On Tuesday of the upcoming week I am to be fitted for a mask and to get a machne, that THEY say costs $1200.00( my insurance will cover part of it).  Two concerns are:

1  During my sleep study I hated the mask, and had it removed after 3 hours.  It was so tight across the bridge of my nose it gave me pain, it seemed to fill up with water, and it kept forcing my mouth open with such force that it woke me up.  What are kinds of masks are there, espcially something that does not have to go across the bridge of the nose. What questions should I be asking during the fitting.

2.  On the internet I have never seen a machine that costs as much as $1200.00.  Does that price sound like a rip off or what.

Of course, if all this really works for me, I really do not care what it costs, but it does seem like if i cut out the middleman, it could be less.  I guess the problem is one needs a prescription to get the machine.  Sound like collusion to me.  What have you all experienced in this regard?

Barry

Barry wrote:

On Tuesday of the upcoming week I am to be fitted for a mask and to get a machne, that THEY say costs $1200.00( my insurance will cover part of it).  Two concerns are:

1  During my sleep study I hated the mask, and had it removed after 3 hours.  It was so tight across the bridge of my nose it gave me pain, it seemed to fill up with water, and it kept forcing my mouth open with such force that it woke me up.  What are kinds of masks are there, espcially something that does not have to go across the bridge of the nose. What questions should I be asking during the fitting.

2.  On the internet I have never seen a machine that costs as much as $1200.00.  Does that price sound like a rip off or what.

Of course, if all this really works for me, I really do not care what it costs, but it does seem like if i cut out the middleman, it could be less.  I guess the problem is one needs a prescription to get the machine.  Sound like collusion to me.  What have you all experienced in this regard?

Barry

Barry,

From local providers you will see higher prices.  This is due to a lot of factors.  The biggest is having certified people to fit masks etc.  I personally bought off the internet and with my insurance was only responsible for 20%.  Before you do order off the internet, make sure you do the math and make sure that you get reimbursed if you purchase yourself.  

Regards,

Barry,

Print out the internet price fro the machine that you are getting and see if the local provider will match it. Regarding the mask, make sure you get one that you think will work for you. The mask is a very important part of your therapy and if you get one that you know won't work you are almost guaranteed to fail with your therapy. You may have to fight a little to get the "right stuff"

I am also new to using the CPAP---I have a ResMed and my doctor insisted that be the machine I get from the insurance company.  My doctor also has sleep apenea and uses that machine.  I have had to have the representative come back 3 or 4 times to adjust it correctly.  It turns out the company I got the machine from did not carry t his model so they too were learning.  I found out I was wearing the mask wrong; too tight; etc.  Finally, I am gaining the benefits from the machine.  So keep at it and get the service you need!

Good luck


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Barbara

Barry, a lot of people like these masks that don't touch the bridge of the nose:

Swift by ResMed
Breeze with nasal pillows by Puritan Bennett
Aura by Aeiomed
Nasal Aire II by Innomed

Another extremely good mask that does touch the bridge of the nose, but has an extremely comfortable, very leakproof cushion is the Activa by ResMed.  It's amazing how the Activa works - the straps are worn almost floppy loose.

Barry

I experimented with several before settling. Now I alternate between two: (1) a full face mask that leaves marks on my and has leak problems but that always leaves me felling rested, and (2) a device called "cpap pro" which consists of a form-fitted bite guard and two "nasal pillows." cpap pro is very very comfortable, compact for trraveling, and effective, but not all of the time. I use it 75% of the time and the full face mask 25%.  

Seems to me that there is room for technological innovation and some enterprising engineer will come up with a better design. Until then... I think experimentation is the only way. Unless you were fortunate and found one right away that works for you. Cost, of course< is a barrier. As is access to suppliers (physical, not web-based) who carry multiple models.

Best of luck

Rich

I think you will find there are a number of us that use more than one mask/interface.  Personally I alternate between 2.  As RG says, most people have more than one pair of shoes...  

Rick, thanks for the idea of two masks.  I like that idea.  I am going to look into next week.  I know my insurance won't pay for a second, but I can handle it.

Barry

im newly diagnosed im on medicade will it  pay for cpap

Depends on what state you live in, but very likely it will If not  "Awake in America" has a program to donate equipment to those who need finanacial assistance.  There is a link in the "favorite links" section of the board

Barry

The price of your machine is cheaper than mine($1700).  Be glad the insurance is paying at least half.  My insurance is paying the whole amount(Thank God).  Can not help with the mask problem.  Ask what types they carry and if you can try each.  Good Luck

Christy


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Christina Searcy

Barry wrote:

:roll: On Tuesday of the upcoming week I am to be fitted for a mask and to get a machne, that THEY say costs $1200.00( my insurance will cover part of it).  Two concerns are:

1  During my sleep study I hated the mask, and had it removed after 3 hours.  It was so tight across the bridge of my nose it gave me pain, it seemed to fill up with water, and it kept forcing my mouth open with such force that it woke me up.  What are kinds of masks are there, espcially something that does not have to go across the bridge of the nose. What questions should I be asking during the fitting.

2.  On the internet I have never seen a machine that costs as much as $1200.00.  Does that price sound like a rip off or what.

Of course, if all this really works for me, I really do not care what it costs, but it does seem like if i cut out the middleman, it could be less.  I guess the problem is one needs a prescription to get the machine.  Sound like collusion to me.  What have you all experienced in this regard?



Barry

Hi Barry,

The most important part of cpap is the mask, or whatever interface you want to use.

Practically all masks are interchangeable, ie a ResMed mask will work with a Respironics machine and vice versa. This means that you don't have to be stuck with one brand for everything. EG I use a ResMed S7 machine with an Ultra Mirage mask. For a change I alternate the mask with a Fisher & Paykell Flexifit mask and am delighted with both.

It sounds like your mask was too tight during your sleep study. You might consider a mask with forehead cushions (such as Ultra Mirage, Activa or Flixifit which takes pressure away from the nose and allow a looser fit. During the fitting 'demand' comfort. Question the tech about how the mask reacts while lying on your back or side etc. Don't be afraid to tell them that you are not happy.

The higher price of machines often has a built in cost to cover a tech calling to your house to fit you up. If you purchase on the internet, your equipment arrives by UPS or DHL, you sign a receipt and its up to you. Manufacturers guarantee only applies.

You are the customer. You will have to hammer out the best deal you can.

Daniel