DanM

Hi JB. Insurance plans vary widely by company and even by plan within an insurance company. Tricare standard's representatives should be able to provide a directory of providers available to you. However, if your physician is not part of their plan, an insurer will usually either not pay or pay at an out-of-network rate. As for supplies for your AirSense, the supplies are usually provided by a home care company. I encourage you to contact Tricare and ask what equipment providers they contract with. Usually, the home care company only needs a prescription to be able to fill your supplies, and they will generally bill your insurance. Good luck, and hope this helps!

Hi Colorado51man. The short answer is you can do whatever you prefer. You can simply remove your mask and let the machine run, or you can stop the machine and start it again. Some people prefer to turn the machine off because most machines will restart treatment at a lower pressure and ramp the pressure up as they fall back to sleep. Others, like me, do not mind the pressure and simply put the mask back on and go back to sleep. The machine is capable of detecting actual breathing, so the data will be correct either way. Best wishes!

Hi StraightforwardTanEagle. Wiredgeorge asks some good questions. It might also be helpful to note that there are other things that can cause you not to feel the benefits from CPAP that you might be expecting. Medications, other health conditions, and many other things can contribute to not feeling rested or refreshed. A good first step is to contact your physician or your equipment provider to make sure your CPAP is actually treating your condition appropriately. Best wishes, and please let us know how you're doing!

Hi ac555. As you noted, allergic rhinitis that causes swelling and congestion can worsen symptoms of sleep apnea. I have allergies, and my OSA is definitely worse when I am congested. My physician has me use a steroid nasal spray to help manage the symptoms caused by my allergies, and it definitely improves my ability to breathe and wear my CPAP mask. You mention seeing several doctors, but have you seen a board-certified sleep physician? If not, I would encourage you to obtain a referral and discuss your symptoms with a sleep physician. Please keep us posted on your progress!

Hi Athena. First, I'm so sorry for your loss. But it sounds like you are interested in feeling better and treating your condition, which is great! I agree with Resourceful that the first step might be to get your condition treated and start feeling better. You might actually be surprised at the number of people who wear CPAP! I learned over the holidays that 2 of my friends have just had sleep studies and are both now successfully using their treatment. Hang in there, and please let us know if you have any questions as you begin your treatment. Best wishes!

Hi Simon. Wiredgeorge makes some good points about data monitoring to make sure you are being treated correctly. However, if you do suspect insomnia, the treatment for that condition is quite different from using CPAP. There are a number of people who have insomnia, or who have been treated for insomnia, and still use CPAP. I encourage you to talk to your sleep physician to see how well your treatment is working these days and about whether you need another sleep study. I would also talk about the insomnia to see if he or she recommends any treatment. Insomnia can be miserable for people who suffer from the condition, but there are even online programs that have shown great success. Best wishes, and I hop this information is helpful!

Hi. Depending on the model of your machine, the unit might be detecting your mask removal and starting you back at the lowest pressure to help you fall asleep. It may be possible to have your machine adjusted so that it never falls below a more comfortable pressure. My machine used to drop to 4 cm if I removed the mask or started the ramp sequence over. I had mine adjusted so that it never falls below 6 cm. Your equipment provider should be able to assist. Hope this helps.

Welcome to MyApnea.Org! Mask fit is probably the most important thing to consider when starting treatment. If the mask is not comfortable and does not fit correctly, therapy will be more of a challenge to adjust to. Your equipment provider should fit you for a mask and let you try the mask laying down and in whatever position you normally sleep. If you sleep on your side or back, as the technician to let you lay on your side or back during the fitting. Try several masks to see what you like best, and I encourage you to stay in contact with your equipment provider if you have any problems. Of course, we have an active community here on the Forum, so please feel free to post any questions. Best wishes with your treatment!

Hi ThoughtfulCoffeeTrout9208. It appears the device was an EPAP device that was being tested by Innomed. Innomed is a company that makes CPAP masks. I am not sure about this particular treatment, but there are a couple of forms of EPAP therapy available, such as Provent. Hope this helps.

Hi SleepyShorty82. Welcome to MyApnea.Org and the forum! It takes time to adjust to treatment, but persistence is key. Hopefully, you will start to feel better and notice some changes now that your sleep apnea is treated. Please come back and let us know how you are doing!