Getting started on CPAP therapy
You’ve completed your sleep apnea test and have your diagnosis: obstructive sleep apnea. It’s time to begin your CPAP therapy – and the first step is to obtain CPAP equipment. Choosing hopehms.com makes it easy for all of your sleep therapy needs. Do you need somthing that's not on our website? Send us an email to eddie@hopehms.com and we can mot likely get it for you.
What you need to know before starting CPAP
Once you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you’ll receive a prescription from a doctor in order to acquire a CPAP machine and start therapy. The prescription will list a pressure setting, which is determined by the prescribing physician based on the results of your sleep study. Prescriptions are usually good for life. I your no able to go thru your Insurance because of a high deductible or no Insurance, hopehms.com has some of the lowest prices in the US. Simply fax us your sleep study and order/prescription, we'll re-set your machine and ship it the same day.
What to ask when you get there Once you’re referred to a medical equipment supplier, here are some items to cover:
Go over your CPAP prescription and doctor recommendations together
Discuss mask types, your sleep style and any allergies
Tell them what you notice helps and hurts your sleep
Ask about their CPAP supply replacement program and how those work with your insurance coverage or cash discounts
What does the equipment supplier take care of? Some common questions include: Are you using your machine as prescribed?
Is the equipment functioning properly?
Are you having issues like claustrophobia or discomfort?
Have you noticed an improvement in your sleep quality?
How is your attitude and mood?
Has your quality of life improved?
Types of masks Our guide for how to start CPAP therapy includes more details about equipment and accessories, but get started with these useful pointers. Finding the right mask and machine is essential to your CPAP treatment – after all, if your mask is uncomfortable or your machine is loud and clunky, you’ll be less likely to use them. This is why ensuring your equipment provider has a trial or return policy is so important. You may not know what works for you until you’ve tried it. You may have a mask prescribed to you, or your prescription might indicate that it’s up to you to choose the mask you prefer. The most common types of CPAP masks include:
Nasal pillows masks
Nasal masks
Full face masks
Your machine type will be prescribed to you based on your specific needs. There are three types of PAP machines:
One pressure (CPAP)
Auto-adjusting pressure (APAP)
Two air pressures (Bilevel)
CPAP machine features to consider The right mask and the right CPAP machine work in conjunction to best fit your needs. Machines like the AirSense 10 models are high-tech, portable, and quiet. What features do you value?
Smart data: Data recording is useful for seeing areas where your equipment – and your sleep quality – can improve. AirSense 10 works with myAir™ app to track episodes of snoring or apnea, leak rates, pressure changes, and more.
Ramp-up: With the AirSense 10 AutoRamp™, the machine starts at a low pressure and slowly increases it to your prescribed level, giving you time to adjust to higher pressures – or to fall asleep before your machine reaches its highest pressure.
Humidification: the AirSense 10 built-in humidifier and Climate Control Auto setting provide breathing comfort and keep your nose and mouth from drying out. This lowers your chances of side effects related to dryness, and is an essential feature for most CPAP users.
Compact size: Most of us travel at least some of the time, whether visiting family for the holidays or taking weekend trips. Portable, lightweight machines like AirMini Travel CPAP are becoming more and more common, and are just as powerful as bigger machines thanks to modern technology.
What happens after you purchase your CPAP machine? At medical supply stores, technicians will be able to fit your mask and calibrate your machine to the proper pressure. The next step is simply to try it out! If you’re not comfortable for any reason, don’t be shy about reaching out to your medical equipment supplier, who can help you resolve the problem. Make sure to get set up with myAir™, Resmeds app that acts as an online support program. It will automatically send data from your machine to your computer or mobile phone in the form of a sleep score. Connecting with myAir is quick and easy – you can have your data in hand from your very first night. Once you’ve finalized your choice and are all set up, download our CPAP therapy guide to keep important sleep apnea tips at your fingertips. And learn how to find replacement CPAP parts and other supplies you need at hoehmscom. We wish you the best with your CPAP machine!
This blog post contains general information about medical conditions and potential treatments. It is not medical advice. If you have any medical questions, please consult your doctor.