Questions about Sleep Apnea?
Jan.23, 2012 Categories: Sleep Apnea Machine
Question by Gonetoday: Questions about Sleep Apnea?
I was diagnosed with sleep apnea a couple years ago. I was doing well on the CPAP machine in the beginning, but lately it seems like its not putting out air as powerfully as it did in the beginning. Although I told my doctor that I believe the problem is the machine, he says that I still need to be “retested” since its been a while since I was diagnosed. I have a new insurance, well, a Health Savings Account with a ,500 deductible awaiting. Retesting will cost a minimum of a few thousand dollars. I wanted to try to purchase the machine myself online, but you need a prescription to purchase one. Is there a way around this? Also, I once heard someone mention they were using a CPAP machine but were unable to get use to wearing it at night. Instead, they were fitting with some type of “dental device” that they insert during the night to keep their airway open. They said they haven’t used their CPAP machine since. Has anyone ever heard of such a device? Do you know what the name of it is?
Best answer:
Answer by billie b
You could try this first. My husband and mother both have sleep apnea and use the CPAP. Every so often, they take their machine to the medical supply store that provided it to them and have it cleaned and checked. I am sure that would be less expensive than having the test ran again.
January 23rd, 2012 on 3:11 pm
It’s called a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD).
The retesting is required for the CPAP, as to determine the severity of your symptoms. too little pressure, and your airway doesn’t stay open. Too much pressure, and the air can actually damage your airway, causing other problems.
I’ve prescribed the MAD for many of my patients, but I still find that the CPAP tends to work much better.
If the MAD works for you, I would encourage you to try it out!
January 23rd, 2012 on 3:58 pm
I also have sleep apnea and a regular CPAP machione on a certain setting may not work for you. I got what is called an “auto set” cpap which regulates its pressure according to your needs throughout the night. For example, to start out you may need only a pressure of 5, but then as your position changes and the obstruction becomes greater, the machine ramps up to a pressure that will keep your airway open, then adjust to a lower pressure when you don’t need so much. I have used mine for 3 years and it is great….Your insurance might allow you a replacement after so many years without a new test. Check with them and find out what your out of pocket cost will be. Mine was under $100 for my unit. I use a ResMed Auto Set and it will help with your unique needs. Also, make sure you use new masks and tubing at least twice a year. The tubing can lose its integrity. Your home care company should be contacting you a few times a year to send you replacements at a minimal cost with your insurance. Get your unit checked out and filters changed regulary because dust will clog the air intake and not allow good air flow. Good luck friend
January 23rd, 2012 on 4:11 pm
You can try a dental device, although they do not work for everyone; especially those with joint disorders. Cpap is the best treatment. One other option other than what others have listed….is to see if your providing sleep center will let you try an auto cpap overnight. There are cards in the units that can tell them what your highest and lowest pressures were throughout the night. This would be a good way to find out if you need more pressure. Sometimes they will just adjust your current unit accordingly and see if you have improvement without repeating a titration. It is always a good idea to have a repeat study every couple of years. Weight gain and loss can impact your cpap pressures over time and some insurances require a new study in order to supply a new machine. You should definately get the pressure checked by your medical equipment provider. They can test it with a manometer to see if it is properly distributing pressure. If not they will send it out and give you one to use while it is being adjusted. I can understand your financial situation as sleep studies are not cheap. Most centers are willing to work with you, if you make them aware of your situation. There is no way around having an RX for cpap.
Good luck and stay positive.