Thanks for posting about your experience. I started this thread as i am pretty certain I have sleep apnea (heavy for my height, snore, etc).
I am just not sure what the next step would be. Is a sleep study really worth it (money wise)? (I dont live in the states). Go through a doctor or get a used one off craig's list on my next trip to the US?
Any recommendation?
I went with a doctor because a) it was important and I wanted to get it right and b) I have insurance and I hoped to get a lot of it at reduced cost. Between the sleep study and a new machine you will spend close to $2K so the doctor route makes sense if you have met some of your deductible already. I didn't know what I'd get with a used machine. My insurance wouldn't cover an in-facility study but I did it anyway, fuck'em. They hook about 30 wires to you then tell you to sleep normally......yeah right.
You can do an in-home sleep study fairly cheap. This dude (actually the guy in the pic) offers them as his side business.
AXG Sleep Diagnostics LLC - Accurate, Affordable, and Convenient Sleep Study at Home
He also runs a Youtube Channel called TheLankyLefty where he reviews a lot of CPAP devices, and he has a forum called FreeCPAPadvice. No connection to him; I just like his info.
If you don't have insurance by all means look for a used one; just confirm it is one that lets you get into the Provider mode. That is the hidden menus where the doctor sets it up. It won't do you much good if you are stuck with someone else's settings. The steps for most are online if you search.
Over the years I have tried probably 10 masks. They need replacing every 6-9 months anyway so don't be afraid to experiment. There is no one size fits all.
If you get a good used device and set to trial mode for 30 days you will get 90% of what a sleep doctor can do for you. Mine was useless. When my AHI numbers were still 10-12 after two years all he said was keep using it and see what happens.
USED MACHINES
1. CPAP, APAP (usually cheaper) OR BI-PAP will not matter for most people unless you need a high pressure setting like me. A BI-PAP will let you set a bigger drop in incoming air pressure during exhale. A CPAP with a high pressure (15+) feels like someone is pointing a leaf blower right up your nose. APAPs do have a setting that drops pressure; you just won't have as much control over it. You don't want to the drop too large or your airway will close anyway, defeating the purpose. Avoid CPAPs because they don't auto adjust pressure (which is fine if you do a real sleep study). Get the best deal on APAP or Bi-PAP.
2. Get one that stores data on an SD card. That way you can import your sleep data into the free Sleepyhead software and track changes w/o a doc. I have my numbers for nearly every night going back 5 years now. Mine also uploads to DreamMapper software via Bluetooth but I'm not sure you can use that unless a doctor creates a Resmed account for you. Sleepyhead is much better anyway.
3. ALWAYS use distilled water in the reservoir, not tap. It will stay cleaner longer. Most the grime you see in the reservoir is actually the minerals in the water you put in it. It's < $1/gallon.....just do it.
4. Clean the tank and hoses AT LEAST once a week.
5. Try different masks. My numbers vary A LOT from mask to mask. I just returned a $150 mask that didn't work for me. (the seller offered 30 day insurance)
Watch the LankyLefty videos before you buy anything.