Question:
Where can I get a c-pap machine FAST?
My cousin is having DS weightloss surgery on Monday. She just found out she needs to have a c-pap machine with her at the hospital or the doctor won't do surgery. Any ideas? Thanks in advance for your help. — Cinna G. (posted on March 13, 2002)
March 13, 2002
You need a prescription to obtain a CPAP. Whoever diagnosed her with apnea
should have arranged for a home health care rep to come out to her house
with the equipment and show her how to use it. I don't remember how long
it took to get the machine after my sleep study, but I remember the whole
process took FOREVER. I know it was about 6 months between the time my PCP
referred me to a sleep lab and the time I got a CPAP. The surgeon should
be aware of when she was diagnosed and have reasonable expectations based
on that. Otherwise, if she has a prescription, you can buy CPAPs and
equipment at http://www.cpapman.com/special.html. I am not affiliated with
this place, but I have bought supplies from them and was pleased. Good
luck!
— Susan B.
March 13, 2002
I agree with the first poster about the Sleep Clinic (or whoever it was
that diagnosed the apnea, they should have arranged for a cpap machine.
But, mine was all done in a matter of 2 weeks. I went to the Sleep Clinic
for my sleep apnea test. Was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and was set
an appt 2 weeks later for another appt at the sleep clinic where I was
fitted with a cpap machine and it went home with me in the morning.
VOILA!! Done. The first poster was right, you cant just go out and buy
one. You have to be prescribed and "fitted" for one. A
professional has to set the appropriate air flow or it can do more damage
than good.
— skymaxjr
March 13, 2002
EBAY has them
— anne G.
March 13, 2002
I agree with the first poster, and also wanted to add that the mask must be
fit properly as well as having the correct setting on the c-pap. Very
important. You just can't use any old mask...it has to be fitted to your
face. Hugs, Joy
— [Deactivated Member]
March 13, 2002
Even if you can buy them on ebay, DON'T. They have to be calibrated for
each individual. When the sleep study is done, the technicians will adjust
the pressure on the machine until it is right for the person using it.
Using a CPAP with the wrong pressure, high or low, can be very harmful,
nearly as harmful as not using one at all.
— garw
March 13, 2002
i have had a cpap for 4 years. just prior to my surgery my cardiologist
sent me for a new sleep study. good thing he did too. my air pressure
needed adjusting. he referred me to a pulmonologist to take care of it. my
pulmonogist personally called the medical equipment company & gave them
STAT orders for a new machine set at my new pressure. it was delivered to
my door within 2 hours. do she have a dr who can accomplish this for her?
— sheryl titone
March 13, 2002
I have what my slep DR. calls a severe case of sleep apnea, and my surgeon
didn't want my c-pap machine at the hospital, instead he had me wear the
oxygen nose hose that is installed in each hospital room by the beds. I
came through just fine. Good luck to your friend.
Diana ([email protected])
— Diana M.
March 13, 2002
I have been sleeping with a c-pap machine for 9 years. I took it to the
hospital but I could not tolerate it until about 2 weeks after the
surgery.. My insides were so tender that the air pressure really hurt. I
agree that the oxygen used at the hospital is all she should need. If she
hasn't been sleeping with one already (and it sounds like she hasn't) then
I sure wouldn't try it for a few weeks after the surgery. It is amazing
how fast we don't need the c-pap after the surgery. Within 4 weeks I
didn't need it at all. I still use it though because it puts me to sleep
so fast and so deep. I find myself pulling it off during the night. It is
the sound I am addicted to I think.
— MARSHA D.
April 15, 2004
Check with any respatory supplier. They sould be able to get it in a hurry
if she has her persciption. If not call the Dr and tell him what is going
on. When I was in the hospitla I had my cpap machine and they didn't even
use it. Good luck
— Peggy R.
April 8, 2005
I am a CPAP Technician for a sleep center. You must have an
order/prescription written by your doctor to order the machine. If you are
someone who had a prescription and ordered it online, you must take it to
your doctor managing your sleep apnea care so that he/she can calibrate it
accordingly. If you are someone buying a machine on Ebay and have the
manual that shows you how to calibrate it, and even if you know what your
pressure should be - you must have a medical device to adjust it properly.
Many times, the pressure on the machine will read let's say, 10cmH2O but
the actual pressure it is producing could be lower or higher. We use
special devices to record and adjust the pressure. We never go by what the
machine says. Buying online can be beneficial for those having trouble with
insurance or high deductibles but continuing letting your sleep specialist
manage your care so it is being effective. Good luck!
— Tiffany W.
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