If you are looking for a treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea, you may have thought about going with a CPAP machine. A CPAP machine generates positive pressure that can help you keep your airway open when you fall asleep at night. Without a CPAP machine, you may have a hard time falling asleep and staying asleep, which might be why you don’t have a lot of energy when you get up in the morning. Because there are so many CPAP machines available, you need to ask several questions before you decide which one is right for your needs. You may have even heard about the Philips CPAP lawsuit, so you need to make sure you find a CPAP machine that is not going to put you at risk. What are a few questions you should ask?
What types of accessories are available for this CPAP machine?
A CPAP machine is relatively basic. It comes with a mask, tubing, and some filters; however, there might be some accessories available that can make your experience much more comfortable. For example, if you have issues with the hose getting tangled up at night, you may want to attach a hose hanger to the headboard to keep the tubing out of the way. Or, you might want to add some pads to the straps that can prevent you from getting pressure sores and ulcers. You might even want to invest in a heated hose that can make the air more comfortable as it enters your nostrils and mouth. Not all CPAP machines are going to come with accessories, so do your research before you make a decision.
If there is something wrong with the CPAP machine, who is going to fix it?
A CPAP machine has a lot of moving parts, and it may have some problems from time to time. If you have issues with the CPAP machine, you probably want to get it fixed as quickly as possible. Therefore, you need to know where to go if you have concerns. If your machine is malfunctioning, you want to be able to speak to a person as quickly as possible. That way, they can troubleshoot the issue and help you fix it. If you have to send off the machine to get it repaired somewhere, you need to know where you will send it, how much it will cost, and how long it is going to take for you to get it back.
Will my insurance company cover the cost of this CPAP machine?
Finally, you need to see whether your insurance company is going to cover the cost of your CPAP machine. Of course, every insurance policy is different, and it depends on the severity of your obstructive sleep apnea. You should work with a doctor who will do everything in his or her power to get the cost of your CPAP machine covered. You also need to see if your insurance company will pay to get your CPAP machine fixed if you have issues. Even if your insurance company covers the cost of your CPAP machine, you may still be responsible for a deductible. Depending on your plan and the deductible, the deductible may cost more than the machine itself.
Ask the Right Questions Before Making a Decision
If you take the time to research answers to these questions, you can put yourself in the best position possible to be happy with your CPAP machine. You should also talk to your sleep specialist or pulmonologist. He or she can take a look at your sleep studies, helping you find the right CPAP machine for your needs.