Sleep Apnoea and CPAP

I managed to get a Drugs payment scheme refund the first time I bought a machine, but that was over 12 years ago and it wasn't a full refund as I had to pay the monthly limit (80e today). This time I was told no and the excuse given was the machine was not being supplied from their list of approved suppliers.

I would suggest you contact the HSE https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/ and get a drug payment scheme card (you nay already have one) and then ask about their list of approved suppliers .... that way you can then folow up and ask will/can you claim a refund. Obviously if you use cpap.eu you are put in the naughty corner for saving them and yourself money.

Anyone can ask for a Drug Payment scheme card - we had one and it kicked in when we were over the monthly limit - I seem to recall the pharmacy dealt with it directly but that was a good while ago, the system may have changed.

Hi all, I was recently diagnosed with mild sleep apnea. The doc said my AHI score was 9 and advised that I lose some weight.

I opted to get a machine for a few months anyway to see if it makes any difference. The doc said it might be a good idea to see if it help.

I feel quite unrested in the mornings (for many years at this point) so I'm hoping I'll get a noticeable change whenever I get the machine and also lose a bit of weight! I know my score was only 9 but I guess it still has an impact.

Just wanted to ask if anyone who uses Resmed would know if they can provide different types of masks to try or if they'll only provide one?

I think either a combo or full mask will suit me best as I flip flop between nose and mouth breathing throughout the night. Any insight would be much appreciated!

Thanks for the reply! I'll be renting off Resmed for three months and trying to lose the weight alongside that. Will see what happens glad they let you try a few rather than just getting you to stick to one!

The most suitable mask is the one that fits and suits you, its a very personal thing.

I know you posted this a good time ago, but am curious about your experience with the tax reclaiming with renting a CPAP machine.

Have you successfully reclaimed 20% off the monthly/yearly cost of rental?

I'm prescribed CPAP and currently rent at €96 a month. With the €80 drug payment scheme limit, I reclaim €16 a month. However, are we entitled to reclaim 20% of the remaining €80?

I've recently moved abroad and decided to get another sleep study done here so I can claim the cost of the CPAP through the health system. They also offer the Inspire implant or an oral device as alternatives to CPAP for some patients. When I was tested here they did the standard sleep study but the morning after they also did an endoscopy while I was sleeping sedated to see if the dental device works in opening up any blockages. I found out the results today and apparently the dental device will substantially alleviate my symptoms and all going well could be an alternative to the CPAP. If there's anywhere in Ireland that offers the additional test I would recommend getting it done. My apnea was pretty severe (60-80ahi on my back) but they seem to think I'm an ideal candidate for the oral device. It would certainly be easier for travelling and to clean, not to mention cheaper in the long run. I'll come back with an update once I have it.

Not sure if there is a test, my doc recommended a guy in clontarf Dr John O’Brien at Cresent Clinic.

i got the device, but after a while found it uncomfortable, jaws hurt all the time and struggled with it. It was a very rigid piece of kit

Did they do an endoscopy on you with a test device first?

Hi Folks,

two bits from me.

Firstly .. a tube hanger...

I bought a CPAP tube hanger from Temu of all places .. for like €8.. and I'm happy to say it works like a charm. A gooseneck thing that clamps onto the bedhead and suspends the tube above your head... If you tend to roll over at night it takes all the strangling out of it..😁

Just search for "CPAP Hose Holder "to see various options

Secondly, I'm back again lookin at buying my CPAP machine outright. I've an airsense 10 and think I'll just get one of those as the reviews of airsense 11 aren't promising...

I see there is are two sites that look likely: cpapstore.eu and cpapeuropa.com

Has anyone any experience of buying from either of them?

Also, is there any special knowledge needed to affect settings in the airsense 10 that I need to know about?

Thanks

Presumably you are not on a cpap machine, what sort of numbers are you averaging now?

I am using a cpap, Usually 2-5. At the moment 25/30 due to a cold...

mm.. I dunno would I buy anything I really have to depend on from Temu..

Definitely nothing with a plug on it anyway 😁

I reckon its alright for basic stuff.. we got some great stocking fillers for the kids for christmas etc..

And for the hose holder I figured theres not much of a risk.. 8 bucks.. it either works or it doesn't...

I think for hoses and stuff like that where mould or hygiene could be an issue if the right materials aren't used.. hmmm.. probly not...

Saline wash can be effective. Sounds a bit horrible but once you have got the hang of it its no problem and it can work pretty well.