Originally Posted by Cloud Nine (Post 2290442)

Hello all,
I have been using a CPAP machine for one year in October, struggling and not enjoying the tubes and equipment. I believe I am supposed to be checked by a physician at least once a year as required by either the insurance company or by Medicare.
I received extremely poor education on its use…. About 20 to 30 minutes tops.
What I am requesting is advice on a new medical practice who will help me and reeducate in Cpap use.
Currently, I am with Ocala Lung and they keep scheduling me and then canceling appointments. This has happened twice this month.
Any suggestions for a new medical practice?
Thank you

Originally Posted by Cloud Nine (Post 2290442)

Hello all,
I have been using a CPAP machine for one year in October, struggling and not enjoying the tubes and equipment. I believe I am supposed to be checked by a physician at least once a year as required by either the insurance company or by Medicare.
I received extremely poor education on its use…. About 20 to 30 minutes tops.
What I am requesting is advice on a new medical practice who will help me and reeducate in Cpap use.
Currently, I am with Ocala Lung and they keep scheduling me and then canceling appointments. This has happened twice this month.
Any suggestions for a new medical practice?
Thank you

Originally Posted by Cloud Nine (Post 2290485)

Thank you everyone for all your valuable information. I’m not having issues using it or understanding how to use it. My continuous issues are feeling comfortable with it and finding a medical practice/ doctor that is easier to deal with …… I will refer to some of the websites suggested.

Originally Posted by jmpate (Post 2291036)

I don't have a recommendation for a medical practice but do have several suggestions for it's use.
1. Yes, cpap effectiveness should be checked annually by MD pulmonologist or CPAP technician for effectiveness & changing of pressures. A whole host of events can cause ur machine to not to work effectively.
2. Annual check can be done on site or in person.
3. Washing tubing, masks etc at least q2 days in hot soapy water is required. Baby shampoo the best. Otherwise pulm infections can and do occur & when they do, they're hard to treat.
4. Change mask & tubing q6mos from supplier.
5. Change white filter monthly.
6. Call supplier to schedule another education class & make sure they cover cleaning requirements.
7. Call supplier for recommendations on MD practices that will manage ur use & changes.

Ur sleep quality is the key to successfil medical condition mgmt. Otherwise, don't bother using the machine!

Hope this helps!

Originally Posted by jmpate (Post 2291036)

I don't have a recommendation for a medical practice but do have several suggestions for it's use.
1. Yes, cpap effectiveness should be checked annually by MD pulmonologist or CPAP technician for effectiveness & changing of pressures. A whole host of events can cause ur machine to not to work effectively.
2. Annual check can be done on site or in person.
3. Washing tubing, masks etc at least q2 days in hot soapy water is required. Baby shampoo the best. Otherwise pulm infections can and do occur & when they do, they're hard to treat.

5. Change white filter monthly.

6. Call supplier to schedule another education class & make sure they cover cleaning requirements.

7. Call supplier for recommendations on MD practices that will manage ur use & changes.

Ur sleep quality is the key to successfil medical condition mgmt. Otherwise, don't bother using the machine!

Hope this helps!

Originally Posted by jump4 (Post 2291350)

I suggest you start with a Dreamwear nasal mask. If that doesn't work because you breath through your mouth, change to a Dreamwear full-face mask. Make sure the CPAP machine is set to slowly ramp up the pressure when you start treatment each night.

.

Originally Posted by asianthree (Post 2290533)

When the implant questions came up spouse had a long discussion with 2 colleagues that are pulmonologist, our granddaughter who does sleep studies, and 2 residents who does procedure and a nurse at sleep clinic.

Qualified as a candidate, did extensive research on negative issues, on why there could be failures. So 6 extensive conversations, each with the same in-depth information. Possible implications of implant issues, and some positive real time results, such as no more equipment, hoses masks.

Negative was some have issue with the device because it is located from the back of the throat. Gag reflexes are a problem. The constant buzz they sometimes can wake you. Some patients still end up back on Cpap with the implant, to alleviate some issues.

The fail rate was higher than I expected, plus…

If you have had mastectomy, scar tissues may not allow proper placement of implant.
Spouse was offered the implant and procedure at no cost, and turned it down. With history of gag issues, a mastectomy and the sleep clinic pass fail rate and possible return to Cpap need, it was a hard NO.