This seems stupid but...

Go buy a cheap apap and call it good

 

Kinda not really. All you really have to do is try it out on the base setting and on my dream station which is like $500 it shows you how many AHI or “apnea events” you have. If I were you I’d buy one you can set the pressure and see your AHI. All my doctor did was see that and set it to a higher pressure to open your airway more. One thing I’ve figured out is everything is way over priced for what you get.

 

Not necessarily stupid.

One year I found myself not in a position to go trucking for a few weeks. I ended up saving 1000+ doing dishes at a fast food place full time for a couple of months. Then I had the funds to go back onto the road without borrowing money.

The idea is you work locally at home save a bunch of money and examine CPAP options under the guidiance of your doctor. There are certain features you need to have with those machines as well as the ability to disinfect and clean them regularly or it will make you sick and record keeping etc to show compliance.

I see it as costly and a semi scam, however it does help many people when used. Im just not one of those who will do something like that or worry about it myself. And insurance I have.

Medical billing for tests etc, no matter how big or small cannot sue you in civil court as long you pay a good faith 10.00 a month to them. Legally they cannot sue. We did have one hospital in Jacksonville close down because of 15 millions of overdue patient unpaid bills vs 9 million of building and contents value. So that ones out of business.

Retail billing against you is really expensive. If you had insurance it will be reduced (Provided deductible for (Cash pocket from you amount) is paid for the year.)

So if you have no money for something cannot afford insurance and are required to take a test to get a DOT Card to go make money and get benefits and so on the situation is impossible. Not stupid. You follow me?

 

You can get a machine online, the Philips DreamStation, is one of the top rated machines (I have it) and is under $500. The problem you're going to run into is needing a prescription for the unit and supplies. Most places, will require a prescription from your doctor, regardless of how you pay (insurance/self pay) for the unit and for the supplies that you'll need to change out every month to three months. By supplies I mean things like replacements hoses, masks, headgear, filters, etc.

Another thing to consider which is really important is your mask and headgear. There are lots of different mask and mask sizes. Depending on how you breath when you sleep (mouth open/closed) you maybe able to use just a nose piece vs a full mask. Getting fitted for the right size mask is important for a few reasons. You need a proper seal around the mask, too small or too large can make that difficult to achieve. Have a proper fitted mask, allows for better sleep and for the machine do it's job. Comfort is key. There are lots of different masks and headgear that all fir a little differently. Finding what works best for you, isn't a long process, but it's an important step.

If you can find a place online or even locally that you can purchase these things without a script, you'll be fine. Basic settings actually work for most people and are easy to adjust. I will say it can take some getting use to. Having something strapped to your face isn't a natural feeling. The pressure from something blowing in your face can take a little time too.

Pro Tips: Don't wear it if you're sick to your stomach/nauseous. Don't eat an hour before wearing your device. If you use humidification (water) always use distilled water, never tap. You don't want to breath whatever minerals or organisms that's in the water, plus is can wear out your machine faster.

Hope that helps or gives you something to think about.

 

I second everyone else but just don’t go get insurance for this one thing. You can record everything if you know how and look into it before buying and even call companies to get everything you need. You need a 30 day report of greater than 4 hours therapy time or time with mask on and machine running per month for DOT standards According to my doc. And then just adjust the settings like kemosabi says.