What is a Polysomnogragh or Sleep Test?
How do I chose which CPAP machine is best for me?
Should I purchase my CPAP from the cheapest priced company?
How do I know what mask is best for me?
What is the purpose of a humidifier?
Will a humidifier device wear out my mask and machine?
Can I still use my CPAP with a cold, and/or a stuffy nose?
How often should I clean my CPAP machine or equipment?
I breathe through my mouth, should I use a chin strap or something else?
Why does my cpap tubing have water in it in the mornings?
I’m on Medicare, will they pay for the CPAP therapy?
Will my Insurance pay for a CPAP machine for me?
While on CPAP, I still wake up in the middle of the night, any suggestions?
What are Insurance Billing codes or CPT codes for CPAP?
How do I get the pressure changed on my CPAP?

What is a Polysomnogragh or Sleep Test?
A polysomnogram or Sleep Test is a procedure that records your sleeping patterns. Each study may vary depending on your needs and the physicians' request. Some of the recordings include:

• Brain waves -- sensors placed on the head
• Heart beat -- sensors placed on the chest
• Eye movements -- sensors placed above and below the eyes
• Leg movements -- sensors placed on the lower leg
• Breathing -- sensors placed under the nose or near the mouth
• Breathing effort and chest movement -- small belts placed around the chest and stomach
• Oxygen levels -- adhesive strip type sensor attached to the finger

How do I chose which CPAP machine is best for me?
There are many manufacturers of CPAP machines and each with different models and features. Price, weight and options are the main differences. The options vary from simple blowers to smart systems that monitor compliance. Humidifiers can be added and some are integrated with the CPAP System from the start. Auto-adjusting CPAP will change the pressure automatically for you.

Once you have your sleep study done, your doctor will give you a prescription (required to purchase CPAP and Humidifiers), which will determined your minimum needs. Get all the information you can from your doctor. Then check with your insurance company to find out the types of machines they are willing to cover. Then check the websites of the manufacturers to help determine the right machine for you.

Should I purchase my CPAP from the cheapest priced company?
Always remember "Buyer Beware." Does the company have a return policy? What is the policy for defective products? Does the purchase area of the website offer a secure server? Can you reach the company by telephone to place an order? Does the company offer customer service? These are just a few of the questions that you should consider when choosing a supplier.

How do I know what mask is best for me?
Most people are given a choice of a few different masks when they are first set up with a CPAP or Bi-level system. Be sure to write down the brand and model of mask you are provided with. This will make replacing your mask much simpler.

If you develop problems with your current mask, check with your original service provider or sleep center to be refitted. They may be able to provide some samples of different types of masks that may provide a solution for you. Select a mask based on comfort. If it is not comfortable, you will not wear the mask. Check the quality of the seal, the fit of the headgear, and mask size, your mask should not leak and your mask should not require tight headgear. If you can try the mask with a machine, check the noise level from the mask. You should be able to tolerate any noise as you exhale.

Lastly check the convenience, is the mask easy to put on, it should not take forever to put on your headgear and mask. If you are buying your mask over the Internet, it is very important you read the company’s return policy. Most, if not all Internet companies, will not allow returns if the original factory seal has been opened. This is a FDA Guideline to prevent cross contamination. So, if you don't like the mask you buy and cannot return it, you may have to purchase a new mask to try another.

What is the purpose of a humidifier?
Humidifiers add moisture to the air you breath from the CPAP machine. It will help prevent your mouth, nose, and throat from dying out.

Will a humidifier device wear out my mask and machine?
No it will not, just be sure not to get water in the CPAP unit itself.

Can I still use my CPAP with a cold, and/or a stuffy nose?
Most patients can use the CPAP to clear up a stuffy nose. Put your CPAP mask on and turn on the machine. Slowly take a few deep breaths in through your nose, and out through your mouth for several minutes. Then, breath in and out, through your nose only for a few minutes. Your nose should clear, if not repeat the above steps again. Be sure to clean the mask after each use, to minimize the germs when sick.

How often should I clean my CPAP machine or equipment?
You should follow the CPAP manufacturer’s specifications to clean your CPAP machine. Disposable filters may be replaced every month. Generally, you should clean your mask daily, we recommend you soak the mask in non-lanolin antibacterial soapy water for 10-minutes, rinse and air dry. DO NOT USE ANY ALCOHOL cleaners on the mask! Your humidification system should be emptied each morning and leave it open to air-dry all day. Refill each night with distilled water. About once a week clean the water chamber and tubing with a solution of 3 parts water and 1 part vinegar, rinse and air dry.

I breathe through my mouth, should I use a chin strap or something else?
Yes, use a chin strap, also try using a heated humidifier, it will help in preventing stuffed up nose and the drying out of your airways.

Why does my CPAP tubing have water in it in the mornings?
Condensation forms in the tubing when the air from your room is cooler then the air in the tubing. This forms “rainout” or water in the tubing. Try changing the room temperature or talk to your manufacturer about insulating your tubing or wrapping it especially if you use a heated humidifier. Also try routing your tubing over your headboard to prevent rainout.

I’m on Medicare, will they pay for the CPAP therapy?
Medicare will pay for prescribed CPAP therapy less your deductibles and co-pays. If you have secondary insurance, they should cover your deductibles and co-pays. Check with Medicare and any secondary insurance companies to verify what they will and will not cover.

Will my Insurance pay for a CPAP machine for me?
Yes, most insurance policies will pay for your machine or rent the machine until paid for. Check with your insurance company.

While on CPAP, I still wake up in the middle of the night, any suggestions?
Try to determine why you are waking up. Is the room to warm or cold? Is your nose or mouth to dry? If so, try using a humidifier for your unit. Or, are you still snoring, if so, talk to your doctor. Is your pressure on your machine to high, or to low? Is your CPAP mask comfortable, or does it leak? Once you determine why you might be still waking up during the night, you can alleviate the problem. If you still are not sure contact your doctor.

What are the Insurance Billing Codes or CPT codes for CPAP?
Codes have changed as of January 2003. These updated codes are used to bill insurance and government plans for CPAP items.

§ EO601 RR is CPAP rental.
§ E0601 NU is CPAP purchase.
§ A7034 is CPAP nasal mask, including all nasal masks, Nasal Aire, Breeze, Spiritus.
§ A7032 is CPAP nasal mask cushion.
§ A7030 is CPAP Full Face mask.
§ A7031 is CPAP Full Face mask cushion.
§ A7044 is CPAP Full Oral Interface.
§ A7046 is CPAP Humidifier Chamber.
§ A7037 is CPAP tubing, long and short hoses.
§ A7038 is CPAP disposable filter.
§ A7039 is CPAP gross particle (foam) filter.
§ A7035 is CPAP headgear.
§ A7033 is CPAP nasal pillows.
§ A7036 is CPAP chinstrap.
§ E0561 is CPAP Passover Humidifier
§ E0562 is CPAP Heated Humidifier
§ E0470 RR is BiPAP rental.
§ KO532 NU is BiPAP purchase.

Other CPAP items are listed under A9900, which is miscellaneous.

How do I get the pressure changed on my CPAP?
For a pressure change, a physician has to prescribe a change in pressure or if you have moved to an area with a very different altitude and do not have an altitude-compensating machine, locate the nearest DME provider to adjust the pressure settings. You will need the prescription with a new pressure setting from your doctor.