CPAP machine
- Thread starter bmwquay
- Start date
The Dr who did the test should be the 1 recommending the unit. Or ask about a mouth guard appliance. Everyone's different.
I've used both & love my mouth guard over CPAP
I suggest you get the one that adjusts the pressure automatically rather than one with a set pressure (more expensive though).
A CPAP takes some time to get used to. Some people harm their health by giving up on a CPAP. Force yourself to spend the whole night wearing the CPAP each night and you will eventually get used to it.
You could try your luck on Kijiji and Craigslist, but buyer beware.
I bought an expensive, brand-new unit for only $100 from a guy on ODSP (from Craigslist) who thought the CPAP was too complicated.
I have another expensive unit, but it is a bit of a scam. They want me to buy a new mask and hose every 6 months because of so-called hygienic reasons (I clean the unit regularly).
Medigas is the vendor you're looking for - all throughout Ontario, they have stores and specialists that will set you up and advise on machine as well as mask type. Finding a suitable mask is critical as different folks will have varying preferences. Getting the wrong mask will lead to making the machine very difficult to use as it can be extremely uncomfortable if you go with the wrong one - medigas let's you book an appointment and try different masks so you get one that's comfortable for you.
As for machine type and pressure settings - your physician should be advising and setting the correct pressures based on what your sleep study and measures show.
As for machine type and pressure settings - your physician should be advising and setting the correct pressures based on what your sleep study and measures show.
I experienced first class service with https://www.cpapclinic.ca/ when I had to arrange a machine on short notice and without a Rx* for an out of town (US) friend who ended up in the hospital on an emergency and didn't have his CPAP machine. The salesman drove to the hospital with several machines and masks to try. Got him all fitted and set up perfectly! And their prices were below other big name companies who get fat off the grossly inflated prices charged to insurance companies and those vulnerable to high pressure sales.
Having said that, I have since learned that there are lots of them on Facebook marketplace and Kijiji from families selling them when their parent died. The only problem with that is that I understand getting the machine setup properly and finding and fitting the right mask is not intuitive and the expertise of an experienced technician is invaluable for those just starting CPAP. I'd think that it would worth buying new with the support and expertise of a good technician.
*I learned that you don't need a Rx for the automatic sensing 'Smart' CPAP machines as they automatically adjust for individual breathing. The conventional units need to have the lower and high pressure settings set and fine tuned.
My doctor didn't recommend a specific unit but he did in the Rx note CPAP pressure of 5 to 15 with humidifier and ramp. I am presuming pressure of 5 to 15 is the most common. The doctor also said cpap is almost 100% works whereas a mouth guard is something like 70%. May also be complications with mouthguard as it may move the jaw. I don't remember fully what he said. I may have remembered incorrectly.
I didn't realize there were models that adjusts pressure automatically. The doctor informed that CPAP is 75% covered by OHIP so I am looking to purchase from a reputable vendor that can assist with the OHIP reimbursement. The thought of buying something like this that is so important to health on kijji or craigslist or used is not appealing.
My doctor's gave me a list of two vendors. One of which is CPAP Solutions LId. I'll ask the doctor's office about Medigas.
The doctor provided the Rx and in the Rx the pressure setting is 5 to 15 with humidifier and ramp. I suppose humidifier and ramp is standard or is it not and 5 to 15 is the most common setting. This also is a range so I suppose I will have to try different settings within this range to find the ideal but how would one know what setting within a range is ideal?
Yes, the mouth guard moves your lower jaw forward, pulling the back of the tongue off the back of the throat...
I'd never go back to cpap after a mouth guard now for 10yrs. Cpap for 5 before that.
Yes, dropping some weight helps too
I'd never go back to cpap after a mouth guard now for 10yrs. Cpap for 5 before that.
Yes, dropping some weight helps too
I do have a mouth guard. Got it 2 years ago when I went to a new dentist and the dentist said I grind my teeth so told me I needed one. I found it very uncomfortable so I never use it. Is a mouthguard for sleep apnea different than a mouth guard for teeth grinding or is it the same? Is it really very comfortable? I suppose it's more comfortable than a cpap machine.
no its a different design. might help stop grinding teeth though too. designed for sleep apnea
Find Snoring & Sleep Apnea Treatment in London, Ontario (ortho-tmj.com)
Humidifier and ramp are definitely not standard and up to user preference. For example, my ramp is set out much longer in order to fall asleep before the settings kick in fully. My humidifier is off as the air was too warm for my liking. The ideal settings will take you time to calibrate and see what is most comfortable for you. The medigas folks will work with you here and so should your physician and their staff.
As for pressure setting - follow your physician here.
I wore a CPAP nose and mouth machine, after a few years of constantly removing it and throwing across the room because of increased pressure which would start the cover start shaking so much that it would wake me up, I stopped using it and I really don't miss it. There is a new product now that is a chip that is inserted inside the upper throat area but only available in the U.S. If any one has seen the commercial by Inspire Sleep. Com, watching guys waking up in the middle of the night and throwing the cover across the room, that was me. I should have been in that commercial.LOL.
Not sure but I wear a Fitbit at night which shows my heart rate and I can check my sleep pattern when I wake up. It does show that I am awake about 1 hr each night usually a few minutes at a time during a 6 to 7 hr sleep. I just can't handle those CPAP masks.
Dude, you have to stick with the CPAP machine for your health. Force yourself to wear the mask for the whole night each night. Eventually, you will get used to it.
Clear instance of someone with the wrong mask or hasn't given enough of an attempt to wear it daily.
It's critical you use the device if you've been prescribed/have sleep apnea. It doesn't matter how one "feels" - sleep apnea is life threatening.
Loosing weight is the best solution though it is difficult. When it happens the cavities inside your body gets roomier that solve the snoring problems.
