What Is CPAP Compliance?
According to Sleep Review, health professionals define CPAP Compliance as using CPAP therapy for a minimum of 4 hours a night for at least 70% of the nights. Although CPAP Compliance does not require nightly usage, you should try your best to sleep with your CPAP machine every night. Staying CPAP compliant will have you sleep well and guarantee continued insurance coverage for your machine and any future supplies. It typically takes patients about 3-4 weeks to adjust to CPAP therapy, so stay with it! The more you use the machine, the more you’ll experience all its wonderful health benefits.
The Importance of CPAP Compliance
Generally, your health insurance provider will cover their cost share of a CPAP machine once you’ve established medical necessity by testing positive for sleep apnea with a sleep study. Some insurance plans purchase the machine outright, while some pay for the machine over time as a rental. If your insurance pays for the machine as a rental, you must show them compliant usage of it during that rental period to ensure continued coverage. Your insurance provider will not pay for a machine unused.
In addition to financial consequences for non-compliant usage, untreated sleep apnea can affect your quality of life and mental well-being. Daytime sleepiness and cognitive issues are common short-term symptoms. Over time, significant health risks can arise if you forego managing your sleep apnea with therapy. These health risks include obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.
Our Compliance Team and Sleep Coaches
If you are having challenges with CPAP Compliance within the first 90 days of usage, don’t panic. Our dedicated Compliance Team, with their Sleep Coaches, is here to help find a solution. Sleep Coaches are a personalized resource that provides support, education, and motivation during those critical first 90 days while one acclimates to their new equipment and therapy. The Sleep Coaches at Quality DME proactively monitor your therapy and will reach out for assistance if they notice you trending towards non-compliance or poor outcomes. Their goal is to help you incorporate CPAP therapy into a regular sleep routine and achieve CPAP Compliance within 90 days.
If you have questions or need help, contact one of our Sleep Coaches at sleepcoach@qualitydme.com or call us at 888-276-3237 (Option 5). You can also fill out our contact form online, and a representative will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts on CPAP Compliance
You’re only cheating yourself if you’re not compliant with your CPAP therapy. There are countless essential reasons for achieving and sustaining CPAP Compliance, but the most important one is your health. Follow up with your doctor regularly to discuss the progress of your CPAP therapy to ensure that everything is on track. Know that you are not alone if you’re having issues using your machine. Our team is here for ongoing support and will answer any questions you may have so you can get your best sleep!
Check-in with the QDME Journal for new blogs on fascinating topics!
