New to CPAP/Airsense Sleep Apnea machines - how did you choose the model you have?

[daughter-Advocate]

Hi all, new to this community. My dad's sleep test came back with severe Sleep Apnea results. We're told by the Neurologist to go on Resmed.com and a few other sites to see which model we want to rent (covered by Medicare). Currently considering the Airsense 11, but would love to some guidance and first hand experiences on how you chose the machine & mask you currently are using.

How soon did you feel an improvement to your overall sleep and health? Did any bad symptoms improve after using the machine?

Is it better to purchase the machine ourselves? Or should we rent through insurance to try it out then order?

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Background:

Dad has insomnia and if on the off chance he is lucky to catch some zz's, he'll get maybe 30 to 60mins and then gets up frequently at night to pee so we need something that's easy for him to remove by himself, or at least something that won't be a nuisance to his bathroom frequency routine. Def don't want him to have an accident or forget the mask is attached.

[SpeedyH]

Hopefully someone in the US can reply to you as things are very different here in the UK as we get given a suitable machine, all calibrated and ready to go.

There are three components that you need to consider: the cpap machine, a humidifier and the mask.

From your background information, I'm guessing you are looking for the least hassle option. Cpaps can dry out your mouth and nose and a humidifier is a tank of water that attaches to the machine and heats and moistens the air as it is pumped. They are a faff as they have to be topped up and regularly cleaned etc. If you live in an area that is not too dry you probably won't need one.

Here us the UK many people are issued with the Airsense 10 which is a basic reliable machine.

Your father might do better with a less restrictive mask, perhaps one with 'pillows' that sit under and just inside the nose. You can get models on soft flexible headbands too. Look at the Resmed Airfit p10.

The Airsense 10 has a setting whereby you can put on your mask and it detects this and automatically switches on and when you take the mask off it switches off.

Hope this helps a bit x

[Opie__]

I am in the SE US, I too found out I had severe SA, never thought I did. I have ResMed Airsense AutoSet, it is a rental but after 12 months will be mine outright. I took my healthy insurance with me when I retired from PO so I don't have Part B with Medicare, just my regular insurance. I pay 6.41. My ST was out of Vanderbilt and they sent me to a Respitory Therapist locally. They tried several types on me and found what they thought was best fit. I have been using it for 4 months now. I recently went back to therapist for new cushions because mine started to link air. I had some trouble adjusting to the face mask, I am a restless sleeper and a side sleeper, so I know I am disturbing my fit at times. I am still getting used to it but believe it is beneficial for my health (ie heart health). The Resp Therapist has been extremely helpful to call and visits. Good luck geting relief

[daughter-Advocate in reply to Opie__]

My dad also has Medicare Part B so I'm guessing his coinsurance would be about the same.

Do you have the AirSense Autoset 10 or 11? Which type of mask do you have? How is it going so far? Have any of your problematic symptoms improved since using the cpap machine?

[Opie__ in reply to daughter-Advocate]

Yes, I have AirSense 11 autoset. I have a mask that covers my mouth and under my nose. I am doing better with the cpap, I still struggle at times. I am a restless sleeper so I move a lot during sleep, my mask will leak if I am very restless. I didn't really have any symptoms, I never believed I had sleep apnea til sleep study. I sleep about the same as before cpap and never had an daytime sleepiness. I will see neurologist in a couple of weeks, so I will talk to her about any changes I might need. I went thru respiratory therapist and they have been very helpful. I am not sure I would know where to start on my own