BlueCross and CPAP question

Hi all, Well, low and behold, I got the call that I do, indeed, have sleep apnea. I'm just stunned. I go for my 2nd overnight tomorrow and have my follow up consult with Lauren Friday. In the meantime, I've been researching CPAP machines, etc. online b/c I know they'll put me on one. My husband saw me doing this and said I was wasting my time. He said I won't get to pick one out (e.g., model, manufacturer, etc.) because our insurance company will pretty much TELL me which one they'll cover. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthmate Coast to Coast. Does anyone else have them and, if so, what brand/type of machine did they approve for you???? Thanks! Trace

hi trace.. again. i have BCBS healthmate, as well. i never did any research on what types of machines are out there and I couldn't tell you what brand I have now. LOL Home Health Care [i think that's the agency name] called me to let me know that they received the order from the lovely Dr. Millman's office and they set up an appointment to set me up with my cpap. they brought the machine that i would be using. I know 2 other people who have cpap's, both of which are fairly old machines.. i can hardly even hear mine, whereas theirs make a LOT of noise. This machine has a setting where it allows the pressure to "ramp up".. so it gives you about 20 minutes to build up to the maximum pressure. First night, I took this setting off. It felt like I wasn't getting enough air right off the bat - so i went full force. Some people like the gradual rise of pressure, though.. The machine also came with a handydandy carrying case - complete with medical prescription card so you can bring it on a plane as carryon. if you were to want to? lol The choice we DO get is whether we want a mask or the nasal pillows. Also, if your choice isn't working for you - for whatever reason - just give the agency a call and they'll submit another claim for a different mask. I haven't paid anything for my cpap and have gone through 2 different masks.. the company is great. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much better you feel once you start using your cpap. Kristen*

I too have bc/bs healthmate...same thing...that home health place came to my house with the one I pick...I picked the nose pillows, you can pick that, the whole face or the one that covers your nose. It was easy. Good luck.

HI, Yes the nose pillows I found were the best. Do any of you post op people still use your c pap. I stopped right after I got home from the hospital and never used it again. I want to call Lauren and tell her, I dont want another appointment with her and want to give the cpap back. I havent had the never to call her yet....and my c pap is all packed up in the closet. In fact HOme Health Care called me last month and asked me if I was using it and I said no, they asked me to call Dr. Mellmans office. Havent done it yet.....Let me know if anyone has called to take back their c pap machine. Anyway, the nose pillows are great. I slept very well with it. They were very confortable. Carol b

Mine came from Vanguard. Lauren faxed over the information to them and they called me to set up an appointment. A man from Vanguard came by my house and showed me how to use it and told me that the machine had been set for the pressure I needed. He was very nice...oh and he also said they've just come out with these "new" machines...I can't hear mine either. Good luck. L.

Home Health care is coming to my house next Thursday to bring me my lovely CPAP machine. I'm really not looking forward to using it. Does anyone know how long after surgery we can stop using it and do we have to go through another sleep study? Thanks, Kelli

After surgery, it is really up to you if you want to use it or not. The CPAP machine will only help you have a good night's rest. It's also dangerous with some people if they don't use it, the more you stop breathing it will eventually affect your heart and brain. I do hear that after the surgery a lot of people end up with no more sleep apnea...woohooo that would be awesome! I hate the machine, I'm still trying to get used to it. One night I woke up and it was on my cheek hahahaha... other nights I threw it on the floor. It is a pain trying to get used to, but for me, it's worth it I guess if I can feel better. Right now I'm always tired and have no energy to do anything. About having another test, I hear that we go back 3 months after surgery to see if we still need it. Good luck to you. L.