Hello. I'm 37, and I've been trying to track down some pretty serious fatigue, "fuzzy headedness", headaches, vertigo, and tingling/poor circulation to hands & feet for almost a year now. I finally changed doctors, and my new one sent me for a sleep study. I came up with an AHI of 12, and am on my way to getting a CPAP. Last night was the first with the rented "testing" equipment (Airsense 10 Autoset, non-humidified). Took forever to get to sleep, but that's really not uncommon for me. I'm hoping that with a humidifier and a good quality machine, I can stay compliant, check Apnea off the list, and hopefully see some real returns on my energy level.
As far as I can tell, the unit they sent me home with is the best on the market, and I'm considering https://www.secondwindcpap.com/New-ResMed-S10-AutoSet.html buying the same one. A few questions for you guys:
I've been told that my overage is 0% on a CPAP, because I only have "base" DME overage, not "form". Form doesn't seem to be offered by my employer. How common is this? Apnea by all accounts is a potentially life-threatening issue, just from fatigue and risk of accidents alone. Is my HCP just that bad, or is this a common story?
I've been offered to purchase a Resmed (model # unknown) unit from my HCP for $465 (plus $180 for humidifier). I'm guessing that it would be a standard CPAP, not APAP. If I'm going to shell out the money myself, I might as well get the best on the market for a little more, no? It may be that I don't have an issue with a set CPAP, but it looks like that unit is capable of CPAP or auto modes. Any advice appreciated!
I was told in the orientation that if I were to buy a unit online or used, that I would have to take it to a 3rd party vendor to have my prescription applied, but it sounds like I'd be able to do this myself with Sleepyhead?
Will I need prescription paperwork to buy the unit from SecondwindCPAP, or other online retailers? If so, why wouldn't they just ship it with my prescription intact?
Any other advice to someone on-the-hook for all the costs of this? I don't hate the mask they gave me for testing, but it sure seems like it could be improved, and at $100 a pop, that could get pricey fast.
Thanks!
Hi Brando. Welcome to the forum.
Some comments on your post:
An AHI of 12 is in the mild category. You should be able to improve it with a CPAP, but a dental appliance may be another option.
To my knowledge there is no such thing as a non humidified AirSense 10 because the humidifier is built in. You have to pay an optional extra cost to put a cover on the humidifier to use the machine without a water reservoir. That said the heated hose is an option extra. Not essential but it can be a convenience and comfort benefit.
You are correct in that the ResMed Airsense 10 AutoSet is probably the best machine on the market.
I can't help you much with the US DME system as I am Canadian.
The difference between a fixed pressure CPAP and an auto APAP is about 10%. You are correct in that it makes no sense to buy a fixed pressure CPAP. even though you may end up using it in fixed pressure mode, and that is quite possible. The AirSense 10 AutoSet for sure can do auto mode or fixed pressure mode.
Again to my knowledge there is no option to buy the AirSense without a humidifier. The ClimateLine heated hose is a $30-$40 option but the humidifier is not an option. The price for this machine with humidifier is about $800-$900 depending on whether it includes a mask and heated hose.
A prescription is required to buy a new machine in the US, but not a used machine. A prescription is required to buy a complete mask, but not mask parts from which you can make a complete mask. Second Wind sells both used and new machines. Prices seem to be higher in the US than Canada, from my limited look in the US, SecondWind seems to have good prices.
Getting a mask that works is very personal and is influenced by the pressure you need, and other factors such as ability to keep your mouth closed when sleeping, having a beard, etc. What mask are you using now, and what are your concerns?
SleepyHead is software used to monitor you progress. It is well worthwhile to use. Just make sure that you buy a machine that is supported by SleepyHead. The AirSense 10 AutoSet is.
Hope that helps some. If any more questions just ask. I understand when you are new to this, it can be quite intimidating, and the sleep clinics can try and take advantage of you, if you are not informed.
Edit: The comments you make about buying the machine without a humidifier and it being an extra $180 for one sounds like the Respironics DreamStation machine. That is the way it is sold. It is a good machine but IMHO an inferior machine to the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet.
Thanks again for the advice here, I've been on the Autoset for 3 weeks or so now. Still fighting through the adaptation phase, but getting better and better. 4-6 hrs of therapy is starting to become more common than 1-2. Unfortunately, I'm starting a trend of using Afrin before bed, otherwise the nasal mask feels suffocating if I'm even the slightest bit stuffed up. I've noticed nights where I've used Afrin, I can put the mask back on if I wake up and it's gone missing, but I seem to always be unable to without. I will say that the nights I get 4+ hours logged, I feel MUCH better than I have for the past year or so.
I'm thinking of trying a full face mask, but I'm a side sleeper, and everything I've read says they are all terrible for that. I'm tempted to spring the $150 to give the Phillips Dreamwear (full face) a shot.
