First Visit to RT

[Kiralynx]

This was originally posted in my thread on being newly diagnosed, but apparently, no one saw it -- or didn't have any advice. It was here:

viewtopic/t35319/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=35 ... &sk=t&sd=a

OK, talking to myself again. I've been informed that my Respironics BiPap Auto SV is in, and I meet with the respiratory therapist tomorrow to learn how to use it. (Oops, correction: I just had a call from the therapist, and the machine has NOT arrived yet, but it may be on tomorrow morning's shipment. Call this morning: my mask came in, but the machine may be on NEXT week's truck. ARRGH! If I had $5800 right now, I'd just order the d@mn thing and be done with it.)

Thanks to a little help from some friends, I have both the data card reader and the software. Now I have to decide which computer to install things on -- my desktop, which has the larger screen, and which will thus be easier to study graphs and charts on, or the laptop, which can travel with us so I can check the reports even when we're out and about. It's very annoying that the Encore Viewer does not allow one to export the data to a file so that two machines can be kept synched for frequent travelers. I guess CPAP people are supposed to be sticks-in-the-mud who never go anywhere.

I have received an eight foot hose from the DME, although I asked for a 10 foot one. (You should see my nightstand... the only safe place to put the machine requires the extra couple of feet, and the new Hozer hose manager probably wants another couple.) I set the Hozer up last night with the 8 foot hose, figuring I'd get the Dachshund Duo used to this thing hanging around their Missy before I hooked it up to the blower. They took it fairly calmly, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. The mask, which will prevent their handing out puppy-kisses, is probably going to be the biggest problem.

The proof of the Hozer will be in the actual using of it, but I like the ease with which it sets up, and the fact that the hose is literally available anywhere in my sleeping range, without having to wake up to rearrange it. (I don't have a headboard to sling the hose over, and the Hozer is cheaper than a headboard!) It also disassembles quickly and easily. This will be a serious plus when traveling.

I also have to figure out what questions I need to ask the RT during the meeting. Any thoughts?

[kteague]

I'm not familiar enough with that type of machine to even know what to ask, but if you do have problems while using it, there are some whizzes on here who can help you troubleshoot or know what to ask the doctor when the time comes.

Just in general, find out your supplier's policy on masks just in case the one you ordered doesn't work out. About the computer choice, once you get things on an even keel, you probably won't be looking at the data as frequently or as intricately as early on. These days I look at my data only every few weeks or even months or if my symptoms indicate there may be a problem. That may make a difference in which computer you choose to use.

Best wishes on getting your machine and getting started.

[deerslayer]

Welcome Kiralynx, i know nothing about the sv. the main thing is your RT gets you dialed in correctly & from there monitor your stats. all the info & support is here so you are not alone. The Major thing is your mask fit / comfort/leak data. if you can get a mask that feels good (you can tolerate)& does not leak to excess-mouth leakage/lip flutters , you'll do well. just be patient and keep the sausage hounds away from the 8ft. snake. I believe all of us after awhile will confess to having a basket full of interfaces. I was initiated to the apparatus with about 30 other folks & they had us pass around all the differant types of masks. i didn't even give the nasal pillows a glance & now after searching for the holy grail of masks, 90% of the time is with the swift II. ....last night i tried the Headrest nasal pillows with surprising results! was very comfortable ! leak data was about 32 for a 90% pressure of 12 & ahi was .07 for 8+ hrs. .....all this stuff is so expensive as you are finding out . thank goodness for cpapauction.com & our sponsor cpap.com who will price match competitors prices. that is why i bought my new headrest mask from them- thanks Paul ! .....you'll do fine girl just persevere with all of us. tim

[congahands]

I hate to give answers to questions that I don't absolutely know the answer to. But I do have at least some ideas.

For the computer question, the Encore Viewer doesn't remove data from your card when it loads in. Typically software licensing (if you care) is setup so that you can load the software on two different computers, as long as only one copy is active at a time. So loading the software on both systems and then loading the data onto both systems should not be a problem.

For questions for the RT, things to make sure you know are how often do you need to bring in your data card. Do they send the data to your doctor and the insurance company? My RT wasn't real helpful. They don't seem to like the idea of me knowing what's going on. I hope you have better results than I have.

[Kiralynx]

I'm not familiar enough with that type of machine to even know what to ask,

I gather it's a pretty powerful beastie. Guess that's what I get for having a variation of sleep apnea that was only discovered three years ago! (Complex sleep apnea... I got worse on CPAP!)

Just in general, find out your supplier's policy on masks just in case the one you ordered doesn't work out.

Noted in my file of "Questions to Drive the RT crazy..."

About the computer choice, once you get things on an even keel, you probably won't be looking at the data as frequently or as intricately as early on. These days I look at my data only every few weeks or even months or if my symptoms indicate there may be a problem. That may make a difference in which computer you choose to use.

That's a good point -- although I was thinking that it could be helpful to have the ability to look at the data when traveling in case one is feeling rocky, and trying to track why while traveling.

Best wishes on getting your machine and getting started.

Thank you. I had myself pretty well psyched up for my first night tonight, and it's very disappointing to learn that it will be at least another week. I don't want to need mask and machine, but since I do, then can we please stop dilly-dallying around and get on with it? <wry grin>

[Kiralynx]

Welcome Kiralynx, i know nothing about the sv. the main thing is your RT gets you dialed in correctly & from there monitor your stats. all the info & support is here so you are not alone.

Dialed in correctly? What do you mean? (You know, I'm surprised the software isn't, apparently, designed to allow patients to send data over a secure line to their doctors instead of having to physically carry the card in.)

The Major thing is your mask fit / comfort/leak data. if you can get a mask that feels good (you can tolerate)& does not leak to excess-mouth leakage/lip flutters , you'll do well. just be patient and keep the sausage hounds away from the 8ft. snake.

The mask I'm starting with is the Comfort Lite 2, regular nasal style. I tried a couple with nasal pillows and they were exquisitely painful. Regrettably, the mask leak on this one isn't in the "Collective Wisdom" chart -- the CL2 with pillows is, but not the regular nasal variety.

I set up the Hozer, sans mask and machine, just to get the Duo used to it, and they ignored it. Hopefully, that is an omen for the future. My one concern is that if I'm right, the mask exhaust is going to get my Big Guy in the shoulders if I'm on my right side, and catch my Pretty Lady right between the ears if I'm on the left side!

I believe all of us after awhile will confess to having a basket full of interfaces. I was initiated to the apparatus with about 30 other folks & they had us pass around all the differant types of masks. i didn't even give the nasal pillows a glance & now after searching for the holy grail of masks, 90% of the time is with the swift II. ....last night i tried the Headrest nasal pillows with surprising results! was very comfortable ! leak data was about 32 for a 90% pressure of 12 & ahi was .07 for 8+ hrs. .....

Yes, I suspect this is likely to be the case. Considering that I am a pack rat who never throws anything out, this could be deadly! <wry grin> I can't tolerate anything on my cheeks or forehead -- even with the CL2, I had to push it back. I call it my Klingon forehead. The headrest, assuming I could tolerate the nasal pillows, looks like it could be similar. I'd be tempted to try the CPAPPro, but it appears that people either love it or hate it, and as I'm cautious about nasal pillows, I would hesitate to shell out the $$$ for it. Plus there were reviews on it which indicated that it was less than sturdily made.

all this stuff is so expensive as you are finding out . thank goodness for cpapauction.com & our sponsor cpap.com who will price match competitors prices. that is why i bought my new headrest mask from them- thanks Paul !

I have to state that I was quite impresses with the speed and service of cpap.com!

.....you'll do fine girl just persevere with all of us. tim

Oh, likely -- but I hate waiting!

[Kiralynx]

I hate to give answers to questions that I don't absolutely know the answer to. But I do have at least some ideas.

Well, yes. Ladyhawke fan, hmm?

For the computer question, the Encore Viewer doesn't remove data from your card when it loads in. Typically software licensing (if you care) is setup so that you can load the software on two different computers, as long as only one copy is active at a time. So loading the software on both systems and then loading the data onto both systems should not be a problem.

Considering that even Microsoft allows me to do that, it was one of the first things I wanted to check on. It would actually be useful to have parallel versions of the data. (Who, me? Paranoid about computer backups? Naah....)

The data IS visible even if the card isn't in the reader, yes? If not, I'm going to be going broke buying data cards.

For questions for the RT, things to make sure you know are how often do you need to bring in your data card. Do they send the data to your doctor and the insurance company? My RT wasn't real helpful. They don't seem to like the idea of me knowing what's going on. I hope you have better results than I have.

Noted the "how often"? and "Where does it go?" in my list of things to drive the RT crazy with. So far, she's been very helpful, although remarkably lacking in information about software and card readers. However, she is the one who recommended the BiPap Auto SV for my complex apnea, so that's a plus.

[deerslayer]

Kiralynx, dialed in means correct pressure settings/ your titrated setting , then checking data for any needed changes

[Kiralynx]

Kiralynx, dialed in means correct pressure settings/ your titrated setting , then checking data for any needed changes

Ah, OK. I'm showing my age. "Dialed in" used to mean connected to an online community such as this one -- at 1200 baud!

[rested gal]

I can't tolerate anything on my cheeks or forehead -- even with the CL2, I had to push it back. I call it my Klingon forehead. The headrest, assuming I could tolerate the nasal pillows, looks like it could be similar.

Actually, the Headrest's "realtor's lockbox" thingy on top doesn't sit down on the front of the forehead the way the ComfortLite 2 does. The Headrest is amazingly lightweight, too, considering how bulky and awkward it looks in pictures.

But the CL2 is a good mask, and does give options for using different things at the nose/nostrils... nasal pillows, or a small cushion that covers the nose, or... usually the least popular, the "Direct Seal" which are nubs that are similar to nasal pillows but might be a tad trickier to keep in place for many people.

Anyway... do check out the "Lab Rat" fixes for the CL 2, if that clunky elbow swivel on top of the head starts bumping your head pillow too much, or doesn't allow you to turn over easily. It doesn't really swivel all that great, imho...or maybe the two I had were "clunkier" than most. With the elbow connector swivel on top removed, the CL2 is a very good mask, imho. I just like the Headrest much better... the exhaust vent is located above eyebrow level and vents straight up like a little chimney. Won't hit anything/anybody. Unless something/somebody is sleeping sideways across the head of the bed!

LINKS to Lab Rat Trophy awards
viewtopic.php?t=15104

[deerslayer]

RG i gotta tell you after 2 nights with the headrest- this child is a believer you are right, the pics don't do it justice ! it's light weight, easy on off,pillows stay put, comfortable for side or back sleeping. already seeing a 9 point decline in leak rate + AHI is 0.7-1.0 for 8hrs 30 min. .guess the swift II will be benched for the second string team of headgear...thank you cpap.com !

[Kiralynx]

Actually, the Headrest's "realtor's lockbox" thingy on top doesn't sit down on the front of the forehead the way the ComfortLite 2 does. The Headrest is amazingly lightweight, too, considering how bulky and awkward it looks in pictures.

It does look pretty awkward, but then, I also have to admit that, based on picture alone, I never would have chosen the CL2 as being one that I could tolerate. Hence, the possibility of trying, as an alternate, the Headrest. I've printed out the information on it, and will ask the RT about the possibility of getting and trying one. If not fromher, I may check with the sleep center where my studies were done, because they were exceptionally helpful in finding the CL2 which does work (well, at least for the titration) for me.

But the CL2 is a good mask, and does give options for using different things at the nose/nostrils... nasal pillows, or a small cushion that covers the nose, or... usually the least popular, the "Direct Seal" which are nubs that are similar to nasal pillows but might be a tad trickier to keep in place for many people.

For the titration, I used the "cover the nose." I'm still wary of the nasal pillows -- perhaps the masks I tried with them had pillows which were too large, but they just flat hurt. I can't imagine spending a night with anything like that stretching my nose out. <grin> If course, the tech told me most people find bi-pap disconcerting, and I liked it just fine, so it would probably be my luck to find the "Direct Seal" critters to work just fine for me.

Anyway... do check out the "Lab Rat" fixes for the CL 2, if that clunky elbow swivel on top of the head starts bumping your head pillow too much, or doesn't allow you to turn over easily. It doesn't really swivel all that great, imho...or maybe the two I had were "clunkier" than most. With the elbow connector swivel on top removed, the CL2 is a very good mask, imho.

I will, and thank you! We'll see how the mask works with the Hozer keeping the hose out of the way.

I just like the Headrest much better... the exhaust vent is located above eyebrow level and vents straight up like a little chimney. Won't hit anything/anybody.

The exhaust going straight up has an appeal. Although I have a feeling the Dachshund Duo will have more than a little bit of adaptation to make to my Darth Vader Meets the Klingons mode after my machine gets in. Last night, for instance, exhaust going down would have gotten my guy right between the shoulders if I was on my right side, and the girl right between the ears if I was sleeping on my left side.

Unless something/somebody is sleeping sideways across the head of the bed!

Oh, that would be the Galoot, this morning. I woke up with 30 pounds of dachshund wrapped around my head.

LINKS to Lab Rat Trophy awards
viewtopic.php?t=15104

Thanks again, for these. I've bookmarked the link and will be spending time browsing them.

[DreamDiver]

Kiralynx,

If I'm not mistaken, Banned uses an SV-style machine. He may be able to give you some of the finer points. It's definitely a more technical machine. (We call him 'Sir Banned' because of his help with Little Larissa.) Best wishes are directed your way.

[Kiralynx]

If I'm not mistaken, Banned uses an SV-style machine. He may be able to give you some of the finer points. It's definitely a more technical machine. (We call him 'Sir Banned' because of his help with Little Larissa.) Best wishes are directed your way.

Dreamdiver,

Thanks much. Once I actually HAVE my machine and have found a secure place to put it, then I'll look at the fine points. Thanks. I've spending a lot of time reading threads and thinking up ways to terrorize my PCP.

[gasp]

I can't tolerate anything on my cheeks or forehead -- even with the CL2, I had to push it back. I call it my Klingon forehead. The headrest, assuming I could tolerate the nasal pillows, looks like it could be similar.

Actually, the Headrest's "realtor's lockbox" thingy on top doesn't sit down on the front of the forehead the way the ComfortLite 2 does. The Headrest is amazingly lightweight, too, considering how bulky and awkward it looks in pictures.

But the CL2 is a good mask, and does give options for using different things at the nose/nostrils... nasal pillows, or a small cushion that covers the nose, or... usually the least popular, the "Direct Seal" which are nubs that are similar to nasal pillows but might be a tad trickier to keep in place for many people.

Anyway... do check out the "Lab Rat" fixes for the CL 2, if that clunky elbow swivel on top of the head starts bumping your head pillow too much, or doesn't allow you to turn over easily. It doesn't really swivel all that great, imho...or maybe the two I had were "clunkier" than most. With the elbow connector swivel on top removed, the CL2 is a very good mask, imho. I just like the Headrest much better... the exhaust vent is located above eyebrow level and vents straight up like a little chimney. Won't hit anything/anybody. Unless something/somebody is sleeping sideways across the head of the bed!

LINKS to Lab Rat Trophy awards

viewtopic.php?t=15104

Oh! I didn't realize the vent was above eyebrow level. That would help eliminate the CL2 from blowing into my eyes when it bounces off my pillow or hand, covers, etc. Nice. My DME is working on getting me that mask.

My DME is one of the good ones. Fabulous actually. Can't wait to try the headrest.