Posted by SleepyEyez on January 17, 2007 at 09:18:17:

Hello, I've been recently diagnosed with OSA, and am on the verge of getting my first CPAP machine. However, I've been reading about how many peple prefer the APAP to CPAP. However, should everyone try to get an APAP? Is there a particular reason that someone should have one or the other. Should I refuse the first machine offered to me by the DME, because it may be "basic entry level equipment"? In other words.....I've read a lot of debate about machines, but still have no clue which machine I should choose for myself.

Here are my numbers:
During my first PSG, My AHI was 27.24, which was excacerbated by REM sleep (46.94) and supine position (38.70). Oxygen desats were classified as mild (as low as 87%). Snoring was intermittent and low to moderate in volume and RDI = 28/hr. I slept for 6.5 hours and awoke 4 times over the course of the study.

During my titration study, the report says that there was complete resolution of apnea with nasal CPAP pressure of 7 cm. My AHI at all pressures was >1, and oxygen saturation was at 97%. I slept for 6.5 hours and woke up 8 times. It was also noted that I spent an inordinate about of time in stage 1 sleep (11%), which is double than my first PSG. The report recommended another PSG with CPAP in 12 months to "confirm treatment efficacy."

For the most part, I understand the reports, except that I had spontaneous electrocortical arousals in both studies (17/hr & 29/hr, respectively). What does that mean and does it matter? I'd like to add that I felt like I woke up several more times than listed in the reports, particularly during the 1st PSG.

The sleep lab left a message Last Friday to tell me the titration report was ready. Over the weekend I received a message from a DME that they wanted to come and deliver my CPAP. When I spoke to the RT yesterday, I told her that I didn't want to accept a machine without 1st seeing my report, which I had already arranged to pick up that afternoon. I also asked the RT what kind of CPAP did they have on order for me and she told me "it's a small one." So I had to ask her "What MODEL is it?" She said it was a RESMED DS 400. I looked it up and couldn't find any information on it. Does anyone know anything about this machine?

The RT also told me that my insurance paid 100% of the cost. It didn't occur to me until later that it seems like the purchase is a done deal, but I don't know how that is possible seeing as though I haven't signed for anything yet. And also, when I spoke to my insurance company last week, they said there was a $100 yearly deductible for all durable medical equipment.

I also received a copy of my perscription and it is for a straight CPAP, with heated humidifier and compliance download. The interface was listed as large nasal pillows, a Mirage Swift.

As a side note, when I was at the sleep lab yesterday I asked whether I could try out different machines, in case I had difficulty adjusting to it. I was told that I could try different masks but not machines because "they all do the same thing."

I have a follow up appointment with the sleep doctor on Monday afternoon. I'm thinking of delaying the delivery of the CPAP until after I see him. So the question for me is what machine do I want. I don't know if I need an auto CPAP. Obviously he didn't think so, or he would have prescribed one. But I certainly do not want to have another PSG anytime in the near (or far) future. So maybe the Auto would help in that respect. I am definately interested in a machine with software capabilities in order to monitor my progress myself.

I'm sorry this is so long winded, but I really need help figuring this all out. Any suggestions/comments will be greatly appreciated.

Follow Ups:

• Re: CPAP? APAP? What's a newbie to do? tomjax 14:58 1/17/07 (0)
• Re: CPAP? APAP? What's a newbie to do? SleepyTimeGal 12:51 1/17/07 (0)

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