Not sure

[Ross401]

I have had sleep apnoea for most of my adulthood and it has become progressively worse as I've aged. I'm not particularly overweight at 14.5 stone and six feet. My main problem is an 18.5 inch neck which all the males in my family are blessed with.
I recently had an appointment at a sleep clinic at our local hospital and was given a number of appliances which I had to wear for a night and then return for analysis. The outcome was that although I did have SA, it was not so serious that I could be issued with anything to help.
I'm fed up waking up still tired and feeling like I've done a night shift. I would like to try a CPAP machine but I'm not sure if it would be suitable and I can't really afford to spend the money on one if it doesn't help matters. If it improved the quality of my sleep just a bit I would be quite happy to buy. Is it possible to rent one in the UK or perhaps buy one with a money back option if it doesn't help?

[gvader]

Hi Ross,

If you have been diagnosed with OSA then the guys at ResMed will rent you a machine at somewhere around £40-£50 per month, if you then decide to buy the machine then the first month's rent will be deducted from the cost.

You can find the numbers for the office nearest you at http://www.resmed.com/en-uk/assets/h...l?menu=contact

Hope that helps.

[Tigers Fan]

Also ....

Hi Ross401

Respironics have a similar program at much the same price, I think. James at Intus and this forum is worth talking to - I think they have a programme, too. James has a wealth of knowledge about treating people in your position, not necessarily with a CPAP.

Before anything else, though, you will need a prescription from the Sleep Clinic or your GP for a CPAP or an APAP. No-one will sell or hire a machine to you without a prescription.

Tigers Fan.

[James @ Intus]

Gvader and Tigers Fan are spot on. The manufacturers themselves do do rental indeed. We do not, though never say never, that may change.

If OSA was diagnosed and they are sure it is just that, CPAP will be suitable, clinically. Whether or not you can get on with is a different matter. One in five struggle with it, at least for some time initially. Most are fine with it once they've tweaked it to their liking.

If it's mild sleep apnoea, you can also look at "Oral Appliance Therapy". With a dental sleep appliance (part) made by the dentist, it can also be solved. We do the SomnoDent but it costs as much as a full Auto-CPAP rig. Dr Johal has had success with the SleepWell appliance for his patients, which is a more traditional splint. With the cheaper ones, you will often find that you have to be able to breathe through your nose.

Both options will be 'for life' unless you manage to loose some of the 18 inch neck size. Given this commitment, you will have to consider long-term costs. A splint needs to be re-made every 2-5 years, depending on the type and material, as well as how you clean it or whether you brux. A CPAP machine lasts for 5-7 years, with annual mask replacements.

If you can't get a full prescription, depending on what you want, a mere confirmation of the diagnosis may suffice.

[Ross401]

Thanks for the advice, I'm so pleased I found this forum.
I'll definitely have a try with a rented machine to see how I get on. I've read up on the postings and can see it might work well or be unsuitable. At least I'll have tried it.
I did try one of the mandibular devices last year but usually found it ejected onto my chest after dropping off and was soon merrily snoring away. My problem really is because of the size of my neck but I have always had this, even as a slim teenager.
I'll go back to my GP and get a letter from him to sort the rental out.
Thanks again everybody. Maybe I'll be back on here in a month or so telling you of perfect night's sleep. Here's hoping.