpap machines. And I've learned through reading, that is not what I want. So I've got a lot of indecision and possible wasted time in my near future as far as getting the care I need.

So yesterday I was at my orthopedic doc, he by the way was the one who suggested I get tested for OSA, and he asked about how the sleep apnea test went and I told him I indeed have OSA @ 30 AHI and O2 down to 70% at times. He said I shouldn't waste any more time with waiting for my sleep doctor to get their act together and I should buy a used apap machine in the meanwhile. And I was wondering what you all think about that? It might be a couple of months or a couple of weeks until I get a machine. Is 30 AHI and O2 down to 70% for 30 seconds at a time bad enough to act now? Or can I, should I, wait a couple of weeks or months more?
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#2
RE: What would you do in my situation?
I not only agree with your orthopedic, but I will go a step further...you don't need a titration test assuming your results did not show central apnea. Just ask for a prescription for Auto CPAP and self-titrate. It's cheaper, faster and better. Specifically, ask for the Resmed Airsense 10 Autoset to be prescribed. It will still take time to process the insurance through your DME, but it's a lot faster than doing the test, waiting for results and then waiting for insurance to process.

A used machine through Craigslist or Offer-up is a great solution to save time and money, especially if you have high deductibles. Again, look for the resmed airsense 10 Autoset as first-choice. There is an Autoset advertised in your Craigslist for $240 but located in Central Phoenix.
Sleeprider
Apnea Board Moderator
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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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#3
RE: What would you do in my situation?
I agree. You can always use the used machine as a backup later.

And you might ask the sleep tech what they concluded. Mine told me the titrated settings.
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#4
RE: What would you do in my situation?
(10-17-2019, 04:35 PM)Sleeprider Wrote: I not only agree with your orthopedic, but I will go a step further...you don't need a titration test assuming your results did not show central apnea.  Just ask for a prescription for Auto CPAP and self-titrate.  It's cheaper, faster and better.  Specifically, ask for the Resmed Airsense 10 Autoset to be prescribed.  It will still take time to process the insurance through your DME, but it's a lot faster than doing the test, waiting for results and then waiting for insurance to process.

A used machine through Craigslist or Offer-up is a great solution to save time and money, especially if you have high deductibles.  Again, look for the resmed airsense 10 Autoset as first-choice.  There is an Autoset advertised in your Craigslist for $240 but located in Central Phoenix.

This is better advice!

But if you can't cancel the titration study at this point, you could still benefit from it.
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#5
RE: What would you do in my situation?
The O2 is a big deal, the APAP should take care of that. I'd add an Oximeter to that to verify that your O2 isn't too low.
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#6
RE: What would you do in my situation?
My ortho surgeon also said the o2 was very concerning.  He said with those numbers I could die within 3 to 5 years without treatment. And the scary part is on the night I did the home sleep test I woke up feeling better than usual so I'm worried it might normally be worse than what the test showed. 

When I start looking at the cost of the used apap, its not that bad. But when I add the heated line, full face mask, etc, it gets real expensive. Especially the mask. And I'm not even sure what will fit right. Its all very worrisome.
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#7
RE: What would you do in my situation?
(10-17-2019, 07:10 PM)17WRX Wrote: When I start looking at the cost of the used apap, its not that bad. But when I add the heated line, full face mask, etc, it gets real expensive. Especially the mask. And I'm not even sure what will fit right. Its all very worrisome.

Get a prescription for all that stuff, and insurance will typically cover it; work with a DME for mask choice, fit, etc.

That's what I did: bought a used machine, and now using the prescription for insurance to cover all that other stuff.

I'll use the machine prescription later.

I would also add that I did some mask experimentation by buying components off of eBay; much cheaper.
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#8
RE: What would you do in my situation?
I'd get the script and APAP as soon as you can. Post OSCAR charts and AB members will help with set-up. No disagreements from me on the others suggestions. Best wishes to you for success. And welcome to the Apnea Board.
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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#9
RE: What would you do in my situation?
A sleep/titration test costs several thousand dollars. A new machine is $660 from Supplier #33 with a starter kit including tubing and mask. The Resmed Airfit P10 comes with 3-sizes of nasal pillows so it will fit, and it works well for most. The best alternative is to use your sleep study and ask your doctor to prescribe auto CPAP, mask and accessories. It seems to me your Orthopedic will do it if your sleep doctor is motivated to get more sleep study money. Get the prescription and find out what suppliers are in-network for your insurance. Choose one that will dispense the Airsense 10 Autoset in the shortest time-frame, and will ensure you get a mask that fits and works...done! I agree with your ortho you should not wait long, but work strategically and you will be equipped using insurance in the shortest time.

I had a sleep study and never had a titration study. Got a prescription from my primary physician and have never spoken to a specialist sleep doctor since. You already have everything you need. BTW, get a copy of the full sleep study for your records. You can use them anywhere and with any doctor to get what you need.
Sleeprider
Apnea Board Moderator
www.ApneaBoard.com

____________________________________________
Download OSCAR Software
Soft Cervical Collar
Optimizing Therapy
Organize your OSCAR Charts
Attaching Files
Mask Primer
How To Deal With Equipment Supplier


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: What would you do in my situation?
I just bought a used Resmed AirSense 10 Autoset for Her. I'm not a woman but I've read its a good machine for a man or woman. I just couldn't live with the thought in the back of my mind of something going wrong before I get my doctors, DME and insurance all together on the same page with what I want for my care. I'm 46 and have a high stress job with a family to take care and I don't want the worry of a premature death in the back of my mind. Thank you all for your advice in this matter, I appreciate it a great deal. Please forgive me in advance because I'm sure I'll have lots of questions in the near future about setting it up and basically treating myself until I can get a doctor who is on the same page as me. Thanks again.
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