The gatekeeping in the CPAP field is so insane. 1. Yes, we should regulate manufacturers intensely. 2. No, we shouldn't regulate to whom companies should be allowed to sell them. The defaults are good enough for most. Provide an easy to use control for max pressure and people will figure it out. Perhaps a knob? I claim: During the past decade, the risk of being maltreated by a personally set-up CPAP unit has been far…
I generally agree with you but even people with a prescription who have sleep apnea have a lot of trouble using their CPAP consistently and correctly, even after it is titrated by professionals in an overnight session. Some people obviously are capable of diagnosing and solving their own medical problems and are willing to learn and do the work but most people aren't. I don't think that opening up CPAPs to the masses…
A $200 CPAP with a knob that lets you control pressure absolutely would solve sleep apnea for much more people than gatekeeping it behind an insane price + having to make a doctor's appointment through insurance just to get them to turn the knob for you.
Because those who can't turn a knob themselves would still be able to schedule an appointment with a knob-turner without making the rest of us have to do it as well.
I got a hand me down CPAP from my dad, bought a mask off Amazon, played with the knob a bit, and within a week I cured my central sleep apnea. It's just not hard for anyone who doesn't think the doctor has divine capabilities over what they could do themselves (turning a knob).
But instead we infantilize everyone by requiring them to do the equivalent of taking their car in for a licensed professional to check their oil dipstick. And, of course, making them or their insurance pay $300 for the pleasure.