I have the following questions to ask of you marvelous people:

1-I was reading posts from several days ago and everyone was talking about data capable c-paps to read your AHI so I decided to call the DME to ask about why I did not receive this type of machine.  She told me that the doctor would have had to order it.  She also said it is very expensive and now I wish I could have responded I do no care becasue I am a millionaire (not true but just thought to mysellf how does she know if it is too expensive for me or not.)  And I should have asked how expensive but I forgot?  Should I ask the doctor about this machine?  It is not covered by my insurance unlelss the Doctor orders it. I have a feeling he will say I do not need it.

2-I have a sore throat and a cold so I have not used my c-pap for two nights becasue the DME had originally said if you are sick do not use it.  But I am able to breath through my one nose and partially through the other so I think I will try my nose mask this evening.  What do you all think?  I do not want to go without my mask for three nights.  I am so thorough with cleaning my equipment.  I wash the humidifier practically every night, and my mask every night or every other night and then wipe it down the other times with baby wipes, as the DME suggestted.  I soak my hose every week in vinegar and water.  If I wash everything every night I do not think I will reinfect myself but I want to be certain because I do not have much sick leave left.  What do you guys think?  What has been your experience when you get sick?

I could not wait to get back on this site.  You all are wonderful and so helpful!!!!  May you all find peace and joy in your lives.

I'm  fighting now to get a data capable Bipap. It's an uphill fight but I will not give up. My DME gives me the deer in the headlight look when I asked for a data capable bipap, telling me that the smart card only records hours of use.


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Respironics M Series BiPAP Plus with BiFlex, Heated Humidifier
Resmed Ultra Mirage II Nasal Mask with Headgear
Pressure @ 6/11

shortbus wrote:

I'm  fighting now to get a data capable Bipap. It's an uphill fight but I will not give up. My DME gives me the deer in the headlight look when I asked for a data capable bipap, telling me that the smart card only records hours of use.

A lot of people have reported this situation. Another perspective is that the doc writes the prescription, and the DME is supposed to fill it. (period).  So what does your doc say? And are you seeing a certified sleep specialist?

The DME will find excuses...there is no difference in the insurance code for reimbursment of a regular bottom line CPAP and a Cpap that is fully data capable.  Problem is the DME doe snot make as much money.

Go AHead and try the CPAP with the cold.  I find it easier to breathe with it on...that is just my opinion.  Seems to push past the congestion for me.  Just make sure you keep it very clean.  AND...if it is allergy time where you are...and you have allergies, keep your filters clean too.

Thanks for all your responses.  My doctor is an Ontarologist (SP?) but I did see the sleep doctor after before becasue I could nto fall asleep for the  tests.

I used my mask last night and you are right Mrs. Rip; it did make me breath better.  I only slept a little over 2 hours though and I do not remember taking my mask off once again.  I did not wash my filter for a week so I will do that tonight, thanks!  

I have so much work becasue I was out sick yesterday.  I wish I could stay on the site but cannot.
Bye for now.

Grateful! wrote:

I have a sore throat and a cold so I have not used my c-pap for two nights becasue the DME had originally said if you are sick do not use it.

First, I would never take medical advice from a DME.  (or an internet forum for that matter! )  Check with your Doctor.

I always use my CPAP when sick and have a spare full face mask to use if my nose is clogged.  When you are sick, that's when you need your rest the most!  The last thing you need when sick is to also be exhausted from no sleep.

Thank you BarryKaraoke!
You are right.  Also, when I said I slept only 2 hours I meant 2 hours with the mask but I slept a total of 8 to 9 hours last night (my usual was 9 to 10 so I am improving).  Believe me I always get my sleep; without it I am a basket case.  I just need quality sleep with my mask and some nights are better than others but I will keep on using it because I need it desperately and I feel much better since I have gotten it.

do you have a humidifier it should help with a cold


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respironics comfort gell mask,resmed S6 lightweight CPAP, pressure 10 no humidifier
NO DOCTOR EVER ASKED ME IF I SNORED

Yes, I have a humidifier.  It is set on 3 so perhaps I should set it to 4 or 5 which is the max.
Thank you.

BarryKaraoke wrote:

Grateful! wrote:

I have a sore throat and a cold so I have not used my c-pap for two nights becasue the DME had originally said if you are sick do not use it.

First, I would never take medical advice from a DME.  (or an internet forum for that matter! )  Check with your Doctor.

I always use my CPAP when sick and have a spare full face mask to use if my nose is clogged.  When you are sick, that's when you need your rest the most!  The last thing you need when sick is to also be exhausted from no sleep.

I wouldn't discount Advice too quickly because there's a wealth of information here. In my case, the Doctor is not well informed about Sleep Apnea, and CPAP machines. I had to take my condition into my own hands, and really get involved. I'm glad that I did because I doubt I would get this far if I relied on a Sleep Doctor, or a DME.


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5'9 234lbs 37 years Old Male
Original Sleep Study: AHI = 30

Owner of Remstar Auto A Flex M series
ResMed Ultra Mirage Full Face Mask
Viewer 1.0 Software, Smartcard Reader
Integrated Heater/humidifier
Prescribed setting: 7-10 Cm