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[Equipment] ASV vs CPAP - Printable Version

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ASV vs CPAP - WBMann - 03-23-2012

Hello, I am new to this site and I hope someone can answer my question:

I have had several sleep studies done in the past few years and they have determined that I have complex sleep apnea with centrals being the main problem. They recommended an ASV and I used one for a while but my insurance is lousy and the cost to me each month was more than I can afford. I do have my previous CPAP machine and was wondering if it would be safe to use it instead of the ASV until I can get something worked out. I am concerned because I know the centrals are bad and I am now scared to sleep.

I am scheduled for a new sleep study in a couple of weeks and I now have medicare and new secondary insurance (I am on disability) and am hoping between the two I can get the machine I need at a price I can afford.

Could someone please let me know if I can use the CPAP until I get the next sleep study done or would it do more harm than good?

Thank you very much,
WBMann Thinking-about


RE: ASV vs CPAP - greatunclebill - 03-23-2012

(03-23-2012, 04:25 AM)WBMann Wrote: Hello, I am new to this site and I hope someone can answer my question:

I have had several sleep studies done in the past few years and they have determined that I have complex sleep apnea with centrals being the main problem. They recommended an ASV and I used one for a while but my insurance is lousy and the cost to me each month was more than I can afford. I do have my previous CPAP machine and was wondering if it would be safe to use it instead of the ASV until I can get something worked out. I am concerned because I know the centrals are bad and I am now scared to sleep.

I am scheduled for a new sleep study in a couple of weeks and I now have medicare and new secondary insurance (I am on disability) and am hoping between the two I can get the machine I need at a price I can afford.

Could someone please let me know if I can use the CPAP until I get the next sleep study done or would it do more harm than good?

Thank you very much,
WBMann Thinking-about

welcome to the forum,

if you have a sleep study scheduled, you should call the doctor that scheduled the sleep study and ask him this question. this is something that you should have discussed with him when you asked to get scheduled.


RE: ASV vs CPAP - WBMann - 03-23-2012

(03-23-2012, 05:42 AM)greatunclebill Wrote:
(03-23-2012, 04:25 AM)WBMann Wrote: Hello, I am new to this site and I hope someone can answer my question:

I have had several sleep studies done in the past few years and they have determined that I have complex sleep apnea with centrals being the main problem. They recommended an ASV and I used one for a while but my insurance is lousy and the cost to me each month was more than I can afford. I do have my previous CPAP machine and was wondering if it would be safe to use it instead of the ASV until I can get something worked out. I am concerned because I know the centrals are bad and I am now scared to sleep.

I am scheduled for a new sleep study in a couple of weeks and I now have medicare and new secondary insurance (I am on disability) and am hoping between the two I can get the machine I need at a price I can afford.

Could someone please let me know if I can use the CPAP until I get the next sleep study done or would it do more harm than good?

Thank you very much,
WBMann Thinking-about

welcome to the forum,

if you have a sleep study scheduled, you should call the doctor that scheduled the sleep study and ask him this question. this is something that you should have discussed with him when you asked to get scheduled.


She is a pain management specialist and doesn't know much about the machines used for sleep apnea which is why I was asking here, in case anyone may have come across this type of situation before. If no one has any suggestions or can help I will just wait until I have the sleep study. I have Leukemia and am on a number of different meds, several of which could be causing the centrals. I can only hope that with being on disability and having medicare and secondary insurance now, maybe I can actually afford the machine they recommend. I was just looking for something that might help me sleep better until then. Thank you for your response.



RE: ASV vs CPAP - greatunclebill - 03-23-2012

(03-23-2012, 08:05 AM)WBMann Wrote:
(03-23-2012, 05:42 AM)greatunclebill Wrote:
(03-23-2012, 04:25 AM)WBMann Wrote: Hello, I am new to this site and I hope someone can answer my question:

I have had several sleep studies done in the past few years and they have determined that I have complex sleep apnea with centrals being the main problem. They recommended an ASV and I used one for a while but my insurance is lousy and the cost to me each month was more than I can afford. I do have my previous CPAP machine and was wondering if it would be safe to use it instead of the ASV until I can get something worked out. I am concerned because I know the centrals are bad and I am now scared to sleep.

I am scheduled for a new sleep study in a couple of weeks and I now have medicare and new secondary insurance (I am on disability) and am hoping between the two I can get the machine I need at a price I can afford.

Could someone please let me know if I can use the CPAP until I get the next sleep study done or would it do more harm than good?

Thank you very much,
WBMann Thinking-about

welcome to the forum,

if you have a sleep study scheduled, you should call the doctor that scheduled the sleep study and ask him this question. this is something that you should have discussed with him when you asked to get scheduled.


She is a pain management specialist and doesn't know much about the machines used for sleep apnea which is why I was asking here, in case anyone may have come across this type of situation before. If no one has any suggestions or can help I will just wait until I have the sleep study. I have Leukemia and am on a number of different meds, several of which could be causing the centrals. I can only hope that with being on disability and having medicare and secondary insurance now, maybe I can actually afford the machine they recommend. I was just looking for something that might help me sleep better until then. Thank you for your response.
i understand. try calling the place where the study will be and ask them about it. we are not doctors or sleep professionals here. we're just a bunch of people with sleep apnea. i don't feel qualified to guess. maybe somebody else does. if the person that ordered the sleep study is not a medical doctor then you need to speak to a medical doctor about this. if the person is a medical doctor you need to speak to another medical doctor.


RE: ASV vs CPAP - PaulaO2 - 03-23-2012

The problem with using a straight CPAP for mixed is it can actually cause more central events for many people. When is the sleep study and can you afford to continue with the VPAP until then?

I'd not ask the sleep clinic. They usually know diddly about the machine costs and stuff.

If you cannot afford it, ask the supplier if there is another payment option.

OH! And if you now have Medicare, it will usually go back and cover what you owe or paid from the day you submitted the application. Check your paperwork and see if it does. If it does, then maybe the supplier will work with you.


RE: ASV vs CPAP - WBMann - 03-23-2012

(03-23-2012, 11:31 AM)PaulaO2 Wrote: The problem with using a straight CPAP for mixed is it can actually cause more central events for many people. When is the sleep study and can you afford to continue with the VPAP until then?

I'd not ask the sleep clinic. They usually know diddly about the machine costs and stuff.

If you cannot afford it, ask the supplier if there is another payment option.

OH! And if you now have Medicare, it will usually go back and cover what you owe or paid from the day you submitted the application. Check your paperwork and see if it does. If it does, then maybe the supplier will work with you.

Thank you. I no longer have the VPAP but am hoping that with Medicare I can get a replacement that they will cover at least part of. My sleep study is April 1 so I hope to be okay until that is finished and they can determine what machine and settings I need.

Thank you all for your help. I really appreciate it.

WBMann


RE: ASV vs CPAP - PaulaO2 - 03-23-2012

There are things you can do to less the apnea events, at least the obstructive ones.

You can try to sleep in a recliner. Not all the way back, though. Just far enough back that you won't fall forward in your sleep.

You can put a 2x4 or two under the headrest (or mattress at that end) to raise the head of the bed.

You can put something in your back pocket (and sleep in your pants) to keep you from rolling onto your back. I know a lot of people sew a pocket in the middle back of their pajama top and keep a tennis ball in there.

Good luck.

Medicare should pay for a huge chunk, if not all, of it.

And, if you are going to be paying out of pocket for the rest, you might as well get a good machine! Do NOT get the S9 Escape. It collects no data other than hours used. Shop around at the different dealers, even some online. #2 on the suppliers list (found here) sells used and open box machines. I *think* they help with insurance filing. The #1 on that list also probably helps with insurance filing.


RE: ASV vs CPAP - TheDreamer - 03-23-2012

Yeah....I would say don't use CPAP if you're supposed to be on an ASV. Especially if you have high pressure needs.

There are organizations that will get you a free machine if insurance won't pay....

I can't seem to think of the organizations right now...but chatted with a guy once that had gotten an ASV from one.

The Dreamer


RE: ASV vs CPAP - zonk - 03-23-2012

(03-23-2012, 08:05 PM)TheDreamer Wrote: There are organizations that will get you a free machine if insurance won't pay....

I can't seem to think of the organizations right now...but chatted with a guy once that had gotten an ASV from one.

The Dreamer
American Sleep Apnea Association (ASSA)
CPAP Assistance Program
http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/cpap-assistance-program.html




RE: ASV vs CPAP - dscbk - 04-19-2012

SuperSleeper Wrote:[Image: warning.gif]
Admin post warning to new CPAP patients: This post contains information concerning CPAP mask modifications which may be dangerous if attempted without seeking professional help from a qualified sleep doctor. Disclaimer: Patients are free to do as they wish, however Apnea Board does not condone these types of inherently risky mask modifications. Thanks.



In another part of this site there is a "discussion" about CO2 and centrals. I have been duly warned in that thread, but want to still pass this point on to you as it relates directly to your centrals perhaps as it does mine.

I believe the increase in centrals for some people is due to the very high flow rates throught the mask to maintain whatever set pressures your doctor/sleep therapist prescribes. The masks are designed this way and for your protection there are anti asphyxiation relief vents to make sure you never starve for air. HOWEVER, by closing (using tape is a simple method) even half of the vent holes in your mask, you will increase the CO2 content of your breathing air (like breathing into a paper bag for hyperventilation but only 50%) and may see your centrals go down significantly as I have.

This is also a cure for rainout that some people have without having to go with heated hoses, etc. The rebreathing includes your own humidification with the slower flow rates, so humidification can often be eliminated altogether.

AGAIN, don't close off ALL vent holes for sure, and if you do try closing any off, do a few small holes at a time. If you have an O2 sat monitor, that definitely will let you know where you're at with CO2 concentrations i.e. make sure you're maintaining good O2 sats.

I'm sure I'll be reprimanded again by making these suggestions, but I do believe this issue is valid and a lot of people may be affected unduly because the Xpap and mask people can't afford the liability of what this suggests. [/u]