sleep apnea

[GeneL]

lazydays wrote:
I have a question for GeneL and all of the rest of you CPAP users. Where you able to pick any machine you wanted and have the insurance pay a set amount of the bill or did you have to purchase one from their list? I am primarily concerned with noise level and having the humidification option. Did you rent first? What is that process like? Thanks again.

My experience has been that the sleep specialist recommends the model that he/she wants you to use and in most cases they will try several masks that they have as samples in the office. Once they have figured out which mask is best suited to your needs, they will set you up with a equipment supplier that they "like" (usually someone that has performed well for their patients). That supplier will come out to your home with the equipment, set you up by fitting the mask for you (that usually changes after you start using it and you will have to readjust it), setting the machine to the pressures that the doctor has specified and leave you with some extra supplies. As far as the machine, you should have an opportunity to see whether the machine is right for you before you are "locked in." If you find that there's something you don't like you should make sure that the provider is going to "work with you." If you don't feel comfortable with the recommended supplier, ask who else is available in the area. In my experience the nurses/receptionists are usually pretty hip to who does the best job for the patients.

I always had a heated humidifier supplied with the machine. It seems to be based on the doctor's saying that you need it. BTW, I never had any luck with a non-heated humidifier, so I'm glad to hear that one is working for SKYLANE. YMMV!

Costwise, my insurance has always covered everything that I needed, but once again YMMV. Also, when I've been set up I've always been given a choice to continue to rent the machine or to own it after a certain period of time. Ask the supplier what the ramifications are for either choice and then decide. For me, I've always ended up owning the equipment.

Based on personal experience, it is a tough thing to lose weight, but some people starting losing once the effect of deeper sleep kicks in. If you do lose some pounds you may find that your problem might disappear as mine once did .

Hang in there, lazydays.