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Just diagnosed -- need to select a CPAP - Printable Version

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Just diagnosed -- need to select a CPAP - AndyB - 05-26-2015

Hi folks, a newbie here -- I had a sleep study done last week and was told I have OSA. The report hasn't been completed yet, so I don't have any details at this time, but I've been obsessively reading posts here and elsewhere in advance of a meeting next week with my primary care physician, at which time i expect him to prescribe a CPAP. Lots and lots of incredibly helpful posts here, for which I am very grateful.

My main question at this time is what machine I should attempt to get my doctor to specifically prescribe for me (I'm on Medicare and have supplemental insurance that will cover the 20% of cost that Medicare doesn't cover).I understand that the more specific the prescription (right down to model number and desired optional items), the better my chances of getting a late model, sophisticated machine rather than a low-end unsophisticated machine.

From what I've read, the two machines that I think will be best for me (admittedly without having the sleep study details available yet) are the (1) ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset, and (2) Fisher Paykel Icon Plus Auto. Both seem to get excellent reviews here.

I'd be grateful for any advice, suggestions and/or comments anyone may have.

Thanks,
AndyB



RE: Just diagnosed -- need to select a CPAP - AlanE - 05-26-2015

Welcome

I'm biased. I like the A10. I can't speak about the Fisher. I assume either one should be good. Chief complaint about the A10 is the inhale noise. It doesn't bother me though.



RE: Just diagnosed -- need to select a CPAP - krelvin - 05-26-2015

Depends on your purchasing options.

Either way on Resmed Airsense auto or or the Philips Resprionics DS560. Both are quite popular and have lots of support.

Lean towards the PR if you do camping or need battery power, more options. If money is an issue even an S9 Autoset is a very good machine. The S9 uses less power than the Airsens models but the PR is still a better option for battery use.

The Icon plus would be down the list as a third place option.





RE: Just diagnosed -- need to select a CPAP - trish6hundred - 05-26-2015

Hi AndyB,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Check out the following link: http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php?title=Archangle:Machine_Choices .
This is really a good guide on which machines to buy and which ones to avoid.
Hang in there for more responses to your post and much success to you as you start your CPAP journey.


RE: Just diagnosed -- need to select a CPAP - trailrider - 05-26-2015

Welcome to the club!
Ditto on krelvin's comment. I love my A10, but it is a 24V system, which can be a pain when on battery power.

Also if you had a diagnosis only study, then your titration study is yet to come. You can see if the DME you go to will give you a trial or loaner machine for you to get used to being a hosehead. Results are more accurate if you can sleep through the night and not freaked out by all the mask, hose and pressure things happening to you. Not to mention the electrodes again.

Regardless, you can always wander in to a DME and start to look at masks (I can hear R-G shouting P10 in the background) before you get the results.
Might as well download Sleepyhead and start to understand it too.

In the meantime, sleep on your side and/or raise the head of your bed a bit. You are in this for the long haul. No need to rush into purchase decisions though.


RE: Just diagnosed -- need to select a CPAP - OMyMyOHellYes - 05-26-2015

Double edged sword when asking for a script for a specific model machine: in a few years it will be considered "obsolete" (meaning the manufacturer has put out a new machine he can charge more for, maybe with a few new bells & whistles). If you need a new one, then you will be SOL and will have to go back and get a new script from the doctor.

I think it MUCH better to just specify features in the script like auto PAP appliance with full efficacy data reporting features, in addition to basic compliance reporting, active humidification system, tubes, masks (to patient's comfort and treatment necessity), cushions, chin strap, filters and other supplies. Along with his pressure setting direction.

You don't have to take what a DME throws at you just because the script wasn't specific enough to spell out exactly what you need. If it's a turd, just say so and insist on the model you want. That approach gives you maximum flexibility even though it may require "negotiating" with the DME - but remember in that negotiation, you hold all the aces and wild cards too. They don't get paid if they don't deliver a machine to you that you will accept. And there's always the trump card to take your business down the road.

It can be intimidating, but you an just tell them you want the "Vapooware Turbo Auto Titratero machine with the heated hose option" if that is what you will use. And when they pull out the Fartronic Base Blowerator 7 Brick, just say "that ain't the Vapooware Turbo Auto Titratero with the hot hose. How long will it take to get that one in? Really? That long? Or you can't get i through "your supplier"? Thanks for your time.

OMMOHY

OMMOHY




RE: Just diagnosed -- need to select a CPAP - AndyB - 05-26-2015

Great suggestions everyone -- thank you very much. This forum is incredibly helpful.

And, I think I will pass on the Fartronic Blowerator . . .


RE: Just diagnosed -- need to select a CPAP - Ghost1958 - 05-27-2015

PR 560 auto with heated hose.

Battery friendly, longest warranty, wife and i have one each. My 2 cents


RE: Just diagnosed -- need to select a CPAP - 2PAPs - 05-27-2015

When you get your Rx, keep the original and send the DME a copy. Also, if possible, have the doctor write "Lifetime" or "99 months" on it. You might want to deal with another DME, get a second machine, or get another machine if yours breaks.