CPAP - Q&A
What are sleep apnea symptoms? Symptoms of Sleep Apnea are the following : Loud snoring, Gasping for breath, Insomnia, Morning headaches, Decreased Libido, Teeth Grinding, Irritability, Exhaustion, Difficulty paying attention, High Blood Pressure, Depression, Obesity, Large Neck Size, and Cessation of breathing while sleeping.
What are sleep apnea treatment options? There are several different treatment options! Your doctor will recommend what is best for you!
What is a CPAP? A CPAP is a machine that helps a person with OSA breathe more easily by using creased pressure to keep your airway open while you sleep.
How do I get a CPAP? You’ll need a formal prescription from your doctor before you can buy a CPAP machine. Although CPAP therapy is relatively safe and one of the most effective ways to treat the symptoms of sleep apnea, you’ll need to make a trip to the doctor’s office first. If you’re experiencing any of the signs of sleep apnea, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms. Your doctor can determine your diagnosis and write you a prescription for CPAP therapy. Once you have a CPAP prescription, you can begin shopping for a CPAP machine.
Why do I need a prescription? Although CPAP machines pose little risk of abuse, a prescription requirement ensures that your CPAP therapy will be safe and customized to your needs. In 2018, the FDA reclassified CPAP machines from Class III to Class II medical devices. With this change, officials at the FDA hoped to break down regulatory hurdles, encourage product innovation, and improve access for patients. But even with the new designation, you’ll still need a prescription from your doctor before you can buy a CPAP machine and begin CPAP therapy. It may seem like a hassle, but requiring a prescription to buy a CPAP machine is actually in the best interest of patients. A prescription means you’ll need to consult with your doctor about your symptoms.
How often can I get a new CPAP machine? Depending on your insurance, most allow a new CPAP machine every five years. You may want to talk to a representative from the insurance company you file under for more information. A phone number can be found on your insurance card.
I already have a CPAP but need new supplies. How can I order? You can pay the cash price for the supplies that you are needing. We recommend that you write down the size and style of your mask, along with what CPAP or BiPAP machine that you are currently using.
How often should I replace my CPAP supplies? You can get 1 full-face cushion if you have a full face mask, or 2 nasal cushions or pillows (determined by your mask) every month! Every three months, you are able to get a new mask frame (the part of the mask that separates from the headgear and that piece that the cushion goes into along) and tubing for your machine with the monthly supplies. Every six months, you are able to get a water humidifier and the mask headgear (the felt straps that are placed around the crown of your head. We do have options for supplies too! We can set up automatic calls to see what supplies you are needing, you can go to our website to the CPAP & Supplies section and fill out the form at the bottom of the page, or we can set you up for auto-ship to automatically send out the supplies for your machine according to the notes we have on file.
