first time posting

First, I want to thank all of the members for the help they have given me. This has all come about by just reading all the great information posted here.
I never would have been able to stick with the program without you.
I wish that the DME or the sleep Dr would tell us what to expect (rain out, hose tangles etc.). I did write a letter to my sleep doctor regarding this indifference and her suggestion was a new bed pillow. sigh
Could go on in this manner, but you have already heard it all.
My question is about getting a machine that will record my nightly sleep. What are the suggestions and the reasons for using such and such a machine. Also would rather not have to buy a expense computer program.
Another question not related to the above is how do I post a icon with my emails?

present equip
ResMed S8 Escape System
Hunidarire 3i
Quattra FF Mask
11 pressure

Welcome to the message board, nocreek1.

Doctors rarely have a clue about the hints and tips for helping people use CPAP that you'll find on this message board. I think most doctors consider their part of the job pretty much "done" when they diagnose and write the Rx. From that point on (and I can see why) they expect the cpap user and the DME (home health care store) to work out "compliance" (using the machine at least a minimum amount of time) issues. Unfortunately, most DMEs (imho) are clueless, too, about how to truly help people use CPAP. No wonder there are so many "CPAP dropouts."

So... as you say, it's a good thing you found your way here! You'll obviously be a CPAP success story since you have already been researching problems on this board.

To have your equipment show up automatically at the bottom of each of your posts, click the button at upper left called "User Control Panel." Then click "Profile" - "Edit Equipment." I'd suggest you choose to display the info as "text", not "image." It's easier for people to simply read the exact name of your machine, mask, etc., instead of seeing little pictures they'd have to click in order to read the full name of the machine and mask.

To have an avatar above your name:

Go to Control Panel - Profile - Edit Avatar
"Upload from your machine"

If you need to change a picture to avatar size (150x150),
Go to this website:
http://www.shrinkpictures.com/create-avatar/

I thank you for the information on aviator and on posting equipment.
They do no have my machine listed under the machines.
The aviator is proving a bit more of a challenge. I used the site suggested and downsized, but cannot get it transfered to my info. I must be very dense on this as it should have worked.
Again many thanks for the help. Eventually I will get it all put into place.
Another thing that I did not mention is the length of time I have been using my machine. I was given it in March of 2008, but did not start until April. Used a couple of masks that just covered the nose and that was not good. Seems I am a mouth breather and have allergies. Finally in Sept I got a FFmask (Quattra). It has been going fine since then, but for a sore and very red top of nose on most mornings. I have adjusted to no leaks and now I need to get the pressure on nose solved. Using cpap machines is not for the weak. Also aging is not for the weak. As I grow older I seem to have more health problems. Really shouldn't complain to much as at least at age 76 I am still active. But did have to give up my horse, since back stenosis make it hard to mount.
Again Thanks

What is the X? Can it be removed or have I been branded for some reason?

If you mean an "X" like this at the top of one of your posts:



That X lets you delete your post if you want to. However, that X for deleting your own post remains there only as long as no one has posted another reply below yours. Once someone has replied in the topic (like I'm doing just now) the X you were seeing in your post disappears. When the X disappears you can no longer delete your entire post.

If a person decides they wants to delete their message and a reply has happened already, best way to handle it is by using Edit and then erase the words in the message. You have to leave at least one "character" in the message you're erasing that way. Leaving a dot (a period) in the message will accomplish that.

The avatar picture has to end in .jpg or .gif to work. And can't be any bigger than this:

150 pixels wide -- 150 pixels high -- file size: 150 KB

If you get the picture down to no more than that size, you should be able to "Edit Avatar" in you Control Panel "Profile" and use the "Upload" button Schnauzer mentioned to browse your way to where you've stored the small picture in your computer. If the picture doesn't get accepted, it's usually because the file is too large, or isn't a .jpg or .gif. Perhaps another graphics file name extension works too -- I dunno -- but those two definitely work, whereas .bmp doesn't, I don't think.

If you need to change a picture to avatar size (150x150),
Go to this website:
http://www.shrinkpictures.com/create-avatar/[/quote]

Hi - THANX - IT WAS SO EASY ! ! !

Thanks again to all of you.
Do not know what I would do without this site.
Watch for picture, it will be there soon.

I just want to say "welcome" and you've come to the right place.
All the best.
Lee Lee