Just diagnosed need direction.

[wclement7]

Hello all,

Hopefully this isn’t against rules, I tried searching and reading what I could on here before finally giving in to posting. 

I may have made the wrong decision, but I ordered an at home test from “Daybreak” as I originally did not want to go the CPAP route. Now however I am rethinking it after more research. 

I was given a prescription for both a mouth guard type and a CPAP. However would it be wrong/unsafe to just order a machine and start? 

Background for me is at least 8 years of general fatigue and tiredness. Always wanting a nap when I get home from work etc. and brain fog being my biggest complaints. Weight gain and loss of energy to do anything are also major reasons I finally took a test. Wife’s biggest complaint is terrible snoring that keeps her up/wakes her up. (It does also wake me up sometimes). 

About 3 years ago I almost did a in hospital sleep study but the cost was unattainable at the time. Still is, but a machine is only approx a 3rd of what they want from me out of pocket on top of insurance. 

Sorry this seems all over the place. I appreciate any help/direction!

[wclement7]

Second night attached. Wouldn’t let me post both for some reason.

[Nightynite]

Edit: I’m sorry I see you do have a script for cpap. It’s been a long day. Hehe

[dingdang5]

I was in a similar situation ~6 months ago: knew I wanted to do something, and had a confirmed apnea diagnosis from Daybreak, but I wasn't sure whether to go cpap or their sleep apnea mouthpiece. I didn't think I could deal with a mask, but I also wasn't sure I wanted to go ahead with Daybreak -- but on the other hand my dentist quoted me a price double the daybreak oral device and without insurance. 

Anyway, finally pulled the trigger a little before Christmas and have had my device now for two weeks. So far, so good! I'm feeling consistently better on a daily basis: fewer headaches, less tired during the day, and just easier to get up in the mornings. I honestly wish I had moved forward sooner. That's really my main advice: whatever path you choose, just start today--anything you can do to effectively treat sleep apnea is going to make you feel better, and the sooner, the better. 

[Deborah K.]

It would be completely safe to obtain just the pap machine.  I seriously doubt that you need a mouthguard too.  I would certainly NOT order from Daybreak.  Your doctor can direct you to a local DME (durable medical provider) or you can order from an online supplier.  Local is faster in case you need to change masks or switch to a different type of machine if it is needed.  I get my equipment from Aeroflow (they are online) by mail, but I have been at this a while and know what I need.  Make sure your doctor orders a ResMed machine, as they are the best.  Have him prescribe a ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset or a ResMed AirCurve 10 Vauto, depending on which type you need, and ask that he write that no substitution can be made.  Otherwise, the DMEs sometimes substitute a cheaper machine.  They get paid the same either way and make more money by giving you the cheaper one.

I've never seen a sleep study like yours.  Is that the whole study, or are there other pages?  You have apnea, but it doesn't say what types you have, nor does it provide your AHI (the amount of apnea.)  You can still proceed with obtaining what you need as we can set you up with Oscar, our free apnea reporting program that creates charts we can interpret for you that will show the AHI and many other things that will help us help you.

Again, welcome, and best wishes for obtaining great therapy and comfort!