Driving with sleep apnea

What I don't get about this CPAP machine is that it is just forcing more room air into you.

If a person is having that level of difficulty breathing, shouldn't they be on an oxygen machine?

 

Why thank you sir! I believe I'll go take a nap here pretty soon!

Hey I sincerely hope you go through your life without needing to use a CPAP!

I don't doubt this at all. However it was not the case with me. I really did figure I'd have a problem with it, as I do have claustrophobia, but I think I was so bad off, that overcoming the problem was relatively easy. FOR ME. That doesn't mean it will be for someone else though.

I also have NO DOUBT that there are scammers in this part of the medical industry, just as there are in ALL parts of the industry. I just feel fortunate that it worked out so well for me.

Joel for most of us, it is not a problem getting the oxygen through the blood system, as long as we can get air. What this machine does is to force the soft tissue in your throat to allow the airflow. This soft tissue, tends to block the airflow off in some individuals while they are laying down, though it gives them no problem when they are not laying down.

FWIW, there are CPAP machines that also dispense a percentage of oxygen with the forced air. But that is for people who have a problem such as COPD. Most of us don't need it.

 

Don,You are a class act,now if only we could get you to quit smo......Umm;er,nevermind..

 

ditto what 112 racing posted.....

$ 2,000 for just a CPAP is out of line. If it's $ 2,000 for testing, CPAP and first year's treatment that's about normal.

It's not just getting a cheap machine... you need someone to work with you to get adjusted ... get a mask style that works for you.... and fine tune the pressure for you.

If you don't get it treated it will kill you.

 

Here is what I was told. Your heart needs to slow down when you sleep. It can't if it is racing to make up for lack of oxygen from interrupted breathing.

I have had sleep apnea since I was a kid. Maybe a result of having my tonsils removed? BTW when I graduated high school I was 132lbs and 5'10" I try an sleep on my left side as I don't snore there.

I've never been tested or treated for sleep apnea.

 

I was told $750 the first night of testing and $850 the second night. I gave them $700 out of pocket. They billed my insurance company for $3100, the dang crooks.

Then I went to the medical equipment provider. I wanted to buy the machine and they wouldn't let me. Said I have to rent it for 13 months. Why 13 months? Why not 12? So you can get me for two yearly deductibles??
They bill my insurance company $150/month plus I have to pay $19 a month for the mask. That's close to $2000.

I saw the same CPAP on cpap.com for $700.

Yes the medical community is ripping people off. Now that I have problems with it, the RT could care less about me. I called 3 times and always get the same response, he's not there and he will call you back and never does. The CPAP company has adjusted my air 3 times and it just gets worse.

Anyone want to buy a CPAP? Bumpy?

 

Has anyone ever seen a driver wearing the mask while diving ???

 

I still have the old style,

prolly need to update............

 

I sometimes wear my hockey goalie mask,for fun..(And it is) while driving.