HI,
Refer to "Complex Sleep Apnea" Dr. Robert Thomas. I originally had a cannula placed as a temporary measure 20 years ago, because CPAP etc wasn't working. My diagnosis was strictly Obstructive Sleep Apnea. After the cannula was placed, the centrals only remained (at that time complex s. a. wasn't recognized). The only treatment that worked was volume ventilation through the cannula with my obstructive component creating a seal.
My problem is with getting Medicare to cover a treatment that is 100% effective. I need a respiratory company that will bill one month, be turned down, and be approved on appeal.
Hi,
I have severe central sleep apnea. I had a Montgomery Cannula placed 21 years ago (Shiley and Bivona cuffed cannulas didn't allow me to turn my neck). In the old days, obstructive sleep apnea was treated by a simple tracheal cannula. I have resolved the centrals by using a volume ventilator for the past 19 years ( not a CPAP, BiPAP or any other pressure device). Presently I am using a ResMed Astral 150 control/assist. The resolution of the sleep disruption allows me to continue to work, and do everything normal people do. If someone is willing to set the ventilator to something that is comfortable for you, it might be worth a try. There are transcutaneous CO2 monitors, coupled with a regular O2 monitor, should get your gasses nailed without doing blood gasses while you are asleep.
The only problem I am having now, is how to get Medicare to pay for the ventilator. My private insurance company paid for 17 years. Does anyone have any ideas?
Thanks,
