Vicki wrote:
Most people who are not successful with CPAP have not had good support and followup. Before permanently using something like this, I would prefer they either find a better DME or doctor for follow up care and/or spend time on a support forum.
I am not sure that the majority of noncompliance is because of pressure issues. The main compliants here are related to mask leaks and discomfort, humidity problems and exhalatory relief, which as you know, can be overcome with EPR and C-flex.
There have been literally thousands of people who have become successful and compliant CPAP users (and therefore have compensated apnea) who have been helped here.
Vicki
I am not going to disagree with you, but you have to consider that a lot users that come to this board WANT to chat with people who do use it, want to find ways to better adapt, want to find out why they are having problems, ETC. This board is missing out on all of the people who simply refuse and drift off into the sunset.
My point was that this device, no matter simplistic it is, is better than nothing at all. Thats all. I advocate CPAP, but, as im sure you know, many people simply refuse.
As a matter of fact, I had a patient several weeks ago who woke up feeling great after a split night study. I began talking to him and he said that he only came because his wife made him and there (and I quote) was no chance in hell he was going to use the device. He ripped his prescription up at his follow up. I dont plan on seeing him on this board anytime soon.
Im not arguing and, while I think that you are very knowledgeable, this board sees a lot of people who really really want to get better. There are a lot of stubborn people who want nothing to do with it and in some cases do nothing with it. Thats all.