time frame for getting a CPAP

Once you have been diagnosed with apnea, what is the usual procedure for getting your cpap at home and how long does it take? I am supposed to be on the CPAP for at least 2 weeks before surgery, so I am concerned about how long all of this takes. Its already been a month since my first sleep test and I have a second one scheduled tonight with a CPAP. Oh also, do you usually get the lowest-grade product (no humidifier, no bipap, etc) at first, and then you have to prove that isn't working for you? or do you get some choice in the matter from the beginning - because I already wake up with a very dry nose and throat, and I live in a very humid place. I can't imagine waking up any dryer. Also, if it helps, I am on United Healthcare. Has anyone else gone through this with them? Thanks!

I had my sleep study on the 10th. (They did both the sleep and the CPAP test the same night.) I called my primary provider on the next Tuesday and once a day thereafter to check the status of the test. (I'm not a very patient person! ) They finally got the results on Friday but the medical supply place couldn't get me in until Monday. SO from test to having my machine was eleven days. My doc requires 30 days on the machine.. so I was all about getting the machine because every day delayed is a day later when I can start my new life!!

About the CPAP, the one I got is a respironics with a humidifier. You do have a choice but I think most get one with a humidifier because of dryness. Your medical supply company should work with you.. talk to your primary care as they write the script.

Thanks for the info. My second night at the NO-sleep lab was pretty much as miserable as the first. I had to separate it in to two visits because I barely slept enough the first time to get an apnea test, much less wear the mask. This time, I tried a bunch of masks and didn't fall asleep until 4am. I am actually not convinced that I need a CPAP as I don't have any/many of the symptoms of apnea. I dream, I don't fall asleep or get drowsy at inappropriate times, etc. I also never ever sleep on my back, so as soon as I can sleep comfortably on my side after surgery I may be one of those non-compliant people. The mask was ok, it wasn't torture or anything, but I'd just as soon not use it. The tech said my setting would be very low. We'll see how it goes.

I had my sleep study on 5-15-07 and met with the pulmonary specialist on 05-16-07 and was told go downstairs and get your CPAP- had it 05-16-07. I got the one with a humidifier- it is needed!!! Otherwise ouch for dry mouth and it has c-flex which helps. My experience has been blessed. It helps that my pulmonary specialist is the best in the city and is a partner in the sleep center and the medical office doing the CPAP. They are all in the same building. Even I was surprised how easy it was. The sleep study receptionist said it would be 7-10 days for my results and my doctor had them the next day. He said go downstairs and get your mask and someone had cancelled their appt at the medical CPAP supply and I was in. Can you say BLESSING? I pray that you get yours soon and not only meet your pre-surgery requirement, but feel better using it.

They did my sleep study in one night also. Sometime during they night my tech came in and put the mask on me. My insurance will only pay for one sleep study per lifetime, so they have to get it in one shot. They said I kept waking up so they couldn't determine what level the machine should be set on so I got a machine that adjusts to my breathing during the night. It also has a card in it that reads it and I will take the card in two weeks and my doc can determine the air level, I guess is what that is - how hard the air blows? Anyway, I went straight from the appointment to the medical supply place and picked up my machine. It has a humidifier also. I may ask my doc if I can keep this self-adjusting machine since I plan to have WLS soon and believe my numbers will change as I lose weight. Jena