CPAP Machines

[cvillewasherbo]

I've seen a reference or two about CPAP machines, and I'd like to know if anyone has bought a new one lately, and what kind it is, and how they like it.

I'm in the market (I have a 6 year old Respironics that has been good but is a POS now) so I'm in the market. Any recommendations would be most helpful.

I'm buying this myself and not going through my insurance company--however--I already know that I have to have a script due to FDA regulations--that won't be a problem.

Any comments would be helpful.

Thanks
Courtney in Waynesboro VA

 

[danemodsandy]

Oicks!

What a country!

The FDA requires a script for a machine that cannot possibly be used for harm, yet it can't seem to protect us against big-bucks drugs that don't work and sometimes kill people.

 

[nmaineman36]

I have a Fisher and Paykel CPAP machine SleepStyle 200 model. It has the built in humidifier. It runs relatively quiet and its a lifesaver. I also have the nasel pillow model for the nose. Much easier than the face mask...doesnt get as hot and the diffuser doesnt bother my partner. One thing though is in the winter if you dont use the humidifier the nose does dry out and can be painful. I bought this myself since I was fighting with the insurance co and they denied me 3 times...i guess a freight train snore isnt bad to them. I had a script after going for my sleep study.
So to make a long story short after I bought the machine the stupid insurance co sent me a machine ...a Respironics one...the Fisher and Paykel machine is much better. I bought it online at CPAPsupply.com

 

[nurdlinger]

On my third one since '96

Each has been a RemStar and none has given problems. I currently have the "M" series BiPap with the heated humidifier, and it is very small compared to the other two. The most recent other was the RemStar Pro with the Oasis pass-over humidifier. I would probably still be using that but the humidifier began to leak and I couldn't obtain a new prescription for a replacement without a sleep study and that indicated the BiPap usage. All of these machines were "rented" for me by my health insurance provider until such time as I owned them outright. The DME provider furnished the machine and mask and carry case, but I bought all the supplies (filters, nose spacers, replacement masks and straps, etc.) after the original contact.

I was content with the "Pro". It seems to me that the "M" makes more noise, but its small size is very attractive.

Do check out the link, I've been buying supplies over the internet from this guy for as long as I remember, and it seems to me he is price-competitive on the CPAP devices as well.

http://www.cpapman.com/remstar1.html

 

[mattl]

Vpap

My dad was diagnosed with apnea maybe 10+ years ago. He got a machine and used it for about 2 months but the noise and inconvenience turned him off, ended up giving it back when the insurance company complained about it's non use. Anyway fast forward to last fall. He had been in and out of the hospital with congestive heart failure complicated by kidney failure, and I convinced him to go for another sleep study. Turns out he has central apnea and had a very high number of episodes during the test.

They prescribed a VPAP machine, he is one of 6 in the area to have one. It is a computer monitored unit that varies the pressure based on his respiration, and can act as a respirator if needed. It has a built in humidifier and is silent. The insurance company and Medicare did not balk at the $6000 price tag. He's been using it since mid-November and had not had any problems with fluid retention, it took a lot of strain off his heart, he 93 btw.

The only downside to this machine is the fact that it requires a full face mask and it's has been a problem getting it situated in a way as not to irritate his nose. His dermatologist gave us a roll of foam tape that has helped greatly. He had developed a sore on the bridge of his nose hat would not heal due to the irritation. I'm looking forward to next month when he will be able to get a new mask, he gets one every 6 mo., and try a different type. I have a number of cousins who also use CPAPs and they like the nasal type of gear that goes up and over their head. Everyone I know who has a machine has reported that they feel much better using it.

Courtney it's too bad you have to stand the expense of the machine but I know it's worth it.

 

[countryguy]

I've had sleep apnea for almost 10 years now and am on my 3rd machine. All have been Respironics. I started with a CPap, then went to BiPap and for the past 8 months have used a BiPap Auto with Biflex and heated humidifier. In the beginning I tried almost every kind of mask/nasal plugs that were available trying to find out that fit comfortably and didn't leak air every which way. For the past 5 years or so I have been using a full face mask (I became a mouth breather after using the machines) and have had relatively good success with it. There is the odd night where no matter what I do I can't get the mask to fit properly and the sound of the leaking air drives me crazy. And I also have a permanent bump on the bridge of my nose from the mask. You'd think after all these years the manufacturers would be able to make a mask that fits comfortably.

Gary

 

[countryguy]

PS. I should add that here in Ontario, the government pays for 75% of the cost of the machine and mask. And if you have health benefits through your employer then usually they will pay for the remaining 25 % so there is no out of pocket expense for me. Also, the government will pay for a new machine every 5 years provided that your doctor prescribes a new one. The first Cpap machines I had cost $1600, the Bipap was $3200 and the Bipap auto with biflex was $3500. Thank goodness for the government reimbursement and my employer benefits.

Gary

 

[cvillewasherbo]

CPAP machines

What is the difference betweeen CPAP, BIPAP, etc. I've only had a CPAP and have heard about the others but really don't know about them.

I have used a mask that covers my nose and some of my face but not my mouth. I do have a "permanent" dent in my forehead from those masks and after I get up from sleeping have the lines on my face from the bands that hold it on. I most of the time have leaks and then just put my hand over the thing and press it in tighter and go back to sleep.

Even when I just want to take a brief nap, if I don't use the machine, I will just be falling asleep and notice that I'm not breathing and then wake up. Is this normal? or do I need to consult yet ANOTHER doc about it?

I'm seriously considering the ResMed S8 Elite with Mirage Activa mask. Anyone have experience with that?

For all of you snorers out there, I highly recommend that you see a doc, get a sleep study, and consider using a machine. You'd be surprised how much better you sleep and feel during the daytime, as well as not waking up every 5 minutes or so gasping for air.

C

 

[nurdlinger]

CPAP vs. BiPAP

The CPAP delivers constant pressure. The BiPAP lowers the pressure a bit when you exhale. That's the short answer. Why this is a benefit will need to be explained by others.

Although counter-intuitive, marks on the skin from the mask & straps, along with excessive leaking, can be caused by the straps being too tight. Also I found that cleaning the oil off of my face and the gasket on the mask which contacts the face can reduce leakage as well.

The mask I prefer after trying several is a Respironics Gold Seal. This mask is no longer made but I stocked up when they started getting scarce. It is real similar to the current-day mask called the Profile Lite.

 

[dirtybuck]

I Have One Also

And I need to go back to using it. Feeling real tired all through the day, and gaining weight like crazy due to my crappy diet.

 

[countryguy]

When you take a nap, you should use the cpap machine after all you are sleeping If you don't use it then it is normal to wake up because you aren't breathing. Your brain makes you wake up and start breathing again because it knows it isn't getting the oxygen that it needs.

Cpap machines deliver constant pressure so if you have severe sleep apnea like I do, the pressure of the machine has to be set high and therefore when you are exhaling, you are doing so against the pressure that the machine generates. This makes exhaling more difficult and also causes leakages from the mask. Bipap solves that problem because it has 2 pressures - the high one when you are inhaling and then a lower one when you exhale making it easier. Bipap auto goes a step further in that it automatically lowers/raises both the inhale and exhale pressures based on how it determines you are breathing or whether you are having an apnea episode. So as you go into the different stages of sleep it will change the pressure to match your breathing or lack of breathing.

Gary