I will be a first time CPAP user, and locally it seems we have numerous companies that screen for OSA via pulse-oxymeters, and provide "ongoing" help services, but I find what they charge for machines/equipment is a lot more than equipment can be purchased for online. Is it reccomended to go through one of these care providers? I will be getting a polysomnography within a couple of months and have decided not to purchase anything until after this. I am the kind of person who will want to take charge of my treatment (i.e. obtain software, and get right into knowing all the features of my machine, and how to interpret data (some people would sooner have it all set up so that they just have to push on/off)), so I am wondering if the extra support is neccesary, or could I manage with purchasing a machine on-line. I have been trying a machine through one of these support companies, however, I have to say I don't feel they really have my best interests in mind (I haven't had a Titration, and it's like pulling teeth trying to get them to bring me an auto machine (I believe because they want me to buy the particular machine they brought out....they kept saying it was a brand new machine and they really hope this will be the one that I purchase). To me the support would be OK, but I'm finding retail sales doesn't really mesh (almost seems like a conflict of interest) with providing health care. Just for example of price variances the machine they want me to buy is a respironics REMstar plus w/ CFLEX with a comfort gel mask @ $2000. CDN. I've found the same machine/mask combo online for $440 USD (roughly $507 CDN). My insurance co. will pay 80% but there is still quite a difference in cost to me, especially if I opt for a little better machine (i.e. an auto or ?)

vwboop wrote:

I will be a first time CPAP user, and locally it seems we have numerous companies that screen for OSA via pulse-oxymeters, and provide "ongoing" help services, but I find what they charge for machines/equipment is a lot more than equipment can be purchased for online. Is it reccomended to go through one of these care providers? I will be getting a polysomnography within a couple of months and have decided not to purchase anything until after this. I am the kind of person who will want to take charge of my treatment (i.e. obtain software, and get right into knowing all the features of my machine, and how to interpret data (some people would sooner have it all set up so that they just have to push on/off)), so I am wondering if the extra support is neccesary, or could I manage with purchasing a machine on-line. I have been trying a machine through one of these support companies, however, I have to say I don't feel they really have my best interests in mind (I haven't had a Titration, and it's like pulling teeth trying to get them to bring me an auto machine (I believe because they want me to buy the particular machine they brought out....they kept saying it was a brand new machine and they really hope this will be the one that I purchase). To me the support would be OK, but I'm finding retail sales doesn't really mesh (almost seems like a conflict of interest) with providing health care. Just for example of price variances the machine they want me to buy is a respironics REMstar plus w/ CFLEX with a comfort gel mask @ $2000. CDN. I've found the same machine/mask combo online for $440 USD (roughly $507 CDN). My insurance co. will pay 80% but there is still quite a difference in cost to me, especially if I opt for a little better machine (i.e. an auto or ?)

Hi,

It's okay to check the market out first, but I suggest you leave purchasing or renting until after your sleep study. Attempting to titrate before the study is like putting the cart before the horse.

Next, forget about the machine. Concentrate on the mask/interface. No matter what machine you have, at whatever saving you make will be useless if the mask isn't right. The only way you will get to try a variety of masks is through a DME/support company.

After your diagnosis and titration you will be in a better position to decide on thre type of machine you require. If you need a high pressure you may need a Bi Level machine, possibly an APAP or a basic cpap.

Walk before you run. If you persist with wanting to purchase online, then rent a machine (if possible) for a few weeks.

Here's the punch..........what if you don't have OSA ? Let's say you have central apnoeas..........you might as well throw away an APAP or CPAP. What if you have UARS. Wait for the diagnosis. What you are doing is like picking your dentures before the teeth are removed  

Daniel.


_________________
The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)