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Sleep Apnea machines

  • 01-12-2015 12:46pm
    #1
    the_syco
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37,315 ✭✭✭✭


    Hey all,

    So, recently diagnosed with sleep apnea (privately done in the Hermitage, via Peamount), and shall be going back again to Peamount to see what masks best suit me.

    Was wondering how much do the machines cost, and how effective are they?

    Hoping that I'll actually be refreshed after sleeping :)


Comments

  • #2
    Tropheus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,943 ✭✭✭Tropheus


    I was diagnosed in the Bon Secours in Glasnevin two years ago. They arranged for a company that they recommend to come in and supply me with a machine. They showed me two masks - a full face and nasal mask. If you're a mouth breather, then you'll need the full face mask. If you breath through your nose, then the nasal mask is best. I went for the nasal mask which is also smaller so less intrusive. There's no golden rule, it's really down to what you find comfortable.

    The machines cost around €100 per month to rent. This includes an annual service, any other required maintenance and mask/tubing replacement once per year. I find that replacing the mask once per year is really stretching it as you really only get 6-8 months out of them. The life of the machine is around five years. You could look at purchasing. I believe they are around €1k+ depending on the type of machine prescribed. However, you could have problems getting someone to maintain it. There are several companies in Ireland that rent them, I'm not sure if there is one that sells them. I know several people with sleep apnoea and they all rent their machines. €100 per month does feel like a lot for a machine that costs around €1k to buy and probably a lot less than that if they are bought in bulk.

    If you're on prescribed medication, you can claim any amount over €144 per month under the Drug Payment Scheme. The monthly rental cost of the CPAP is covered by the DPS. I believe they are provided free of charge to medical card holders, but you may want to check this if it applies.

    Everyone is different when it comes to the effectiveness of CPAP. I was at the milder end of the scale in terms of sleep apnoea so it did take almost a year for me to feel the benefit. However, if you're more severe, you may feel the benefit very quickly.


  • #3
    the_syco
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37,315 ✭✭✭✭the_syco


    Tropheus wrote: »
    They showed me two masks - a full face and nasal mask. If you're a mouth breather, then you'll need the full face mask. If you breath through your nose, then the nasal mask is best. I went for the nasal mask which is also smaller so less intrusive. There's no golden rule, it's really down to what you find comfortable.
    I'm actually not sure which one I am, but with a full beard I hope the nasal mask will do :D As otherwise I may have to shave, and I can't really see that happening.
    Tropheus wrote: »
    The machines cost around €100 per month to rent. This includes an annual service, any other required maintenance and mask/tubing replacement once per year. I find that replacing the mask once per year is really stretching it as you really only get 6-8 months out of them. The life of the machine is around five years. You could look at purchasing. I believe they are around €1k+ depending on the type of machine prescribed.
    Although €100 a month sounds pricey, I hopefully won't need to spend money on energy drinks, and also better quality of sleep would mean I'd be able to study in the evenings, so long term it'd be beneficial.


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