WHY GROUP HEALTH? MEMBERS SAY IT BEST
Support When You Need It — From Home Testing to Support Groups

Dick King
Member

I've had two home sleep tests through Group Health since 2002. You get instructions on how to attach the machine's wires to your chest and body, and hoses to your nose, and then you sleep through the night. You can disconnect yourself pretty easily if you need to go to the bathroom. The test showed I had sleep apnea, and I started using a CPAP machine.

I understand why many people don't use their machines. I had a hard time getting used to mine, but Group Health really helped. I went back three or four times before I got a mask that worked for me, and the right fit. People who don't get that kind of help tend to get frustrated and give up.

Group Health also offers a support group in Bellevue for people with sleep apnea. It's been very helpful. It's encouraging to hear about other people's experiences. Plus I've learned a lot about what sleep apnea does to your body — and how dangerous it is to your heart and kidneys. That keeps me motivated.

A few years ago I went to Australia for three months and didn't take my CPAP machine with me. By the time I got home, I felt terrible. I went back on the machine and haven't stopped since.

POSTED: January 2009

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