have any of you used a CPAP for sleep apnea?
April 18th, 2011
Did you ahver to have an overnight sleep test done at the hospital-and did your dr. of neurologist have to order it. Did Insurance give you a hassel. I am newely diagnosed but am on an oxygen converter and it does not help me sleep. I understand a CPAP does and would like to hear of your experience and if possible, the brand you use for the base unit and mask.
this would be of such help to me in my old age.
thank you for taking time to share with me.
Hi,
If your new to using a CPAP mask for OSA it will be uncomfortable for a while and your body will repeatedly remove it during the night, usually without you knowing. As you get used to the mask over the first two weeks your body will become accustomed to the new addition. Being a CPAP user isn’t a bad thing, most people (self included) report that after the first two weeks or so they sleep much better, wake up alert and refreshed. It will slowly become second nature and you will start to find you don’t like to sleep without a CPAP. Some good resources are cpaptalk.com, cpap.com, http://sleepapnea.respironics.com/. I use a respironics full face mask and I am happy with it. At first I could only just fall to sleep with it on. Then I made it to 1.5 hours then a hour or two more, then I was up to 5 hours a night, now I can wake up with the mask on. Your CPAP (depending on what you have) will say how many hours you’ve used it, that way you can keep track of how long you kept it on. Most of the CPAP’s shut off if you take the mask off. I don’t know if all of them do that but mine does. Also, the mask really “seals” the deal if you know what I mean. Keep abreast of the masks that are available and ask your respiratory therapist if you can try something else. There are at least a dozen or more masks that may work for you. Also, try to live a healthy life, in some cases I have read people have been able to reduce their therapy pressures and even get off CPAP therapy. Anyways, if you have more questions feel free to ask. Keep at it!
April 17th, 2011 at 7:34 pm
I know two people who use CPAP and are very satisfied. One has Blue Cross and the other has medicare, neither have had a problem with insurance paying for it. They both had to sleep overnight where they monitored their breathing patterns.
The doctor will prescribe you a mask and what is best fit for you.
References :
April 17th, 2011 at 8:01 pm
Had an overnight evaluation that said I had *mild* sleep apnea. Internist decided I needed CPAP, so I used one for several months. Didn’t seem to help much so I took evaluation results to pulmonary dr who said I didn’t really need it.
Using it was a bit of a hassle, but if you truly have sleep apnea, might be worth it. Takes a while to become acclimated to sleeping with it. Insurance was not a problem. Don’t remember brand name of machine or mask.
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References :
April 17th, 2011 at 8:12 pm
I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and was put on a CPAP machine. APRIA was the company that handled the machine and my insurance was with Blue Cross. I paid $1200 for my machine and used the "alien mask", which sits on your nose and you inhale and exhale thru the mask. I was overweight but after losing the weight (80lbs) my snoring stopped and I was taken off the machine.
I am 54yrs. and had been on the machine for 8 yrs. and it helped with my sleep. I am presently on the "biscuit", which is a mouthpiece that keeps my tongue from falling back in throat. I also slept in a "glider recliner" from lazyboy. Kept me in one position so the mask would not become dislodged while sleeping.
References :
April 17th, 2011 at 8:45 pm
I’ve been using a CPAP machine for a little while now and have found it to be a great help. I wake up more refreshed. The hardest part was getting use to the head gear. Sleep Apnea causes a person to have unrestful nights and generally stop breathing during sleep. Your CPAP machine has to be ordered by a doctor who specializes in Respiratory conditions such as a Pulmonary Physician. I had two Sleep studies. The first to confirm the diagnosis and the second to find the proper settings for my machine during sleep. I have Medicare and they are covering all the cost. There are many DME providers out there. Your physician will have a list of providers whom he uses. Sleep Apnea is a life threatening disorder, I’m sure that your Dr. will not be denied by any insurance company. I wish you the best, I’m sure it will all work out.
References :
April 17th, 2011 at 9:22 pm
Hi,
If your new to using a CPAP mask for OSA it will be uncomfortable for a while and your body will repeatedly remove it during the night, usually without you knowing. As you get used to the mask over the first two weeks your body will become accustomed to the new addition. Being a CPAP user isn’t a bad thing, most people (self included) report that after the first two weeks or so they sleep much better, wake up alert and refreshed. It will slowly become second nature and you will start to find you don’t like to sleep without a CPAP. Some good resources are cpaptalk.com, cpap.com, http://sleepapnea.respironics.com/. I use a respironics full face mask and I am happy with it. At first I could only just fall to sleep with it on. Then I made it to 1.5 hours then a hour or two more, then I was up to 5 hours a night, now I can wake up with the mask on. Your CPAP (depending on what you have) will say how many hours you’ve used it, that way you can keep track of how long you kept it on. Most of the CPAP’s shut off if you take the mask off. I don’t know if all of them do that but mine does. Also, the mask really "seals" the deal if you know what I mean. Keep abreast of the masks that are available and ask your respiratory therapist if you can try something else. There are at least a dozen or more masks that may work for you. Also, try to live a healthy life, in some cases I have read people have been able to reduce their therapy pressures and even get off CPAP therapy. Anyways, if you have more questions feel free to ask. Keep at it!
References :
Mechanical Engineer in Plastics industry, Automotive enthusiast