Can't Get It Right - Straight CPAP, No Data - HELP!

I've been on CPAP for 6 weeks and still don't have it right. Every time I think I'm doing well, a few days later, I feel awful again. I have a straight CPAP, not auto and it doesn't collect any data. How could I possibly know what's happening? I don't know why my doctor prescribed this machine, but I would think that an automatic with data would be more logical. I have no idea if I'm having apneas or leaks.

I'm supposed to call the doctor every time I want to change the pressure on my machine and then go to the DME to have it done. Well, after getting tired of driving 20 min to the DME every time, I've decided to do it myself.

The doc started me on 6 since my sleep study suggested that number. However, I was on sleeping pills that night, so maybe that's not quite right. I was still feeling tired at 6, so the doc changed it to 9 and still tired, so he suggested 10, but I was having heart palpitations on 9 as I did before CPAP, so I didn't want to go up to 10.

Anyway, I've been experimenting from 9 down to 7. 7.5 seemed to be right, but now I'm feeling exhausted again, especially 3 hours after I get up. I don't know whether to go up or down. Instint would tell me to go up, but since too high isn't good either, I don't know what to do.

Does anyone have any suggestions for me? Help!!!!!!!

Pattie

Is there any chance of getting a sleep study done while you're on CPAP so you can see what's going on?

Of course the cheaper option would be to either buy a data collecting machine out of pocket, rent one for a month or so from a DME, or simply talk to your doctor and have them switch it out. I'd recommend the last of those options, as it's unlikely that insurance has purchased your machine at this point, which means they just need to be convinced to get you a data recording machine. Perhaps a 420e since your DME seems to like Puritan Bennett?

I would go down and talk to my doctor and explain the situation. You want to remain compliant, but aren't feeling better, and you want to know why. To do that you both need to know what's going on.

Hey blarg

Thanks for the response. Your advice sounds right on and I'm going to call the doctor on Monday and also speak to the DME about renting an auto CPAP. If my insurance doesn't cover, maybe I will just rent out of pocket. I need to know what's going on. I'm tired of the guessing game.

Pattie

Renting is a costly solution, buying from CPAP.COM, is cheaper and no hassle, you just need the script & $$$. You are using a nasal mask, if you are mouthbreathing you can loose your treatment out of your mouth. Jim

The doc started me on 6 since my sleep study suggested that number. However, I was on sleeping pills that night, so maybe that's not quite right. I was still feeling tired at 6, so the doc changed it to 9 and still tired, so he suggested 10, but I was having heart palpitations on 9 as I did before CPAP, so I didn't want to go up to 10.

Your doctor needs to stop dinking around and just get you the 420e, then you can use your same humidifier. You'll also need the software and serial cable to pull reports from it but at least you will be able to see what is going on.

It is so EASY for them to say "Oh you need another PSG", that is BS in my opinion, if they had given you a auto to start with you wouldn't be having so many problems. You could have spent a $100 on your own and got the software and seen exactly what was causing your problem, if it is mouth leak, you would see it, if it was pressure not being high enough or too high you would see it. If you are not sleeping long enough, you would see it.

Other option is going back to the PSG findings, get the report that came from the lab not your doctor's interpretation of it. Look for the titration table where they found 6cm was ideal for you and WHY they stopped there.

Only 6cm found during the PSG? Then heart palpitations seen at 9cm pressure? says to me possibly central apnea. Why did they stop at 6cm during the PSG because CA's where seen? Reason you need to see the original report that came from the sleep lab. You are also probably waking several times during the night wide awake is my guess.

Your doctor can write the script for the 420e and insurance will pay for it, you failed on cpap, that is the requirement for insurance to pay for an autopap or bipap. Your doctor just needs to write the letter of medical necessity.

If you have had the 420g less than 90 days they should just swap it out.

Put it to your doctor right up front, how in the devil can he possibly expect to monitor your therapy when he has allowed the DME to pawn off a compliance data only CPAP on you? If he had any REAL interest in your welfare and response to therapy he would have insisted AND SCRIPTED "at least" a fully data capable CPAP for you. Perhaps you would be better off w/a doctor who has more interest in your therapy and welfare? You can do it "nicely". Heck, bat your baby blues at him, squeeze a tear or two to the corner of your eye.

Your DME is one cheap SOB. Insurance only has TWO reimbursement codes (HCPCS code). One for straight CPAPs from bare-bones, compliance data only capabilities thru fully data capable AutoPAPs. And the second HCPCS code (reimbursement code) is for the bi-levels (Bi-PAP is a proprietary name for one manufacturer's bi-level).

So your sleezy cheap arse DME is getting paid the same for a barebones CPAP as he would for an AutoPAP. In other words, a fully data capable CPAP or a fully data capable AutoPAP is cutting into his profit margin. Too bad, so sad. My heart bleeds for him. NOT!!

If your sleep doc won't write you a script for the Goodknight 420E and a Letter of Medical Necessity that you "failed" straight CPAP therapy collect your sleep evaluation and titration reports AND FULL data from him and go elsewhere. Your family doctor can write the script for the Goodknight 420E and the pressures suggested by your current script to start. You can then adjust the pressure as needed w/the 420E's data and software.

That little 420G is it? that you have is a sweet little travel machine and its only $254 at cpap.com. Let your insurance pay for the better 420E and you can buy the G yourself later for travel if you travel much.

Check w/your insurance company to see which DME's they are contracted with and shop those DMEs before committing to any of them. Pick the one who seems most willing to work w/you.

Good luck and God bless.