using a borrowed machine

My neighbor has sleep apnea but he does not have insurance therefore can not afford a sleep study. My CPAP machine is set at 11 pressure. Could it hurt my neighbor to use my machine at 11? My thought was, better to have something than nothing. What do you think?

Have you checked with your liability insurance carrier?

Do you have another machine for yourself? And how does your neighbor know he has apnea? If he'd be using your machine every night, why would he need to use your settings? -- I'm kind of confused here!

What type machine do you have?

What is his prescription for?

Most machines are pretty easy to put into clinicians mode and change the settings to match what the neighbor needs. What you don't want to do is lend the machine unless you have your own.

And you don't want to lend the machine unless the neighbor has actually been diagnosed or at least did an overnight study to diagnose them and suggest settings.

You can get a mail order overnight study for a couple hundred bucks.

Home sleep study - not as comprehensive as in lab, but a start that isn't to expensive. On sale at the moment for $189

https://lofta.com/products/sleep-apnea-test

matheson wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 25, 2024 5:33 am

My neighbor has sleep apnea but he does not have insurance therefore can not afford a sleep study. My CPAP machine is set at 11 pressure. Could it hurt my neighbor to use my machine at 11? My thought was, better to have something than nothing. What do you think?

How much would a sleep study cost (without insurance cover) ?

Curious.

Craig H wrote: ↑

Sat Mar 02, 2024 3:56 pm

matheson wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 25, 2024 5:33 am

My neighbor has sleep apnea but he does not have insurance therefore can not afford a sleep study. My CPAP machine is set at 11 pressure. Could it hurt my neighbor to use my machine at 11? My thought was, better to have something than nothing. What do you think?

How much would a sleep study cost (without insurance cover) ?

Curious.

Here's a screenshot of the billing that went through Medicare for the two sleep studies I had. I have no way of knowing if the amount charged would be the 'pay out of pocket' price or not (probably not). My Medicare supplemental did cover the balance that Medicare did not cover.

matheson wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 25, 2024 5:33 am

My neighbor has sleep apnea but he does not have insurance therefore can not afford a sleep study. My CPAP machine is set at 11 pressure. Could it hurt my neighbor to use my machine at 11? My thought was, better to have something than nothing. What do you think?

While it may not hurt - the neighbor will very likely find it uncomfortable at 11 cms - I think we all did.

If its not an auto I would suggest a lower pressure until they get used to breathing this way. Maybe 6, 7, or 8 cms? At least get a couple hours to see what is goin on.

Wow...I can see why some could not afford that.!

I was referred by my cardiologist and GP to a Respiratory Specialist..here in regional New Zealand.

An at home sleep test was recommended and undertaken over the course of a single night. I was wired up with simple devices and a recorder that I attached to my self.including O2

The recorder was returned to the specialist and analysed by himself and a sleep therapist. The data from that night was extensive and considerably detailed. It was graphed and presented to me in a discussion that lead to me trialing an RESMED Airesense 10 and various masks for 6 weeks until finding one that I could live with. (a learning curve indeed)

Results were immediate and events dropped from 60 per hour to less than 17 and progressively downwards over the last 7 months. Currently in the 2 - 4 range.

Cost to me for sleep therapist and specialist approx 800.00 NZD ( They continue to monitor me remotely and be available to me.

Then I purchased my own Resmed Airsense 10 for $867 NZD...the public health system ( not insurance) ...paid the balance ( approx 1200 NZD)

Feel lucky to live here in New Zealand.

Grumpy48 wrote: ↑

Sat Mar 02, 2024 4:46 pm

Craig H wrote: ↑

Sat Mar 02, 2024 3:56 pm

matheson wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 25, 2024 5:33 am

My neighbor has sleep apnea but he does not have insurance therefore can not afford a sleep study. My CPAP machine is set at 11 pressure. Could it hurt my neighbor to use my machine at 11? My thought was, better to have something than nothing. What do you think?

How much would a sleep study cost (without insurance cover) ?

Curious.

Here's a screenshot of the billing that went through Medicare for the two sleep studies I had. I have no way of knowing if the amount charged would be the 'pay out of pocket' price or not (probably not). My Medicare supplemental did cover the balance that Medicare did not cover.

I understand your concern for your neighbor and wanting to help, but sharing your CPAP machine is strongly discouraged for several reasons:

Safety: CPAP machines are prescribed based on individual needs and medical history. Using someone else's machine without proper evaluation by a professional could be dangerous, as the pressure might not be suitable for your neighbor's specific condition, potentially worsening their sleep apnea or causing other health risks.
Hygiene: Sharing a CPAP machine raises hygiene concerns, as it can harbor bacteria and germs that could be transmitted between individuals.
Liability: If your neighbor suffers any adverse effects while using your machine, you could potentially face legal and financial liability.
It's crucial to emphasize seeking proper medical care. While your gesture is kind, it's best to encourage your neighbor to explore alternative options:

Free or low-cost clinics: Many clinics offer affordable or free sleep studies depending on income and location.
Financing options: Some manufacturers or medical equipment providers offer financing programs to help cover the cost of CPAP machines.
Government assistance: Some government programs can assist with medical equipment costs.
Sharing your concerns and helping your neighbor explore these alternative avenues is the most responsible and potentially life-saving course of action.

Sonopaalfucknik wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 04, 2024 5:55 am

SonopaalFounik

I think a troll, who doesn't have honest intentions, has come on board.

ChicagoGranny wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 04, 2024 12:48 pm

Sonopaalfucknik wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 04, 2024 5:55 am

SonopaalFounik

I think a troll, who doesn't have honest intentions, has come on board.

Maybe not a troll but, clearly someone that doesn't know much about CPAP

mommydear wrote: ↑

Sat Mar 09, 2024 11:34 pm

ChicagoGranny wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 04, 2024 12:48 pm

Sonopaalfucknik wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 04, 2024 5:55 am

SonopaalFounik

I think a troll, who doesn't have honest intentions, has come on board.

Maybe not a troll but, clearly someone that doesn't know much about CPAP

Very likely to be interested in selling something ridiculous.