NYC Sleep Doctor Recommendation

[In Need of Help]

Hi,

I have been using the Cpap Machine for about a year and I still don't feel any better (Remstar Plus with Breeze Nasal Pillows). The original doctor that I saw was clueless. Can anyone please recommend a good sleep disorder doctor in the New York City area? Thank you very much.

[Wulfman]

The machine you have is not data-capable. If you have your CPAP prescription, you could order a data-capable machine from an online supplier and KNOW WHY you don't feel better......and then you'd be able to take control of your therapy and not have to keep going back to the "clueless" doctors.

However, I'm going to guess that you use a nasal mask and that you're leaking your therapy air out your mouth while you're sleeping. Ever wake up with a dry mouth? That's a clue. And, that's why so many people fail with this therapy.....clueless doctors, non-data-capable machines, cheapest nasal masks, wrong pressures, etc., etc., etc.

Pleas consider joining the forum and learn a lot more about this therapy. You're a step in the right direction.

Den

[ozij]

Yes, do join the forum. Take a look at the yellow light bulb "Our Collective Wisdom" to learn more about the options you have.

The Remstar Plus will only record and report the number of hours you've slept. Other machines will record breathing disturbances (apnea and hypopneas) and leaks. That's the kind of info anyone - doctor or patient - needs in order to start figuring out what is happening to your breathing when you sleep.

Many of us have changed their own pressure based on the breathing disturbances (and leaks) reported. Many of us have also found out that doctors are often much more knowledgeable in diagnosing the condition than in choosing the machines that will treat it.

However, it is you who sleeps with the machine night in, night out - so you ought to know what the machine does, and how to make it do what you need.

That said - do make sure you have no other medical conditions.

O.

[TheShootist]

Hi Ozij

Where in NYC are you? If you are in Queens, I could give you my Doctors name which is in Nassau County. Let me know if I can help.

The Shootist

[In Need of Help]

Hi,

Thank you Den, O, and The Shootist so much for your advice. I asked the doctor to prescribe a Cpap machine that would record data that would enable me to know if I was improving but he didn't. I can't stand the regular mask. The nasal pillows are so much more comfortable but I do think I was opening my mouth when I was asleep. So I literally tape my mouth shut. Stop laughing. The doctor had the Cpap machine set at 9 and I have increased it to 9.5 and now 10. I still wake up tired. I would like to find a doctor in Manhattan. I found that all of the doctors at this sleep lab (Clinilabs) are on a rotation and don't really have a clue about sleep apnea. I asked to see one of the experienced doctors and I was told that they don't see patients. I am so tired of being tired. I will visit this site more often and try to learn more about this condition. I truly appreciate your advice. If it weren't for you I would not have anyone to ask at all. So thank you again.

[Wulfman]

Hi,

Thank you Den, O, and The Shootist so much for your advice. I asked the doctor to prescribe a Cpap machine that would record data that would enable me to know if I was improving but he didn't. I can't stand the regular mask. The nasal pillows are so much more comfortable but I do think I was opening my mouth when I was asleep. So I literally tape my mouth shut. Stop laughing. The doctor had the Cpap machine set at 9 and I have increased it to 9.5 and now 10. I still wake up tired. I would like to find a doctor in Manhattan. I found that all of the doctors at this sleep lab (Clinilabs) are on a rotation and don't really have a clue about sleep apnea. I asked to see one of the experienced doctors and I was told that they don't see patients. I am so tired of being tired. I will visit this site more often and try to learn more about this condition. I truly appreciate your advice. If it weren't for you I would not have anyone to ask at all. So thank you again.

Again......if you have a physical copy (or original) of your prescription you can get a data-capable machine of your choice (CPAP or APAP) from an online supplier like CPAP.COM. All the prescription has to say is "CPAP" on it.
Get a better machine for your regular use and keep the "Plus" for a backup.

Den

[In Need of Help]

Hi,

Den, I have made arrangements to get a copy of the Cpap prescription. I have also made an appointment with a sleep disorder doctor as well as a cardiologist (just to make sure that my heart is not a part of the problem). I see that the machine you use is no longer available. Can you recommend a good machine that collects the important data? Is the auto Cpap better? I have not yet but I will take the time to read the posts so that I will be better informed when I see the doctor. Thank you for any advice you can give me.

[Wulfman]

Hi,

Den, I have made arrangements to get a copy of the Cpap prescription. I have also made an appointment with a sleep disorder doctor as well as a cardiologist (just to make sure that my heart is not a part of the problem). I see that the machine you use is no longer available. Can you recommend a good machine that collects the important data? Is the auto Cpap better? I have not yet but I will take the time to read the posts so that I will be better informed when I see the doctor. Thank you for any advice you can give me.

Here are a couple of links to Respironics fully data-capable machines at CPAP.COM:

https://www.cpap.com/productpage-bundle ... undle.html

https://www.cpap.com/productpage-bundle ... undle.html

If you already have a humidifier, you may not need to purchase another one (unless you want to have a spare), but the links list the equipment one would need to monitor their therapy as a complete package. As far as the term "better" goes with regard to therapy from an Auto/APAP.......that's dependent upon the individual. If a person can afford the Auto, it is at least more "versatile"......as they can always be set to run as a single-pressure CPAP machine if desired. I started out over three years ago with the data-capable Pro 2 CPAP and got used to the single pressure. I've since purchased several Autos, but still run them in CPAP mode......I found that the pressure changes disturbed my sleep. I have used one a few times in some pressure ranges to re-check the pressure I'd been using, but with with my data capable CPAP, I already knew that I had my pressure figured out. Other people don't have the problem with pressure changes disturbing their sleep and use them in pressure ranges for their nightly therapy.

The prices represented in the links are not necessarily what one would have to pay. Three companies ResMed, Respironics and Fisher & Paykel came up with "MAP" policies (Minimum Advertised Pricing) that forces the online sellers to at least advertise their equipment at those prices. If a person contacts the online seller and requests the "real price" you will find out what it is. If you'll notice, in the links, there is an arrow that says "Get our price". If you click on it, you'll be able to put in your e-mail address and they'll send you the pricing on various items.

Hope that helps.

Den

[ozij]

All autos are fully data capable - I'm very happy with my Puritan Bennett 420E. Use with a screen snapping program you can even get it to show a breath be breath movie of your sleep.

Unlike Resmed's autos, and Respironics' autos, PBs auto (and it successor, the Covidien Sandman automatic machine) does not have exhale relief, and will not you see your results on its screen. However, I thik they're both unbeatable if you have to find out why therapy isn't working, and what exactly is going on when you have breathing disruptions, since both the PB and the Sandman are better than other machines at identifying open airway apneas from obstructive ones.

Good luck with your new doctor, keep us posted.
O.

[Fafner]

Dear In Need of Help,

I live in Queens NY and am very happy so far with my sleep disorder doctor on Queens Blvd. in Forest Hills. Right near the E/F train. Let me know if you want specifics.

Fafner