Getting set up with my CPAP machine

[Tatooed Lady]

I found out today from a usually reliable source that cpap hoses can be bought at some

TRUCK STOPS

(I'd never have guessed that)

Wonder who that was? Hmmm....and sometimes they sell filters...I ASSUME the stuff they sell is just a small selection of the most common items that prob can be used on multiple machines, maybe even work on more than one brand. Never looked closely.

[Goofproof]

I found out today from a usually reliable source that cpap hoses can be bought at some

TRUCK STOPS

(I'd never have guessed that)

Wonder who that was? Hmmm....and sometimes they sell filters...I ASSUME the stuff they sell is just a small selection of the most common items that prob can be used on multiple machines, maybe even work on more than one brand. Never looked closely.

If they come in black, they might be repurposed heater hose. Jim

[Enchanter]

It's been completed! My mom was able to see what I did wrong. You have to slide the silicone into the shell. It functions much differently though. I feel the air PRESSURE. Yesterday I felt the air, not the pressure. It was like breathing in the air of a fan. Now it's the air pressure I feel, not the air blowing. It's similar to when I went to the lab.

There is still some air coming out in the front of the mask. Only a small amount on the sides, but there is also some noise. But I think that this is the idea. See I have trouble completing simple things, I can't concentrate. It's like that.

[Papit]

As was said before, the air coming out the front of the mask is your exhaled air. That's good. The air coming out from underneath the mask in contact with your face sounds like leaks. That's probably the noise you're hearing. Adjust the straps, but not too tight. The mask is supposed to almost be able to "float" on your face -- not be crushed into your face. Breathing-wise, it should feel similar to how it felt in the sleep lab. Relax with it when you lie down and in ten minutes it'll feel nice.

All in all, this is outstanding! Even if it's not perfect, sounds like you can sleep with it tonight. Nice going!

[Enchanter]

As was said before, the air coming out the front of the mask is your exhaled air. That's good. The air coming out from underneath the mask in contact with your face sounds like leaks. That's probably the noise you're hearing. Adjust the straps, but not too tight. The mask is supposed to almost be able to "float" on your face -- not be crushed into your face. Breathing-wise, it should feel similar to how it felt in the sleep lab. Relax with it when you lie down and in ten minutes it'll feel nice.

All in all, this is outstanding! Even if it's not perfect, sounds like you can sleep with it tonight. Nice going!

thanks

[Enchanter]

oh what setting should it be? there are 5

[Papit]

Just checking back in here for a moment, E. If you're asking about pressure setting, I don't know. I'm not familiar with your machine and none of us has seen your lab reports. If it was me, I'd begin by trying out the lowest settings first and see what felt comfortable to breathe.

[Julie]

I think you're confusing settings - the pressure setting (in cms) is not going to be a choice of 5, it will go from 4 to 20, and a likely place to start would be at around 7. The ramp setting is different, and I suggest you don't use that feature now... it's not needed and may just confuse things. If the machine has EPR (Exhalation Pressure Relief), that's the one that may give 5 levels, but again, not something you want to start with for now, and not necessary unless you (eventually) find you have trouble when you exhale (vs inhale).

[Enchanter]

I think you're confusing settings - the pressure setting (in cms) is not going to be a choice of 5, it will go from 4 to 20, and a likely place to start would be at around 7. The ramp setting is different, and I suggest you don't use that feature now... it's not needed and may just confuse things. If the machine has EPR (Exhalation Pressure Relief), that's the one that may give 5 levels, but again, not something you want to start with for now, and not necessary unless you (eventually) find you have actual trouble when you exhale (vs inhale).

No I only see 0-5, not 20 numbers

[Julie]

What are you looking at - what gauge, what feature?

[Enchanter]

What are you looking at - what gauge, what feature?

On the dial. But there are no pressure settings that I see

[Julie]

Is there only one dial? Does the manual have pictures pointing out names of the features?

[Enchanter]

Is there only one dial? Does the manual have pictures pointing out names of the features?

Says there is a flex setting but it was disabled on the unit

[Julie]

Better to ask Postit then - she's more familiar with the machine.

[Enchanter]

Unfortunately it isn't sticking to my face. It's literally blowing off, no matter how much I fiddle with it.