Question:
My CPAP doesn't work for me....

I have had my CPAP for about 6 months now and I have stopped using it because I wake up with it in my hand. So whats the sense? I also still have episodes with it on - the sleep study documented this. I was recently discussing with my doctor about trying a BiPap and my insurance wrote me a letter saying that since I have a breathing problem they would like to purchase the CPAP for me. They said if I don't want them to too call and leave a message as to why and that I don't want them to buy it. So I left the message, telling them that it didn't work as well as I thought it should and my doctor and I were discussing other options and the possibility of using a BiPap. Now with all that out of the way my questions are If the machine doesn't work can the insurance company argue that I don't really have sleep apnea, will this interfer somehow with being approved for surgery, and lastly, what exactly is a BiPap machine?    — K T. (posted on July 13, 2001)

July 13, 2001
It might be that your cpap is not set correctly. If the pressure is not set correctly then you may never be getting to the RIM stage of your sleep cycle, which would make you restless and that is why your taking your mask off while you are asleep. My husband used to take his off (unknowingly) but has finally quit doing that. I have been sleeping with my cpap for 9 years now and I can not sleep without it. Keep trying, see if you can change the pressure on the machine a little. Good luck.
   — MARSHA D.

July 13, 2001
K, When I was using my CPAP I often woke up with the mask on the floor or like you in my hand. What was happening to me was the machine's pressure was either too strong or not strong enough. If I couldn't breath because because it wasn't keeping my airways open or if it was blowing strongly it interrupted my sleep I was taking off without ever completely waking up. My doctor changed my machine to a Smart CPAP. This machine can sense the amount to pressure needed to keep the air passages open. Mine machine's settings ranged from 3 to 20. My father has had more with the Bi-PAP machine. You also might want to experiment with different maskes or nose pillows. My first mask didn't fit well and being uncomfortable I took it off in my sleep as well. I also had a humidifer attached to my machine. Moist air helps keep your airways open. I used my Smart CPAP for about a year before my surgery and pre-op I couldn't even take a nap without it. Good Luck. Sharyle
   — Sharyle L.

July 13, 2001
It's me again, I called the company that I get my machine from, and my setting is on a 12. They said if the doctor orders it they will come out and raise the settings.(I can't figure out how to do it on my own) I have a heated humidifier with it, and I like that but my hose isn't long enough and they said they can't give me a longer one because then I won't get the right setting. Also, I have a very small nose and the nasal pillows(smalls) are still too big - but I can't use the face mask because I'm claustrophobic. I know, I know, I'm all messed up.
   — K T.

July 13, 2001
A Bi-PAP machine is like a CPAP except that the pressure changes for you to exhale against. This makes it easier for some people to adjust. It is very possible that even using the CPAP you have events. Central Sleep Apnea is not affected by the use of the CPAP. It is possible that you suffer from both Obstructive and Central Apneas. Having a mask or nasal pillows that are comfortable is, in my opinion, 90% of the adjustment, so find something that you like. I really don't think that the insurance company can say you don't have sleep apnea because you have documented proof that you do.
   — Pamela B.