By: Walid

Walid — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 06:36:20 +0000

CPAPs are one HCPCS code which includes APAPs. BUT bi-levels have drnfeieft HCPCS codes for the various types of advanced therapy they provide. So there are more than two types of PAP devices.I mentioned the no mask typo earlier. There is a brand name NoMask mask but it doesn’t fit into your reference descriptions.Full face masks come w/adjustable headgear just as all the PAP masks that I know of do.Nasal cushion masks do NOT cover the mouth. Nasal pillows do NOT cover the mouth. The oro-nasal masks such as the Resmed Liberty do. To the best of my knowledge there are 4 styles of mask, each style having its own HCPCS code: full face, nasal cushion, nasal pillows and oro-nasal. I’m not sure yet whether there will be a separte HCPCS code for the new Respironics FitLife mask yet or not.There is at least one, and I think two, relatively new PAPs, one each from Resmed and Respironics, that were developed specifically for Cheyne-Stokes and central apneas. The Resmed Adapt SV comes to mind.PAP pressure is NOT at all dependent on the severity of one’s sleep apnea. Many w/severe OSA need relatively low PAP pressure whereas many w/mild OSA need quite high PAP pressure.CPAPs deliver pressure during both inhalation AND exhalation. At least Resmed and Respironics CPAPs have a form of expiration pressure relief (Resmed’s proprietary name is EPR, and Respironics’ propriety name is C-Flex or A-Flex). They just don’t provide a specific IPAP and EPAP pressure nor are they able to provide as much relief of expiration pressure as the bi-levels. Timed bi-level pressure is not the same type of bi-level as the straight or auto bi-level BPAPs (Respironics proprietary name) or VPAPs (Resmed’s proprietary name). The timed breathing bi-levels are an entirely drnfeieft HCPCS code.THE most important feature of ANY form of PAP device is that it be FULLY DATA CAPABLE. The entry level, basic compliance data only PAP devices have little value to patient or doctor as the patient encounters problems acclimating to PAP therapy. Compliance data is useful ONLY to the DME providers so that they can provide proof of compliant usage to insurances when and if requested.It is the face mask fit leaks that reduce PAP therapy effectiveness rather than the PAP itself. Once the needed PAP device and pressure setting(s) are determined the MASK becomes the most important KEY to PAP therapy success. The ability of CPAPs to compensate for leaks is limited.Most PAPs are warrantied by the manufacture for 2 years, there are some warranteed for 3 years. Most all insurances consider 5 years to be the life of a PAP. A service warranty is a waste of money.Top of the line CPAPs and APAPs can be purchased from reputable online DME suppliers for considerably less than a $1000.And it really should be pointed out to the patient that they shouldn’t expect a miracle overnight. Most PAP patients require an acclimation period before they achieve successful, comfortable, relatively leak-free PAP therapy.

By: Suzan

Suzan — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:27:52 +0000

I just want to add to the already great anwsres. I, too, set up CPAP machines on patients for sleep apnea. As stated before, having a mask that fits properly and fits your needs is essential to the therapy. If you get set up with a mask that just doesn’t seem right, call your DME company back and ask for a different one. Most companies that make the masks have a 30 day mask fit guarantee so if you don’t like the mask within the first 30 days, they can be returned. How that works for the patient. . .return it to your DME company, they can give you something different (for free) and return the mask that didn’t work for you to the manufacturer for a credit. That way you are only paying for one mask and the DME company is getting reimbursed for one mask. Also, check into a phenomenon called REM rebound . Sometimes patients actually feel worse for a brief period of time when starting CPAP therapy. Basically the reasoning for this is that your body is adjusting to the feeling of REM. Hang in there.. and give it time. The people that are able to get over the hump , swear by it and can’t live without it. (my father included!)

Comments on: Philips Healthcare Showcases its Latest Innovations in Sleep Therapy in Dubai

By: Walid

By: Suzan