Continue usage of CPAP after VA rating for Sleep apnea

[VetDO]

Hello, 

First time user here. I posted earlier, but I don't know what happend to my post. So the bottom line is that, I received mild obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis right before I discharged from the Army few months ago. After the discharged, I received a CPAP machine from the VA hospital and moved to different state. I was told that I would need to setup an new CPAP machine at the new location. Just today, I found out that I've received 70% rating for my sleep and some other stuffs. My question is, do I have to use CPAP for rest of my life to receive my 50% for sleep apnea? I haven't used my CPAP because I get worse sleep. Will the VA reduce my rating if I don't get issued a new CPAP and continue with "treatment"? Thank you for your help. 

 

-vetDO.

[Vync]

I'm not rated for SA, but I do have SA and a CPAP machine.

I try to use the machine every night, but have tried every type of mask and nasal cushion available by the VA and my private docs. My problem is that between having really bad TMJ and horrible rhinitis, at night I either subconsciously remove the mask during my sleep or have to take it off at some point because my TMJ is hurting like hell.

In my opinion, trying to be compliant could very well extend your life.

There are other options, such as the inspire device, but I don't know if that would change a sleep rating.

My experience with the VA's neuro/sleep department has been the same as brokensoldier's. They have provided me with replacement hoses/masks/filters/etc..., even though I was issued the same equipment from a private docto. They have never asked me to bring in my SD card. I use the SleepyHead application to read my card's data. Some newer CPAP machines have software like myAir which can be used to view it too.

 

[brokensoldier244th]

Sleepyhead is great if you are into the dits and dats of the data and really want to get into what your sleep looks like,. The display on the machine (if it has one) can only show so much data. 

 

 

[Buck52]

I don't think the SD Card is Accurate.

I am like Vync  I use a C-PAP  but not SC with it (yet) but  DX S.A. via VA

When the VA had me to come get my C=PAP Machine they gave instruction on how to use it and the tech mention that the Air pressure was already set to what the sleep study reviled ...but he showed me how to increase the air flow pressure  decrease or increase...and how to use the humidity  settings.

I was to bring the machine or the SD Card back in 30 days...so they can see  how it is helping ...

I took the cpap back after 30 days  and the Sleep Dept therapist checked the SD Card  it showed that I used the machine about 3 to 4 hours a night.

Well I used the machine every night from around 10:30pm to about 6:30am...that 8 hrs  but I did get up during the night to use the restroom  but only for a couple minutes.

 I put my mask back on crawled back in bed and went back to sleep, I do sleep better with the machine  but the SD Card had incorrect Information on it

I mention this to the Sleep Therapist that read the card  she said they had to go by what was on the SD Card.

The sleep clinic is very nice and considerate at my VAMC I  request a new mask or change it up,&  I use mask liners in my mask too  and when I get close to running out I call them and they order me some and send them to me,,,anything I ask for the sleep clinic  places an order to the Prosthesis Dept  and I just go there and get it...no questions ask   .

My point is   I don't think they can reduce a S.A./OSA  S.C from a SD Card Information.  there not always Accurate.

jmo

....................Buck

[Gastone]

If you don't have a wife, kids, parents or anyone else you care about or that relies on you, using your Cpap is strictly up to you.

You, by now, have been made aware that untreated SA, will lead to the "DIRT NAP," right.

As to worrying about a SA  reduction, your current Ratings are probably "Diary Dated" for a 3 ? 5 yr review, if your a young buck. After 55. reviews aren't really a problem , unless you file a New associated Claim or ask for an Increase.

Det VMC has been my SA equipment provider since 2010, never once requested a Card download from my Bipap machines. I actually have to request it from the VA Cpap nurse, prior to my yearly Non VA Sleep Neurologist appointment. Then again, it really doesn't matter, I've been a member of the 100% Use Club, since getting the DX & Bipap/with 02 RX.

I know, the Dirt Nap is somewhere down the road for all of us, certainly don't want to move it, UP THE ROAD by not using my Bipap.

As to the accuracy of the Cpap/Bipap SD Cards, my non VA Sleep Neurologist has required that I provide him with a Download prior to each yearly followup exam for the past 6 years. The VA Sleep Dept nurse does the download, provides me with copies and the Sleep Dept PA gives me the RX for the yearly P02 Sat Study that my non VA Specialists monitor.

Someone mentioned seeing a non VA Pulmonary specialist in an above post. Been to both VA & Private Pulmonary Specialists, they don't specialize in SA. The Lung Function testing doesn't deal with SA, primarily COPD, TB and other lung diseases, not SA. They just end up referring you back to your private or VA Sleep Dr for treatment.

Semper Fi

[Vync]

1 hour ago, brokensoldier244th said:

Sleepyhead is great if you are into the dits and dats of the data and really want to get into what your sleep looks like,. The display on the machine (if it has one) can only show so much data. 

Good point! I'm a programmer, so I am into things like that.

[VetDO]

Thank you everyone for your comments. I'll go ahead and make an appointment with the VA hospital to get the new machine! Hopefully it will work out well this time.