OT: My CPAP croaked...

[K'Tesh]

There are a few of us out there on our bikes who are... Well... less than svelte. I'm one of them.

http://c1199712.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/Remstar_Auto_C-flex_top.jpg

Due to my weight, or perhaps the cause of of it, I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_apnea), back in '02. I was provided with a REMstar CPAP machine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Positive_airway_pressure) w/all the trimmings. Here we are in '11 and it finally died. This is killing me. (Not only that, but they don't make the model I used anymore).

Fortunatly, the hospital's medical equipment provider said that since I've had it for over 5 years, I'm entitled to a replacement. I just have to go through the paperwork to get financial assistance (I don't have insurance anymore due to job loss).

My recommendation... If you have a 5+ year-old CPAP, and it's working fine... GREAT! Now, before it craps out, get a replacement for it from your provider. If you can, keep the old one as a spare in the event the new one busts for whatever reason.

Just my $0.02
K'Tesh

[Alan]

Good advice! My wife exchanged her old CPAP (donno what kind) sometime in the past year for a new unit, a Resmed Elite II with HumidAire. It is quieter (which is nice for me, too), it self-adjusts the pressure as needed, and the humidifier works better. Altogether she finds it easier to keep on while she's asleep and she is noticeably more rested when she keeps it on. Getting the right mask/nose-piece is also important; she likes "nose pillows" along with some fairly elaborate straps that route the hose over the top of her head. She couldn't keep the old unit but insurance covered the upgrade, so if you have insurance, check out your policy to see what is covered. The sleep docs and techs often know a lot about who covers what; ask 'em!

[K'Tesh]

I got a replacement CPAP today. Now if I can only get a Dr. to sign off on a replacement prescription (so I don't have to buy the thing outright).