Anyone have a functional, credible CPAP provider that accepts Medicare?

[SheltieLover]

I've had a sleep study. I have an rx.

Three fucking momths I've been trying to get a machine sent out & nothing.

Tyia!

On Edit: I've looked at the approved vendor list on the Medicare website. Why are they all rated so low?

[Silent Type]

1. A year or two ago there were some shortages of CPAP equipment and some had to recall machines because of problems.

Don't know if that is still a problem, but would not be suprised. Good luck.

[SheltieLover]

2. Pretty sure that was Phillips.

Big class action lawsuit.

They just seem to be dragging their feet.

Ty!

[Silent Type]

3. Yes, Phillips and one other. I just saw where Phillips is not accepting anymore orders after 12/31/2024.

[SheltieLover]

8. I believe they are out of the cpap biz

From what I read, their machines were basically poisoning users.

[in2herbs]

4. I think the med establishment is pushing for the device called Inspire and backing out of CPAPs

because of the health issues they've caused in the past.

[Lulu KC]

5. Totally anecdotal

But of the three or four doctors I've heard talk about Inspire with my husband, all of them said it is less effective than CPap.

[SheltieLover]

9. Ty

That's an implant, isn't it?

[Lulu KC]

13. Yes, it is n/t

[RandomNumbers]

19. What health issues? Caused by CPAP?

I just started CPAP. I'm still working on optimizing my process, but overall it is clearly a net win, if I go by my fitness tracker stats.

So I am curious about health issues caused by CPAP.

[Lulu KC]

6. I'm guessing they're rated low because they're hard to make work right

Last edited Tue Dec 17, 2024, 06:54 PM - Edit history (1)

I have been swimming in a sea of info about cpaps for weeks because of a very serious health condition of my husband's that was caused by untreated sleep apnea. Everyone I've spoken with laments how hard it is to use their cpap and how they find their mask on the floor in the morning. I've heard a couple of second-hand stories of people waking up refreshed after their first night of use, but that seems rare.

It is tricky to get the masks, settings, and other accessories (chin straps etc.) comfortable and effective at the same time. It takes focus and interest that seem to be beyond the capacity of sleep clinic employees, respiratory therapists, etc.

If you can get through all of that, it can work and be comfortable. When the doc tells you that untreated sleep apnea can cause strokes and heart problems they are not kidding, so it's well worth it.

Good luck finding your machine and making it work for you!

[SheltieLover]

10. I hope you find the right mask for him!

Untreated apnea not only causes strokes & heart attaxks, but non alcohol fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, high cholestetol, especially extremely hibh triglicerides, osteopenia, osteoporosis, high blood pressure & who knows what else.

Pls tell him not to give up on the mask issue. Find one that fits correctly & stays on.

[Lulu KC]

12. Thanks!

I think with the nose pillow type plus a chin strap we might have found the magic formula. Plus some Flonase before bed and a tee-shirt with a tennis ball in a pocket in the back. Really, it makes for some funny photos.

A dear friend said her lifesaver for staying on her side, where she has less apnea, is a pregnancy pillow. There is one on its way to him right now. Then he won't have to wear the tennis ball tee shirt. I might get one for myself. Looks cozy, pregnant or not!

[SheltieLover]

14. Excellent!

Not sure what a preg pillow is. Whatever they are, guessing they didn't exist 40 yrs ago. Lol. I'll go look it up.

I have to have the full face mask with air fed thru top because I am a book slut & read in bed a lot. Lol

Kudos to you both for staying at it until you found solutions!

Sadly 87% of seniors with sleep apnea are never dxd. Why are screening questions not part of annual physical?

Good luck with it!

[SheltieLover]

15. I like the looks of the preg pillow, but if he is a side sleeper

He should have a pillow that extends down to support feet, or else that is likely to pull on his hips.

Just a thought. I just picked up 2 queen size pillows at Target for $3.50 each for this purpose, 1 in reserve. Lol

[Lulu KC]

16. Hmm

Okay, will keep in mind!

[SheltieLover]

17. Take a look at all the pix on Amazon of preg pillows

Why are feet not supported?

I had a prob with hip because Im a side sleeper & wasn't sleeping with a pillow between knees long enough to support feet.

[Wifes husband]

7. CPAP

I have had one since 2007. Wonderful device. Takes about a week to get used to it. Most important thing is to keep it clean. You have to follow the cleaning instructions religiously.

[SheltieLover]

11. Ty!

Will do.

[Wifes husband]

18. CPAP

Do not over think this.

You can sleep on your back even if you think you can't. You will be able to sleep on your side once you get used to it.

This is not as big a deal as people tell you it is. The CPAP is going to make you feel much better