Sleep Apnoea and CPAP

guile4582 · 11-07-2017 6:59pm

Anyone here with a custom mandibular advancement device manage to get out of home insurance for it? Mine cost €750

Real Psycrow · 11-07-2017 7:14pm

WannaGetFit wrote: »

Anyone know the reimburseable amount for a CPAP rental on the drugs payment scheme?
There is a list of drugs and their reimbursement amount on the HSE website but I can't find an amount for the CPAP rental.

I recently got 331 euro reimbursement for meds and cpap for all of 2016.
Was expecting 1212.
I pay 245 euro a month, 103 for cpap and 142 for meds.

HSE say they value my meds at 75 euro, BUT chemist charges me 142!!
So far HSE has not told me how much they reimburse for CPAP.

My understanding was I should only pay 144 a month, but I pay 245 so should get 101 a month back.
Meds are on approved list.

Has anyone come across this before?

That seems a bit odd. I've only recently started claiming as now both my wife and I have CPAP machines and that sends us over the top even without our meds. But I've gotten exactly what I expected back from them.

Have you tried ringing them on 1890-252-919? I've found them very helpful. And they actually answer the phone which is a rare treat for a govt agency.

Failing that, have you gone to another chemist to value the meds you buy?

11-07-2017 7:19pm

Real Psycrow wrote: »

In the past I would have to stop to sleep sometimes on the way home from work. I even have felt like doing that on the way to work after being asleep all night! But since having the machine, those things have all changed.
.

Glebee wrote: »

Currently about 5 weeks into my second attempt to use the machine. This time I made up my mind to give it a right go and have used the mask for a minimum of 6 hours most nights for the past 5 week. AHI readings are down to under 3 most nights and I was diagnosed as being towards the bad end of sleep apnea scale. No snoring either. Going to sleep is a joy at the moment. I wake refreshed the next morning and can honestly say some morning I bounce out of bed. No waking during the night to go to toilet (was up at least twice a night prior to using machine). Tiredness during the day is completely gone. No more napping on the couch or having to pull into the hardshoulder in the car to have a kip if on a long drive. I think in the end it was the driving situation that really scared me into doing something. I was an accident waiting to happen. I can now saw I know what a good nights sleep is..

I'm having my initial consultation for a sleep study next month so I have been reading up about it in general and it's really great reading these posts. This is all me, to a tee. I didn't realise it was all symptoms until recently

I couldn't cope without my 30-40 min naps to and from work on the bus and I'm always waking in the night.
Great to see rental is covered under DPS too assuming I get to that stage...

dogmatix · 12-07-2017 7:36am

WannaGetFit wrote: »

Anyone know the reimburseable amount for a CPAP rental on the drugs payment scheme?
There is a list of drugs and their reimbursement amount on the HSE website but I can't find an amount for the CPAP rental.

I recently got 331 euro reimbursement for meds and cpap for all of 2016.
Was expecting 1212.
I pay 245 euro a month, 103 for cpap and 142 for meds.

HSE say they value my meds at 75 euro, BUT chemist charges me 142!!
So far HSE has not told me how much they reimburse for CPAP.

My understanding was I should only pay 144 a month, but I pay 245 so should get 101 a month back.
Meds are on approved list.

Has anyone come across this before?

Similar problem here - I pay 95 a month for meds plus 110 for my CPAP rental.
So I would be expecting a 61 euro refund - but they only gave me a 41 euro refund. I suspect they are not reimbursing me the 20 euro vat charge on the CPAP rental. I'll be ringing them today to find out the story - there is nothing on the HSE or DPS website about vat being excluded from refunds.

Odyssey 2005 · 12-07-2017 8:51am

dogmatix wrote: »

Similar problem here - I pay 95 a month for meds plus 110 for my CPAP rental.
So I would be expecting a 61 euro refund - but they only gave me a 41 euro refund. I suspect they are not reimbursing me the 20 euro vat charge on the CPAP rental. I'll be ringing them today to find out the story - there is nothing on the HSE or DPS website about vat being excluded from refunds.

Id say the shortfall is in tbe price of the meds. They're only allowi g 75 for meds.?

Real Psycrow · 12-07-2017 4:51pm

dogmatix wrote: »

Similar problem here - I pay 95 a month for meds plus 110 for my CPAP rental.
So I would be expecting a 61 euro refund - but they only gave me a 41 euro refund. I suspect they are not reimbursing me the 20 euro vat charge on the CPAP rental. I'll be ringing them today to find out the story - there is nothing on the HSE or DPS website about vat being excluded from refunds.

I was telling my wife about this last night and she seems to remember something about them only refunding the cheapest option available to you. So if there is generic brands for the meds you're taking, they'll refund you the price of those generic brands.

I think this is unfair to be honest, because if you were over the limit with meds only and just using one chemist like most are, then they'd have no way to double check this. You'd just get what you need for the €144 a month or whatever it is.

dogmatix · 13-07-2017 9:20am

Real Psycrow wrote: »

I was telling my wife about this last night and she seems to remember something about them only refunding the cheapest option available to you. So if there is generic brands for the meds you're taking, they'll refund you the price of those generic brands.

I think this is unfair to be honest, because if you were over the limit with meds only and just using one chemist like most are, then they'd have no way to double check this. You'd just get what you need for the €144 a month or whatever it is.

Aye - i'm on a generic brand now as they came out of patent a while back. They used to cost north of 400 a month. Maybe I should ask my chemist to switch me back to the branded meds and see what happens!

WannaGetFit · 13-07-2017 8:33pm

Hmm, so i am not the only one it seems. Totally ridiculous...it says you don't have to pay more than 144!

Would you believe I got a generic brand the other day and it cost more than the branded one!!
The chemist, just said, ye its strange alright...bye now...

WannaGetFit · 13-07-2017 8:35pm

Real Psycrow wrote: »

That seems a bit odd. I've only recently started claiming as now both my wife and I have CPAP machines and that sends us over the top even without our meds. But I've gotten exactly what I expected back from them.

Have you tried ringing them on 1890-252-919? I've found them very helpful. And they actually answer the phone which is a rare treat for a govt agency.

Failing that, have you gone to another chemist to value the meds you buy?

I did ring them...not sure what number...the girl was nice and explained it, but sounds stupid to me

She is sending me out the info on how they came up with the 75 euro.
Will try another chemist if I don't get anywhere with HSE.

WannaGetFit · 13-07-2017 8:37pm

Odyssey 2005 wrote: »

Id say the shortfall is in tbe price of the meds. They're only allowi g 75 for meds.?

ye, thats what they said...will see when they send out the explanation

Masala · 21-07-2017 9:13am

Looking for advice.... am off to Portugal for a week and am thinking of leaving my CPAP machine at home.

Am travelling with Ryanair availing of the cabin baggage allowance only .. so have a pull along and a rucksack. Wasn't fancying carting the CPAP as well.

What the worse that can happen.....I intend spending my days asleep on a sun lounger in the shade so I will get plenty of sleep. Did anyone ever take such a break from the machine like this before??

I only on the machine since Feb17

Reputable Rog · 21-07-2017 12:08pm

Masala wrote: »

Looking for advice.... am off to Portugal for a week and am thinking of leaving my CPAP machine at home.

Am travelling with Ryanair availing of the cabin baggage allowance only .. so have a pull along and a rucksack. Wasn't fancying carting the CPAP as well.

What the worse that can happen.....I intend spending my days asleep on a sun lounger in the shade so I will get plenty of sleep. Did anyone ever take such a break from the machine like this before??

I only on the machine since Feb17

I think you should bring the machine, you will be wrecked.

Masala · 21-07-2017 1:15pm

Reputable Rog wrote: »

I think you should bring the machine, you will be wrecked.

Have to give Ryanair credit despite the bashing they getting recently..... an email on way to me to carry the CPAP bag as extra bag over and above the other 2.

Very obliging on phone on it....

Glebee · 14-08-2017 11:37am

Anyone know if you claim back the VAT from Revene for the hire of the CPAP machines.?? Just a thought.

dogmatix · 14-08-2017 1:22pm

Not sure about the VAT, but you can claim tax back from Revenue for medical expenses and that includes prescriptions and the like. Just keep all the receipts when making a claim.

Reputable Rog · 14-08-2017 2:16pm

Laya will refund €135 if you have a letter from your consultant.

Leslie91 · 15-08-2017 4:18pm

Last night was first nite on the CPAP at home (had done the trial in hospital). Seemed to go OK, I woke a couple of times but AHI reading (if I'm reading it correct) was below 10, sleep study score without CPAP was 67.

We spend the full €144 on meds already so I'm expecting that they will refund the full cost of the CPAP. Also checked with health insurer (LAYA) and they tell me they will give 50% of up to to €200 p.a. but will go against outpatient excess.

Masala · 15-08-2017 4:54pm

Leslie91 wrote: »

Last night was first nite on the CPAP at home (had done the trial in hospital). Seemed to go OK, I woke a couple of times but AHI reading (if I'm reading it correct) was below 10, sleep study score without CPAP was 67.

We spend the full €144 on meds already so I'm expecting that they will refund the full cost of the CPAP. Also checked with health insurer (LAYA) and they tell me they will give 50% of up to to €200 p.a. but will go against outpatient excess.

How do u read this yourself??? I though you needed software to read this???

What machine are u on??

Glebee · 15-08-2017 4:59pm

Masala wrote: »

How do u read this yourself??? I though you needed software to read this???

What machine are u on??

My philips gives that info on the screen also, AHI over 1, 7 and 30 days.
I averaging 2.6 over the 30 days.

Also shows treatment hours over 1, 7 and 30 days

Leslie91 · 15-08-2017 5:01pm

Masala wrote: »

How do u read this yourself??? I though you needed software to read this???

What machine are u on??

I'll check the make and model tonight and let you know but it has a screen and I can hit a button below the "i" (for information). I can then scroll through the last 5 (I think) 'recordings' and the AHI shows.

FaganJr · 15-08-2017 5:04pm

Leslie91 wrote: »

I'll check the make and model tonight and let you know but it has a screen and I can hit a button below the "i" (for information). I can then scroll through the last 5 (I think) 'recordings' and the AHI shows.

Its a Sefam Dreamstar by the sounds of it!

Leslie91 · 15-08-2017 5:06pm

FaganJr wrote: »

Its a Sefam Dreamstar by the sounds of it!

That's the one!!. Thanks. You have the same one?, how has your experience been?

FaganJr · 15-08-2017 5:17pm

Leslie91 wrote: »

That's the one!!. Thanks. You have the same one?, how has your experience been?

Great start, terrible middle and improvements since then!

By terrible middle I mean after a month they adjusted the machine and I went backwards.

But after another adjustment been making great improvements.

Stick with it, best advice really.

Dreamstar are releasing a new machine called the SBox, this connects to Wifi & Bluetooth. So they can remote into the machine to take reports and make adjustments for you.
So if your with the same company I am, they should let you get that machine also.
If your renting its the same price.
When I get it I'll let you know!

drake70 · 15-08-2017 5:23pm

Leslie91 wrote: »

Last night was first nite on the CPAP at home (had done the trial in hospital). Seemed to go OK, I woke a couple of times but AHI reading (if I'm reading it correct) was below 10, sleep study score without CPAP was 67.

We spend the full €144 on meds already so I'm expecting that they will refund the full cost of the CPAP. Also checked with health insurer (LAYA) and they tell me they will give 50% of up to to €200 p.a. but will go against outpatient excess.

This is correct. Fill out the DSP Refund form (link below) and send it ,along with your receipt, to the address listed on the form.

DSP Refund Form

You will need to fill out a form for each month.

Leslie91 · 16-08-2017 8:54am

FaganJr wrote: »

Great start, terrible middle and improvements since then!

By terrible middle I mean after a month they adjusted the machine and I went backwards.

But after another adjustment been making great improvements.

Stick with it, best advice really.

Dreamstar are releasing a new machine called the SBox, this connects to Wifi & Bluetooth. So they can remote into the machine to take reports and make adjustments for you.
So if your with the same company I am, they should let you get that machine also.
If your renting its the same price.
When I get it I'll let you know!

Thanks.. yeah I think they said they will check on results in 2 weeks and make any changes necessary. So far so good though. Only complaint is the mask is hurting the bridge of nose a bit. So maybe I need a bigger one?

Gerard93 · 16-08-2017 12:30pm

Only complaint is the mask is hurting the bridge of nose a bit. So maybe I need a bigger one?

I had that problem but changed masks and find its better now, also ensure that the mast is not too tight starting off as the pressure builds it then seals.

I have been on a CPAP since '07 I am with the same provider since then have never checked around price wise, I am just curious is there much difference price wise between companies ??

Leslie91 · 16-08-2017 12:33pm

Gerard93 wrote: »

I had that problem but changed masks and find its better now, also ensure that the mast is not too tight starting off as the pressure builds it then seals.

I have been on a CPAP since '07 I am with the same provider since then have never checked around price wise, I am just curious is there much difference price wise between companies ??

I'm paying €86 a mth to rent the machine... the mask as a one off was v pricey.

Gerard93 · 16-08-2017 12:43pm

Leslie91 wrote: »

Gerard93 wrote: »

I had that problem but changed masks and find its better now, also ensure that the mast is not too tight starting off as the pressure builds it then seals.

I have been on a CPAP since '07 I am with the same provider since then have never checked around price wise, I am just curious is there much difference price wise between companies ??

I'm paying €86 a mth to rent the machine... the mask as a one off was v pricey.

Paying 96.00 per month but get a free mask and machine gets the once over yearly
Mask on its own I think is around €150

the_syco · 04-09-2017 12:50am

Got a second hand machine (from a company in Atlone, I think) for €300 and (touch wood) it's still going grand somewhere about 18 months later. Have only had to (recently) get a replacement straps for the nasal frame.

Recommend anyone paying close to a €100 a month to look into.

=-=

Someone mentioned about not bringing their CPAP device with them on holidays. From experience, the 1st night after using CPAP won't be that bad, but quality of sleep nosedives after on the 2nd night and after.

Johannabax · 26-09-2017 12:05am

Just diagnosed with sleep apnea. Rep calling tomorrow about machine. It sounds like the can be very annoying to have on. I'm already dreading it as I have a neck problem. I didn't get any details from consultant other than had it and I need a machine. I'm not even sure whether I'm a mouth or nose breather. I start the night as a nose breather. I have allergies and a very large sinus polyp and as I said neck problems so I wonder if all or any of these contribute.

Reputable Rog · 26-09-2017 8:21am

Johannabax wrote: »

Just diagnosed with sleep apnea. Rep calling tomorrow about machine. It sounds like the can be very annoying to have on. I'm already dreading it as I have a neck problem. I didn't get any details from consultant other than had it and I need a machine. I'm not even sure whether I'm a mouth or nose breather. I start the night as a nose breather. I have allergies and a very large sinus polyp and as I said neck problems so I wonder if all or any of these contribute.

According to my consultant everyone is a nose breather,he asked me why I was using a face mask instead of a nose mask and when I replied that I was a mouth breather he said that I was misinformed.
Try and get a nose mask, much better and more comfortable that face masks.

storker · 26-09-2017 8:41am

Johannabax wrote: »

Just diagnosed with sleep apnea. Rep calling tomorrow about machine. It sounds like the can be very annoying to have on. I'm already dreading it as I have a neck problem. I didn't get any details from consultant other than had it and I need a machine. I'm not even sure whether I'm a mouth or nose breather. I start the night as a nose breather. I have allergies and a very large sinus polyp and as I said neck problems so I wonder if all or any of these contribute.

The noise might not be as bad as you think. I quite like it and it helps send me off to sleep. If you sleep with someone the biggest nuisance is likely to be small blast of air that blows forward from the from of the mask. The best solution is probably a pillow or large teddy bear in the middle of the bed to block the breeze.

Leslie91 · 26-09-2017 9:29am

Johannabax wrote: »

Just diagnosed with sleep apnea. Rep calling tomorrow about machine. It sounds like the can be very annoying to have on. I'm already dreading it as I have a neck problem. I didn't get any details from consultant other than had it and I need a machine. I'm not even sure whether I'm a mouth or nose breather. I start the night as a nose breather. I have allergies and a very large sinus polyp and as I said neck problems so I wonder if all or any of these contribute.

I have a full mask (mouth and nose) and after a couple of days got used to it. The noise is insignificant. I've been dreaming like nobodys biz since I got it (this means I am now getting into deep sleep, had not been for over 10yrs).

guile4582 · 27-09-2017 10:17am

Johannabax wrote: »

Just diagnosed with sleep apnea. Rep calling tomorrow about machine. It sounds like the can be very annoying to have on. I'm already dreading it as I have a neck problem. I didn't get any details from consultant other than had it and I need a machine. I'm not even sure whether I'm a mouth or nose breather. I start the night as a nose breather. I have allergies and a very large sinus polyp and as I said neck problems so I wonder if all or any of these contribute.

have you looked at getting an advancment mandibular device?
what level of apnoea you been diagnosed with?
consultant should of given you a score of the level of apnoea based on how many times an hour you stop breathing. i was mild at 7 but 15 on my back,. wasnt keen on machine either and actually told try the mandibular device first
cost 700e..overall its been a success.

Boulevardier · 28-09-2017 7:07pm

" i was mild at 7 but 15 on my back"

Is this a common phenomenon? If so, it could mean that if I revert to sleeping on my side I could have a milder setting on the CPAP.

FaganJr · 28-09-2017 7:32pm

Boulevardier wrote:

" i was mild at 7 but 15 on my back"

I vary from 4-15, can't figure it out

guile4582 · 29-09-2017 1:08pm

Boulevardier wrote: »

" i was mild at 7 but 15 on my back"

Is this a common phenomenon? If so, it could mean that if I revert to sleeping on my side I could have a milder setting on the CPAP.

sleep test result was an average score of 7 (mild apnoea) however when on my back during an hour the times i stopped breathing was as high as 15 (per hour)

that ok for ya?

Leslie91 · 02-10-2017 2:01pm

Jaysus... while it is no doubt a pain and inconvenient you will be glad to hear your scores are on the low side lads. Mine was 67!!. Using CPAP I am down to below 5.

Squall Leonhart · 05-10-2017 12:19pm

Mine was 15 and as of this morning following a routine check up, it's now averaging 1.5

I've also made moves to buy the machine. Was paying 100.86 a month for it, they've told me I can purchase a brand new version of the same machine off them for 600 + VAT.

Does anybody know if there is any reimbursement is available from Revenue for the rental of this equipment? Surely it's classed as medical equipment.

Leslie91 · 05-10-2017 1:55pm

Squall Leonhart wrote: »

Mine was 15 and as of this morning following a routine check up, it's now averaging 1.5

I've also made moves to buy the machine. Was paying 100.86 a month for it, they've told me I can purchase a brand new version of the same machine off them for 600 + VAT.

Does anybody know if there is any reimbursement is available from Revenue for the rental of this equipment? Surely it's classed as medical equipment.

I'd have thought u can put it on your med1.

fussyonion · 07-10-2017 10:58pm

Hi, just to give you a perspective from my side; my partner is the one with sleep apnea.

He was diagnosed in 2008 and has been using the RESMaster Auto CPAP ever since.

He uses a mouth-mask because he can't wear his glasses to watch telly if he wears a nose-mask.

He absolutely hates wearing the mask but he is used to it and knows how important it is. He is very good about wearing it and he never sleeps without it. The nurses at his clinic were very impressed because apparently not everyone wears it every night, even though they should.

The CPAP treatment has not improved his quality of sleep; he still falls asleep during the day, still feels tired.

He has annual check-ups at the clinic and fills out the form which asks the usual "Do you feel your apnea has improved since starting CPAP treatment?" questions and he always answers the same. No.

His machine works fine, mask is fine, readings are unchanged.

The noise from the machine can get loud at times if the pressure is set too high and the breeze is cold if he faces my way but I don't let him face my way!

I don't know what else to say, apart from it's something he uses nightly and it does the job but it hasn't made a world of difference to his tiredness.

dogmatix · 09-10-2017 10:15am

fussyonion wrote: »

Hi, just to give you a perspective from my side; my partner is the one with sleep apnea.

He was diagnosed in 2008 and has been using the RESMaster Auto CPAP ever since.

He uses a mouth-mask because he can't wear his glasses to watch telly if he wears a nose-mask.

He absolutely hates wearing the mask but he is used to it and knows how important it is. He is very good about wearing it and he never sleeps without it. The nurses at his clinic were very impressed because apparently not everyone wears it every night, even though they should.

The CPAP treatment has not improved his quality of sleep; he still falls asleep during the day, still feels tired.

He has annual check-ups at the clinic and fills out the form which asks the usual "Do you feel your apnea has improved since starting CPAP treatment?" questions and he always answers the same. No.

His machine works fine, mask is fine, readings are unchanged.

The noise from the machine can get loud at times if the pressure is set too high and the breeze is cold if he faces my way but I don't let him face my way!

I don't know what else to say, apart from it's something he uses nightly and it does the job but it hasn't made a world of difference to his tiredness.

I have noticed something similar myself – I started using CPAP in May – initially I noticed a bit of extra “pep” on waking but after a few months it was back to normal. I still persist in using the machine as I’m at an age when stroke and heart issues can be common and sleep apnea can be a factor in this.

I also suffer from very mild narcolepsy. This is separate from Apnea so no matter how good a night’s sleep I might get, I can still get very drowsy spells during the day. Maybe he should get checked out for this, if only for piece of mind.

23-10-2017 10:14pm

Got my result of UARS - not surprising in the end as that one seems to be jaw structure which is definitely my problem. going for the cpap hospital test in a couple weeks. Fingers crossed it helps

Drumpot · 24-10-2017 8:54am

Hi guys, anybody know if any alternative treatment to machine?

I had tried it for a few months and was taken off it because it wasn’t inproving my quality of sleep but I wasn’t given any alternative suggestions.

The consultant said that he could see from the machine readings that it was doing it’s job but if it wasn’t improving my sleep it wasn’t worth using!

I was going to phone sleep Ireland and talk with my GP but was curious if anybody had any other ideas?!

Masala · 24-10-2017 8:55am

Woke up this morning and have a mild swelling under my left ear along my jaw line. On googling same... could be a Saliva Gland blockage.

Am worried that the straps of the mask could be putting pressure on same as I sleep

Also... had stopped using the water containers now for the summer months... but will probably start back using same on a 4 tonight in case the lack of moisture in my mouth is the issue

Will watch same during the day and make a deciosion on a doctor call later

Anyone else come across this

24-10-2017 7:05pm

Drumpot wrote: »

Hi guys, anybody know if any alternative treatment to machine?

I had tried it for a few months and was taken off it because it wasn’t inproving my quality of sleep but I wasn’t given any alternative suggestions.

The consultant said that he could see from the machine readings that it was doing it’s job but if it wasn’t improving my sleep it wasn’t worth using!

I was going to phone sleep Ireland and talk with my GP but was curious if anybody had any other ideas?!

That's odd, mine had been talking about looking at lifestyle stuff e.g. caffeine intake, antihistamines, surgery if the result turned out to be serious
Isn't there the dental device as well to open airways?

Leslie91 · 25-10-2017 12:28pm

Drumpot wrote: »

Hi guys, anybody know if any alternative treatment to machine?

I had tried it for a few months and was taken off it because it wasn’t inproving my quality of sleep but I wasn’t given any alternative suggestions.

The consultant said that he could see from the machine readings that it was doing it’s job but if it wasn’t improving my sleep it wasn’t worth using!

I was going to phone sleep Ireland and talk with my GP but was curious if anybody had any other ideas?!

If the machine is working ie. the sleep apnea condition is no more then your quality of sleep issue is caused by something else.

I'd argue that if apnea is a problem/condition you have then you should continue to use the machine. If you are/have been having apnea/hypopnea events then these are putting pressure on all parts of your body. If the machine is working for you then these events are minimised if not eradicated altogether.

Grayditch · 30-11-2017 1:45pm

Hey, these questions have already probably been answered a million times, but I can't see exactly where, so if someone has a second to answer that would be great.

I suspect I have sleep apnoea. Is my next step a GP, or do I go to a consultant or which? I'd like to avoid a GP's charge if it's not needed.

Masala · 30-11-2017 2:26pm

Grayditch wrote: »

Hey, these questions have already probably been answered a million times, but I can't see exactly where, so if someone has a second to answer that would be great.

I suspect I have sleep apnoea. Is my next step a GP, or do I go to a consultant or which? I'd like to avoid a GP's charge if it's not needed.

Google Epworth Test and see your scores.... anything over 15 makes you a strong case for a professional assessment

Grayditch · 30-11-2017 2:30pm

I got a 10, there, but I'm always tired. Partner says I do a snore and have lost my breath in mid sleep quite a few times. Just wondering if I can bypass the GP. Will they send me to someone I could have just done straight to?

Sleep Apnoea and CPAP

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