Auto CPAP Machines & Red Wine Cleverly Written By: Jason Smith, RPSGT Date: 5/1/12 Recent studies have suggested that consuming red wine may significantly benefit your health; and millions everywhere parlayed this data into “Sure I’ll have another glass; it’s doctor recommended”. One sentence into this blog you may be wondering how drinking red wine [...]
Written By: Jason Smith, RPSGT Date: 4/25/2012 Sleep Apnea and Death I would like to start off by saying I am a huge fan of Discovery channel hit series Deadliest Catch and the personalities of the cast and crew that have entertained us for years. There are not many jobs out there where millions of people [...]
CPAP Prescriptions for CPAP Masks, Machines, and Supplies We pride ourselves on providing you with the best equipment at the lowest prices with superior service and support. 1800CPAP.com would like to offer you some advice about using insurance for CPAP supplies and what every CPAP user should know about their equipment options. Ask yourself this, [...]
Where to Buy a Used CPAP or BiPAP Machine? 1800CPAP.com offers a variety of options for people looking to purchase used CPAPs, Auto Adjusting CPAP or BiPAP from ResMed, Philips Respironics, Fisher & Paykel! The pre-owned CPAP inventory has 3 different product categories; Pre-Owned, Open Box Specials, and Floor Models. 1800CPAP.com’s CPAP and BiPAP machines are certified pre-owned, gently used and pass a [...]
Cleverly Written By: Jason Smith, RPSGT
Date: 5/1/12
Recent studies have suggested that consuming red wine may significantly benefit your health; and millions everywhere parlayed this data into “Sure I’ll have another glass; it’s doctor recommended”. One sentence into this blog you may be wondering how drinking red wine remotely relates to CPAP and sleep apnea. Great question, but this blog is more about the effects of alcohol and life changes that affect CPAP users on fixed pressure CPAP machines and how the new wave of Auto CPAP machines (APAP) can offer a greater advantage to your therapy. Relax, the party is not over yet; more on the red wine shortly.
An Auto CPAP A Day Keeps The Sleep Doctor Away
So, right now all of you long time CPAP users must be asking yourself “What the @#$% is an Auto CPAP machine?” . Most people familiar with CPAP or are on CPAP know it’s functionality from its acronym (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), so let’s focus on the continuous part. The continuous means your CPAP machine blows one continuous pressure (excluding ramp time, that time when it is building up to therapy pressure) and example would be 8cm/H2O, or as some of you refer to 8 pounds of pressure. Trust me; you do not want 8 pounds of pressure blowing into you. So blah, blah, blah, where am I going with this?
Rather than drag it out to the end, I’m going to tell you my 2 main points right now (I DO expect you to finish reading all the blog though, I may reveal something witty or ramble on about how much I love ResMed and vintage fishing lures).
Remember that painfully dreadful night(s) you spent in the sleep lab with all those electrodes and sensors hooked up to you? I am willing to bet that you were on your best behavior that night and did not consume any alcohol before your sleep study (tsk tsk, remember the sleep doctor told you not to deviate from your nightly routine). Well, unfortunately for you, during your CPAP titration portion of the study, the sleep technologist did not get to see the exploits of your fully relaxed and depressed airway as a result of the effects of the 2005 Pinot Noir (like how I circled back to the wine, clever huh?). So what this means is they titrated you to something like 8cm/H2O instead of the 11 or 12 cm/H2O you may need when you introduce depressants into your system. So when those weekend nights get a little crazy, and you feel sluggish the next day, do not go blaming your CPAP machine; it’s didn’t know you were drinking.
Remember when you said you were going to diet and exercise and lose some weight? Did that happen or maybe you slipped a little and put a little more weight on? Anyways, these two variables will contribute to the amount of CPAP pressure you may need to fully provide that pneumatic splint to stabilize the airway (keep the tissue in your throat from collapsing your airway). If you were on 8 cm/h2O when they titrated you 2 or 3 years ago, you may need more than that to keep you airway open (or less if you were successful with that diet). A fixed pressure CPAP doesn’t know if you have been naughty or nice and it’s programmed to give you what it knows; and that’s the you from the last time you spent the night in the sleep lab.
I know, I know, get to the point Smith. An Auto CPAP machine is a CPAP that automatically increases and decreases the CPAP pressure based on the physiologic information it receives from your airway. What this means is, it knows when there is closure or partial closure and thus increases the delivered pressure and it knows when the airway has stabilized and decreases the pressure. I could go on and on about how much better Auto CPAP machines are compared to dinosaurs…cough cough, I mean fixed pressure CPAP machines, but just to humor you, I’m going to give you bullet points.
And now you know drinking red wine relates to CPAP and sleep apnea. If I have completely confused you just call us and ask us why Auto CPAP is better. We may even cut you a deal and give you a ResMed coupon code (sorry ResMed). By the way, I do enjoy a good cabernet sauvignon (hint hint).
Written By: Jason Smith, RPSGT
Date: 4/25/2012
I would like to start off by saying I am a huge fan of Discovery channel hit series Deadliest Catch and the personalities of the cast and crew that have entertained us for years. There are not many jobs out there where millions of people enjoy watching you simply do your job and work. I doubt I would be able to get my family to tune in to one episode of me scoring a sleep study or talking CPAP shop with my fellow co-workers (yawn, that was boring just typing it). But it goes without saying that the Deadliest Catch has reeled in many viewers and we witness their struggles and tragedies over the years and the recent passing of Captain Phil Harris and Justin Tennison.
We do want to take the time to offer our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Justin Tennison, a Deadliest Catch star on the Time Bandit. Justin passed away tragically in his sleep at the age of 33 as a result of complication related to sleep apnea (thus the reason we are discussing this on a CPAP blog) and we want to shine a light on snoring and sleep apnea, in particular the deadly consequences and health risks it poses.
Justin Tennison of the Time Bandit
Every so often sleep apnea pops up on the radar of mainstream journalism and reporting, unfortunately in most cases it’s to report the passing of someone that is famous or in the public eye. Take NFL great Reggie White or the Grateful Dead’s Jerry Garcia who both passed away as a result of complications directly related to sleep apnea. It is reported that nearly 30% of the U.S. adult population suffers from sleep disordered breathing and roughly 85% of them remain undiagnosed. Yes, you read that correctly, remain undiagnosed. But I do see where CPAP machines are becoming more main stream as they make their ways into bedrooms all across the country. The movie Hall Pass has a scene in which one the stars is sleeping with a ResMed S8 series CPAP machine and Full face CPAP mask. Philips Respironics CPAP machines are popping up in comedy shows like The Office, The League and the HBO hit drama series The Sopranos.
A huge misconception is that ONLY the older and overweight people need a CPAP machine. False, I have friends that are in peak physical condition, mid 30’s and maintain a proper diet and lifestyle, yet I cannot be in the same room with them when we go on golf trip because of the severity of their snoring and witnessed apnea. They too, like many adults refuse to believe that their snoring and sleep apnea could be a potential deadly disease (see the above referenced people if you cannot believe). I will list the below information to help you identify the who, what, when, where and why of sleep apnea.
At home sleep apnea test kits allow you sleep in your own bed and monitor the major physiological parameters that may determine if you suffer from sleep apnea or sleep disordered breathing. We offer the testing kit service for the low price of $349.00 (compare that to the thousands a sleep lab may charge you or your insurance). Our test kits are scored by a registered polysomnographic technologist and reviewed by a board certified sleep physician. Unlike some other “internet CPAP sites”, we truly ARE the sleep professionals. You can order a home sleep apnea test kit here!
The only 100% proven effective treatment for sleep apnea is CPAP or Auto CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), a device that provides pressurized air through tubing into a mask that you wear on your face while you sleep (CPAP mask). This pressurized air provides a pneumatic splint in the airway that allows you to:
We pride ourselves on providing you with the best equipment at the lowest prices with superior service and support. 1800CPAP.com would like to offer you some advice about using insurance for CPAP supplies and what every CPAP user should know about their equipment options. Ask yourself this, “Do I want to save money?” If the answer is yes, keep reading. If the answer is no, you should consider invest money with Madoff Investments.
Every day we are flooded with CPAP patients that call in or come to one of our stores and have been misled that they will need a prescription for certain replacement supplies such as CPAP hose tubing, CPAP filters or CPAP maskheadgear (even had one ask me if they needed it for the water chamber). The simple answer is no, DO NOT need a RX for these items and why their home medical equipment company tells them that leaves them scratching their heads in disbelief.
Stop Over Spending For Your CPAP Supplies
It’s the razor and the razor blades theory when it comes to replacement CPAP supplies and equipment for most home medical equipment companies. They know that right off the bat they are going to make a little money off of your initial CPAP set up but the real money will start to roll in once they have sunk their teeth into your replacement supply schedule. It’s not surprising for us to hear that every month or every 3 months, a new CPAP mask, headgear, CPAP filters, cushions, water chambers, gaskets, tubing and whatever other billable code for CPAP supplies they can find arrives at your door step.
So is this a bad thing? Yes and no. 1800CPAP.com recommends replacement of all of these components once they begin to show signs of wear and tear or performance becomes an issue; in most cases that is between months 3 and 6. The real problem comes when they keep billing you and your insurance for supplies you don’t necessarily need replaced at the time. Before you know it; you have 14 humidifier water chambers piled up in your junk cabinet. Why is this a bad thing? Well, if you have a higher deductible, you may be paying for all of these unnecessary items out of pocket before your insurance even kicks in. Every day, more and more people are calling their suppliers and saying “hey, don’t send me $45.00 tubing every month. I will just buy it as I need it from 1800CPAP.com for $10”.
Don’t even get me started about CPAP machine rentals. CPAP users are also misled into thinking that their CPAP machine must be rented (and some think for an endless monthly rental). The truth is that your CPAP equipment provider can, in most cases, request the CPAP machine be dent direct to purchase by your insurance. So why would the equipment company choose to rent it rather than have it purchased outright? Are you ready for the million dollar answer? Because it they select it as a rental, they can insist that you return it to them if 1.) you stop using it or 2.) you can no longer afford the monthly rental, plus all those replacement supplies they keep billing you for and you have to return it. They, in turn, will send that unit back out on a new patient and do it all over again.
If you take away anything from this blog, it should be the following :
1800CPAP.com offers a variety of options for people looking to purchase used CPAPs, Auto Adjusting CPAP or BiPAP from ResMed, Philips Respironics, Fisher & Paykel! The pre-owned CPAP inventory has 3 different product categories; Pre-Owned, Open Box Specials, and Floor Models. 1800CPAP.com’s CPAP and BiPAP machines are certified pre-owned, gently used and pass a rigorous 11 point inspection (please see inspection details listed below!) prior to listing them for sale on the web store. You know you save as much as 50% when you order a slightly used/pre-owned CPAP machine versus buying a brand new CPAP machine?
We understand that most people browsing our selection of pre-owned/used CPAPs and BiPAPs are looking to get a deal on a top of the line CPAP machine or APAP machine. There are some items to consider when shopping for CPAP machines on sale. First, find out what type or style of CPAP machine do you need to order; are you in need of an Auto CPAP (automatic adjusting pressures CPAP machine-do not confuse CPAP ramp mode with auto adjust, all CPAP and Auto CPAP machine have ramp mode) or a standard CPAP machine (a CPAP machine that blow one continuous therapy pressure; example would be 10 cm/H2O). Do you have a copy of a CPAP prescription for the device you are looking to purchase (not applicable to ALL purchasers)? If not, 1800CPAP.com may be able to help you out with a Home Sleep Apnea Test kit; call 1-800-274-1366 for details. Warranty information and number of hours on the CPAP or BiPAP device are listed with each individual Pre-Owned device.
Save $$$ When You Shop Pre-Owned CPAP Machines
Classifications and listings are as follows for describing our Used CPAP machines.
•Pre-Owned CPAP Machines – These CPAP, BiPAP or VPAP machines that have had previous owners. Our product page for each item should specify the number of hours used on the device.
•Open Box Specials – These CPAP, BiPAP or VPAP machines have not been previously owned. They have been used for patient education and instruction or have been used in staff training exercises.
•Floor Models/Demo Units – These CPAP, BiPAP or VPAP machines have served as display models used in our stores. These units are not used on customers and are used for reference and advertising. These CPAP models also go through the rigorous 1800CPAP.com 11 point inspection.
Traditionally, CPAP compliance (meaning whether or not someone is able to tolerate CPAP therapy) is estimated to be 54% and what that evolves to be is many people that try CPAP may fail and return their new equipment with as little as 5 CPAP hours used. People look for a way to recover some of their costs and that’s where 1800CPAP.com comes into play. We buy CPAPs, BiPAPs, and Auto CPAP machines (APAP, automatic adjusting CPAP machines) that are newer models with few hours like the ResMed S9 AutoSet™ and Philips Respironics System One RemStar Auto with A-Flex. Other ways we come across these CPAP devices is by changes in sleep apnea therapy. Some people that are initially prescribed CPAP are changed to BiPAP or VPAP Adapt SV models and are left with a perfectly good, working CPAP unit. Be Sure To Check out The 1800CPAP.com CPAP Trade in Program This new program allows CPAP users with older models trade in their CPAP or BiPAP machine for credit towards the purchase of a new CPAP machine. This program varies by customer to customer and make and model so be sure to call for details! Just think; your CPAP machine could save you hundreds towards a newer model!
1800CPAP.com uses a 11 point inspection prior to shipping any pre-owned, open box special, or floor model demo units. Please feel to contact a product support specialist if you have any questions pertaining to our refurbished inspection program.
•Ionization Air Purifier Containment for 24 Hours
•CPAP Therapy Blower Test
•Factory Default Reset of Settings
•Manometer Calibration To Establish Accurate Pressure Settings
•CPAP Filter Replacement
•Replacement of All CPAP Hoses & Tubing
•Humidifier Heat Test/Heater Plate Inspection
•Humidifier Water Chamber/Tub Replacement
•Data Card Inspection or Replacement
•Replacement of CPAP Owners Manuals
•Final Packaging Disinfection
Finding a place to buy a ResMed S9 VPAP™ Adapt (part numbers 36007, 36017, and 36027) and get a good price can be as rare finding that pot of gold at the end of a rainbow with a leprechaun sitting on top of a unicorn. This is a type of device manufacturers prefer not to be sold from webstore companies. The fact that hardly anyone online sells them leaves a consumer wondering how much these VPAP devices must cost. Well if you are going through insurance, they may be billed as high as $8,500.00 but if you look long and hard enough, they can be found online for as little as $4,000-$4,500. And rather than waiting until the end of this blog to tell you where you can get them, I’m just going to tell you now. Call 1-800-274-1366 and speak with one of our customer service agents about ordering a ResMed S9 VPAP™ Adapt.
The past few years have revealed a significant increase in the diagnosis of Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) and Complex Sleep Apnea (CompSA). Many different factors contribute to the increase in these diagnosis; an uptick in public awareness of sleep apnea, escalating use of opiates, pain medication (i.e. opioid induced) and congestive heart failure (CHF). The recommended treatment by most physicians is the use of an adaptive pressure support servo-ventilator (i.e. VPAP Adapt SV or BiPAP Auto SV).
Most sleep physician’s recommended device used to treat this unique form of sleep apnea and sleep disordered breathing is the Philips Respironics BiPAP AutoSV or the ResMed VPAP Adapt SV. Both manufacturers have proven research data showing successful outcomes with the use of these therapy devices and I have seen both devices in use with positive results, however these complex devices do come with a large price tag.
The average billable costs using your health insurance is typically around $8000.00 (take a deep breath from sticker shock). This typically prompts many users to look for less expensive alternatives (i.e. internet searches). Purchasing power through the internet will often times save the user money (about half) on their CPAP supplies but what they do not have is the availability of an on-site respiratory therapist should the patient struggle. For this reason, some manufacturers do not permit the sale of certain respiratory devices online.
Stay away from auction sites (meaning person to person sales); most times you may be purchasing a device without warranty, non transferable warranty or expired warranty. Craigslist, EBAY, Amazon, and other sites are not the recommended to purchase CPAP and related supplies. For more information, feel free to contact Jason Smith, RPSGT at 1-800-274-1366
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