Newbies Long Boring Post

[jedimark]

Hi. I'm about to receive my first cpap machine, and have a few newbie questions and wonderments I'd like to ask..

But first some of my boring backstory...

30 something Aussie Computer guy.. who used to be able to think clearly, hack, code, create and do other cool stuff. Now I'm stuck in a loop. I can't enjoy doing the stuff I used to love. Cranky all the time, etc... I have been totally wiped out for last 3 years.. have been unable to work due to crippling fatigue, fog, headaches and total lack of concentration ability. Wake up after 10 or so hours of sleep and feel like I could sleep another 10, and quite often I end up doing just that. Have had a long chain of doctors giving up one after another, a multitude of unfruitful tests, and ineffective drugs with no positive effects (plenty of negative ones though).

Finally a specialist referred me to a sleep study centre... I was diagnosed with moderate-severe OSA after my first sleep study. They called me back for a titration study, or should I say torture session. Uncomfortable bed and a big fat headache. I kept feeling like there was not enough air. I was ok once they finally cranked it up enough and changed to a better fitting mask. Even better when finally let me sleep on my side. I finally fell asleep at 4:40am... only to be woken a whopping 20 minutes later and sent on my way home. grrr.. thanks a lot nasty sleep tech girlie..

Luckily I had my wife and daughter stay in a motel this time and did not have to drive the 150ks back home that morning. Unluckily for me we were all at the coast with stuff like theme parks and good shopping.. (and of course they both slept good without me)

For some reason that I can not explain, I functioned better on that 20 minutes of sleep than I had over the last few years with an entire nights "rest".
I'm seriously hoping that wasn't a one off event. I desperately want to feel "normal" again..

Anyway, my new machine is coming from cpap.com. Will they pre-configure it, or do I have to do that myself? (I have the setup manual if needed)

Prescription recommends 7cmH20 fixed cpap. With only 20 minutes of sleep data, does that sound reasonable for them to be that sure of this setting?

Seeing I have an auto machine, would it be wrong to consider using it in auto mode to begin with? or would it make more sense to stick to the fixed pressure settings I was recommended until I've got some decent data and got that hang of it all?

If I did set it to auto mode, what would be a reasonable min-max setting to begin with?

It's summer here.. What setting would make sense to have the humidifier on?

I have an oximeter coming as well.. I haven't purchased the Encore software yet, but hope to soon. Is there anything else monitor or common-sense wise that will assist me in how I handle being "hosed"?

I'm a Linux user. Does anyone know if the software will run reasonably well either under Wine or virtualbox?

[Pugsy]

Welcome to the forum.

The software is designed for Windows OS. Not sure how Linux might impact it but others with different OS have found ways to get around this and can chime in with their experiences. I have never used anything but Windows so I can't help with that question.

I wouldn't change anything until I saw the software reports. If your script stated 7 cm the auto unit should come set up in straight CPAP mode at 7 cm. You could change it to APAP mode but I wouldn't suggest huge range till you get software, see reports and see how you adapt to the pressure. If you are wanting APAP mode I would do a small range. Maybe 6 or 7 minimum and say 9-10 maximum. It's hard enough to get adjusted to the pressure without adding pressure variations into the equation. Some people do have their sleep interrupted by pressure changes.

Most people do find that the humidifier is helpful in all seasons. Sort of depends on the individual and the humidity in general. I would suggest starting with it somewhere in the middle and see how it goes. I use mine all year and never change the setting. Where I live is rather humid at times but not like on the coast but not as dry as the desert.. Humidity needs are individual. What works for one might not work for the next person.

With your history of minimal sleep during titration APAP mode might be a consideration but I wouldn't start off with huge ranges because straight cpap at 7 might be just fine. Gotta start somewhere... Some people do better on CPAP and some people do need the variable pressures. Again this is an individual thing.

[mayondair]

Welcome! Hope you feel good soon! Pugsy said it well. Another soft wear possibility is Encore Pro, ask around, it is a bit more trouble and I'm not sure about Linux, but someone will know. Kathy

[LinkC]

I would not toss Auto into the mix until you get your mask adjusted, leaks under control and a few weeks of decent sleep. You already have enough new things and variables to deal with.

And it appears CPAP@7cm made a huge difference. Give it some time to stabilize before you start "tweaking". Without a baseline, you'll be chasing your tail.

Just my $.02...

[jedimark]

Thank you all for your replies..

I'll try to stick to straight CPAP for a while before getting fancy.

What's the difference between Encore Pro & Encore Viewer? I haven't seen Pro listed anywhere.. Where can mere mortals obtain such software?

[Pugsy]

EncoreViewer 2.0 is the patient or end user version of

Encore Pro 2....which is marketed to sleep doctors and clinics.

Pretty much the same information in the reports but the Pro version has much more doctor, clinic stuff and can be a bit of a PITA to install and manage.

EncoreViewer costs $100 US
EncorePro is not offered for sale to us. It has to be obtained through a friend.

Both are designed to work on Windows OS but those with other OS can usually get a work around. Also makes a difference if the computer is 32 bit or 64 bit. A person can also accidentally erase their data card if not careful.. I did this the other day...