sounds dreadful but I'm actually ELATED to find out there is a reason for my constant sleepiness. I had a feeling and was undergoing workup for gastric bypass surgery. Part of the workup is a sleep study.They called today to confirm I have it and to schedule me to come back for CPAP titration on Nov 13. I am nervous about going through the hassle of getting the machine but excited at the prospect of getting 8 hours of sleep and be fully rested!  

Congrats mamatomoonbeam,

I know exactly how you feel as I was very happy to have a cause for my sleepiness...exhaustion.  The next part of the sleep study isn't too bad.  I was lucky to have a split-night sleep study so when the tech slapped the mask on me I was pretty much out of it from exhaustion.  I can tell you once you get your machine AND the right mask you'll know the journey through CPAP land was well worth it.  As many people say here finding the right mask is the key to compliance.

Good luck and hope you feel better very soon.

Melinda

I just took the test, they told me if I wake up 80 times an hour or more they would hook me up.  They came in at 1:30 a.m. hooked me up.  Felt so good the next day.  Can't wait to get my machine.  My wife will also be able to sleep.  Bad news - good news

Docs says I'm getting one, but what do I look for in a breathing machine?

Congrats Mamatomoonbeam!  I felt the same way - it was fantastic to finally know the reason for all those symptoms, and a relief that it's something that's controllable.  There's light at the end of the tunnel for you now, and it's not a freight train (though it can sound like one at times, hehe)!

Tired in Michigan (I'm in MI, too, btw) - as to what to look for, part of it will be determined by what your prescription says.  If you need a bipap machine it'll be different than a cpap one.  I'm a computer geek, and wanted to make sure I got a machine that would let me download information and print graphs/charts.  My insurance company pays 100% of CPAP costs, but only if I go through the DME they specify, which is Wright & Filippus here in Michigan.  I talked to a very nice Respiratory Therapist (RT) at their office, and explained to her that I wanted a machine with that capability.  My prescription also specified c-flex, so she said, "Well to get that smartcard data ability with c-flex, you need a REMStar Pro2 machine, I can get you that."  So that's what I ended up with.

If I were buying it myself, I'd have gone with an auto-pap (APAP) machine just for the flexibility.  But that would have ended up being around $400 out of my pocket, versus $0 (with my insurance) for the CPAP.


_________________
--Frank (FJC)

tired in michigan wrote:

Docs says I'm getting one, but what do I look for in a breathing machine?

Frank gave some great insights.
Also, be sure to insist on a heated humidifier.  That's pretty much standard now, but make sure you get it.
You will need it and it will make a big difference.

You said you had your sleep study.  If you  haven't already, be sure to get a copy of the sleep study report.
My doctor went over that report with me, but heck, I was still in a brain fog, it was good to have the info at my fingertips.
Plus, it's your right, and you will find it answers many of your questions about your condition and the prescribed treatment.


Linda

Hi,
  Congratulations on your diagnosis.  By your post, I assume you plan on moving forward with the weight loss surgery.  If so, you might want to try to get an autopap authorized.  For most people, a cpap works equally as well, however, if your apnea is weight dependent (not everyone's is) you may find that for each twenty or so pounds you lose, you need a pressure adjustment.  Rather than return to the sleep lab for a "retitration" multiple times during your weight loss, the autopap would adjust with your weight loss.  Most insurance companies won't pay the extra money for an autopap, but if you advise them now this will save them the expense of retitrations, perhaps you can show it is financially advantageous to them to purchase it up front. Call customer service at your insurance company to find what documentation you need to get this aurthorized. If your doctor approves of the autopap, and the insurance company balks, perhaps you can pay the difference privately.
  With winter approaching, with it's dry air, be sure to insist on a heated humidifier.  And ask your DME to allow you to try on several mask styles, including nasal pillows.  A comfortable, well-fitted mask is the most critical factor in cpap sleeping comfort and compliance with therapy!
  Best wishes with your cpap therapy and weight loss.  Keep us posted along your journey!!

Okie wrote:

And ask your DME to allow you to try on several mask styles, including nasal pillows.

What is a DME? I just had the second sleep study done lasat night. Is that the person who did the test or will my DME be someone where I get the equipment?

Frank wrote:

Okie wrote:

And ask your DME to allow you to try on several mask styles, including nasal pillows.

What is a DME? I just had the second sleep study done lasat night. Is that the person who did the test or will my DME be someone where I get the equipment?

Equipment supplier.  (Durable Medical Equipper)  

Where you get equipment from varies.  But as said before, make sure you get a mask that YOU can live with.  A while back I reviewed a mask that I had excellent results with, but a lot of folks had problems.  There are masks that tend to work better for most people, but don't get discouraged if someone's favorite mask doesn't work for you.  The important part in this is that you stay committed to therapy.  It really is a matter of life and death.

Thanks for the advice everyone.  Sorry to Mamatomoonbeam for stepping on your discussion.  I'm knew to this.