Changing settings on my Auto M w/ C-Flex

Tortfesor · Post by **Tortfesor** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 4:16 pm

Hi all. Been a while since I joined and last posted. I'm back again to try and use my APAP. I bought it about 8 months ago and hardly used it. No DME insurance coverage at the time, so I own it outright.

It always starts at 4 with the Ramp, which is too low and I would like to change it higher, but there are no adjustable settings. So, I figured there's a procedure they don't advertise to do it and some of you would know how. My Rx was for 10, but when I do use it, it seems to average from 16 to 17, probably because I'm a chronic mouth-breather. The C-flex settings are from 1-3. What do people prefer?

I was using the Breeze nasal mask, but I couldn't keep my big mouth shut. I tried the Premium chin strap which worked pretty well, but still, I'm having trouble. My nose is getting congested, even with the humidifier, and then it's hard to breathe through the Breeze. But, today I just ordered an Untra Mirage Full Face mask and hope that will help.

Any advice? Thanks in advance.

Jeff

Perchancetodream · Post by **Perchancetodream** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 5:50 pm

Check this thread:
viewtopic/t23367/M-series-controls-locked.html

Or this link: http://www.cpap-supply.com/Articles.asp?ID=130

Good luck,
Susan

Tortfesor · Post by **Tortfesor** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 2:22 pm

Thank you very much. I'll play with it tonight. Also, I just received the UM-FF mask moments ago by UPS that I ordered 5 days ago, so I'm sure it will be an interesting night.

glfredrick · Post by **glfredrick** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 8:35 pm

I played around with the settings on my M-series a-flex the third night, and have slept well ever since...

In case you haven't already discovered the programming mode, you hold down both arrow keys while plugging the machine in. Then, scroll over using the + key to see settings. I set mine to auto mode, c-flex, ramp starts at 5, min. pressure 7.5, max pressure 16. C-flex setting at 3.

I never use the ramp at all now that it is in auto mode. My 90% reading is in the 9.2 range. I don't know the high 'cause I don't have my software yet, but I expect that it gets to 12-14 from time to time.

My AHI is now at 2.2. In manual mode, with 16 pressure, ramp of 4, I was seeing AHI of 5.5... Seems weird that a doc would prescribe an auto machine, then leave it in manual setting... I figure it is my body, I'll learn and play if I like.

Tortfesor · Post by **Tortfesor** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 2:17 pm

Trying to get used to the mask. It doesn't seem to leak, but if I just make weird facial expressions it will leak in places. I guess I just shouldn't move my face. Anyway, after two nights, I guess it's working, and I'm sleeping much better.

Are the silicone flap seals supposed to be pressed hard onto my face, because if I leave it a little looser, it still seems to hold the air in, but if I touch it or open my mouth even more than it already is, it will leak. Is there a magic formula, or just nightly trial & error?

Like glfredrick, I switched the low to 5 but left the high at 20. I have c-flex at 3, but the machine sounds like its churning. I don't feel any difference on 1 or 2.

My 90% pressure on the first night was 17, but 13 last night. AHi was almost 12. Seeing as my sleep study had it at 82, I guess this is a much-needed improvement.

I decided not to get the software at this time. I don't regularly consult with my doctor or anyone else over my OSA (I just switched plans and she told me to get on it) and just got the machine for my own use with the Rx.

Also, my 7 day average is 1:48 (over 2 days), so I guess that means I'm averaging about 5.5 hours of use a night. Anyways, just sharing . . .

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 2:32 pm

Tortfesor wrote:Trying to get used to the mask. It doesn't seem to leak, but if I just make weird facial expressions it will leak in places. I guess I just shouldn't move my face. Anyway, after two nights, I guess it's working, and I'm sleeping much better.

Are the silicone flap seals supposed to be pressed hard onto my face, because if I leave it a little looser, it still seems to hold the air in, but if I touch it or open my mouth even more than it already is, it will leak. Is there a magic formula, or just nightly trial & error?

Like glfredrick, I switched the low to 5 but left the high at 20. I have c-flex at 3, but the machine sounds like its churning. I don't feel any difference on 1 or 2.

My 90% pressure on the first night was 17, but 13 last night. AHi was almost 12. Seeing as my sleep study had it at 82, I guess this is a much-needed improvement.

I decided not to get the software at this time. I don't regularly consult with my doctor or anyone else over my OSA (I just switched plans and she told me to get on it) and just got the machine for my own use with the Rx.

Also, my 7 day average is 1:48 (over 2 days), so I guess that means I'm averaging about 5.5 hours of use a night. Anyways, just sharing . . .

Trial and error, but if it's too tight, it'll also leak badly.

Once you find the right tension and adjustments.....don't move your face...

I think "glfredrick" meant that he started his RAMP at 5.....not his lower pressure setting. With an Auto, you need to get the low pressure up near where it will do some good. Too low and it's going to be a waste of time for you and the machine. The machine is supposed to treat you for apneas and hypopneas and it can't do it when the pressure is set so low.

You NEED the software when using an APAP in Auto mode.

Den

Mask

Additional Comments: M Series Auto w/ C-Flex as my backup and for travel.