Hi,

Newbie here diagnosed with Sleep Apnea. My details are 43 year old generally fit man with 60 events per hour and lowest Blood Ox level of 84% without CPAP. The recommended CPAP setting is 7cm to make things normal. I'm trying to get comfortable with the treatment team and learn the roles of each member.

My sleep apnea medical team now includes:

- Primary Doctor -- who generally oversees my general health
- ENT Doctor -- who is technically my primary doctor for the Apnea Diagnosis. She also wrote the CPAP prescription based on the sleep center test.
- Sleep Center -- where I got my sleep test. There is a doctor who writes reports, but didn't author the diagnosis or meet with people...go figure
- Durable Medical Equipment Supplier -- selected by the Sleep Center based on my insurance info and the prescription from my ENT.

Two questions are screaming out in this process. First, who do you rely on to make sure your CPAP is properly prescribed/fitted and working? Second, should I shop around for Durable Medical Equipment suppliers to fulfill my CPAP/Humidifier/Mask prescription?

I'm sensing the DME supplier is pretty important in the process, but I'm a bit uncomfortable that the Sleep center more than me or my ENT selected that vendor.

I'd appreciate your experience and guidance....Thanks.

BILL

PS: sorry for the double entry...newbie like I said.

Hi, Pidgin Bill,
My sleep center gave me a list of medical suppliers I might like to try.  I didn't like the first one I tried, and quit them after a few weeks.  Fortunately, I liked the next supplier I tried, and didn't lose too much money by changing machines, etc.  I would also be uncomfortable with my sleep lab telling me where to get my supplies.  Vested interest here?
Marlene


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Started with face mask, had skin problems with silicone, tried many tried many types of masks, methods to avoid skin problems, currently using $25 ?disposable? vinyl nasal mask, with no skin problems. CPAP set at 17.

You can use any DME provider you want. I didn't like the one my ENT pointed me to (Apria) as they were far too sluggish in getting me an appointment. They also claimed they didn't have any auto units in stock and it would take six weeks to get one. I called my insurance company and they gave me the name of another provider in my area and they worked out much better. I still had to push them a bit to get my APAP sooner rather than later but overall I was happy I switched.

If you are counting on insurance to pay for this, then call them and ask which providers in your area they work with. Your ENT will need to fax the prescription to whichever DME provider you go with.

EDIT: it's the DME provider that will show you how to use the CPAP and will fit you with a mask.

Hey Sleepy,

What is it with Apria?  I had major trouble with them too!  I had my foot reconstructed in Sept., ordered my crutches, shower chair, etc. and then when it didn't arrive after my surgery, they told me they had no record of my order!

Vicki


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That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

I think Apria has just gotten too big, they move soooo slow. They told me it could be a week after they got my prescription faxed before they would call to make an appointment for me. That appointment was for a classroom setting where I would learn with other people how to use the CPAP. They said it could be another week before I got into the class. At this point I was taking days off from work because I was so tired.

That's when I said thanks, hung up and called my insurance company to see if I had the option to go with another DME provider. I still had to be a little pushy to get my prescription filled (hey, I'm used to getting prescriptions filled the same day) but I had my CPAP and 1on1 training in 2 days. Several days later Apria called to set my appointment. I was glad to tell them I didn't need them.

MY original provider was Apria.  All I can say is that after going with my new one, I now realize why Apria is so bad.  With Apria, I had to go to their office.  With my current provider, they came to MY home.  Also, my current provider is in constant communication with me.  They call after a few days of getting your mask to make sure everything is ok.  They call every six months to order a new mask or other equipement if you need.  They're great!  Apria gave me NO followup whatsoever.  My doctor also mentioned that Apria just is not good.  Everyone in the office agreed as well.


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"You may only be one person to the world, but you may also be the world to one person."