Help with Airsense 10 (Dreamstation Comparison)

[bcab17]

I recently asked for and received some excellent help from the folks here regarding getting a new CPAP/APAP machine (Airsense 10 or Dreamstation). It really seemed like I wouldn't go wrong with either, so I took the advice of the therapist who clearly liked the ResMed machine better, so I brought the Airsense 10 home yesterday (although I have a very small window in which I can change my choice of machine). There are obviously a few differences from my old S8 (a real workhorse).

1) The first thing I noticed with the Airsense 10 is that I couldn't find a way to turn on "Smart Start" (or whatever it's called...to have the machine start and stop automatically when putting on and taking off the mask). How is that done on the Airsense? Also, how is this "feature" turned on or off on the Dreamstation?

2) I also noticed that the Airsense 10 was setup with humidification and the heated tubing on "Auto", which would probably be the default setting for me. However, there are many nights that I don't want/need humidification (summertime, out of distilled water, too tired/lazy to add water- just want to go to sleep, etc.). With my good old S8, I just turned the dial on the top of the humidifier to "0". With the Airsense 10 it looks like I will have to go into the settings, change "auto" to "manual", then go to the next setting screen to turn the humidifier to off, then go to a third setting screen to turn off the heated tube. Unless I'm missing something, this is more of a minor complaint than a question. Although I would like to know from any Dreamstation owner if the process of going from "Auto" to "Off" for the humidifier and heated tubing is similar, worse or better.

3) I have never used software to monitor my therapy, but I realize that I should. I plan on setting up the ResMed "myAir" account, but would it be better to use SleepyHead (I think that's what it's called)? I've read many posts here referring to different sleep therapy data that I honestly don't understand, so I'm not sure if I need lots of info or just the basics. If SleepyHead is the way to go, would anyone mind pointing me to a link? And for the Dreamstation people, how does the DreamMapper app compare to the ResMed myAir?

4) Saved the most important for last...Can anyone tell me how to get into the therarpy menu on the Airsense (or a link to a manual that would provide this info)? I have been using the S8 CPAP on a fixed pressure of 8 for quite a while. However, the new sleep doc (without the benefit of any data) prescribed the new machine to be setup in APAP mode with a pressure range of 5 to 15...and as I feared, my first night with the new machine and new therapy was not easy going. I'm a back sleeper about 75% of the time, but I just didn't feel I was getting enough air at a pressure of 5 in that position, so I basically spent the night sleeping on one side for a while, then the other. I didn't feel like I was waking, gasping for air, and my light-sleeping wife did not hear any snoring or odd breathing sounds, but it was not a great night's sleep...mostly feeling like I was in a box with barely enough air to keep breathing.

Yesterday, when I explained to the therapist that I didn't think the 5 to 15 pressure range was going to work for me, I was told that in order to change it, the therapist would need a new prescription for the doc. I had a very heavy workday today, so by the time I got home, the sleep doc's office was closed (my bad). So now I'm dreading the thought of spending the weekend with this new therapy. Should I bite the bullet, and stick with it for a few nights to see if I can get used to it or should I find out how to change the setting (to maybe 7 to 15) myself?

[big_dave]

There's a simple way to make an Autoset increase the pressure. Just make snoring sounds until the pressure increases. It may take a minute or so to kick in.

You will want to get into the clinical menu to change the pressure and Smartstart settings. On most machines on the market, you hold down 2 buttons for 3-5 seconds. You can get a copy of the clinical manual from http://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-p ... tup-manual

You can download Sleepyhead from https://sleepyhead.jedimark.net/

[robysue]

1) The first thing I noticed with the Airsense 10 is that I couldn't find a way to turn on "Smart Start" (or whatever it's called...to have the machine start and stop automatically when putting on and taking off the mask). How is that done on the Airsense? Also, how is this "feature" turned on or off on the Dreamstation?

You may need to get into the clinical menu if you can't find SmartStart in the patient set up menu. I'm pretty sure the Airsenses do have Smart Start though.

On the DreamStation there are two settings that have to be turned on: If AutoOn is ON, the machine will turn itself on when it detects breathing. If AutoOff is turned ON, the machine will turn itself off when it does not detect breathing.

2) I also noticed that the Airsense 10 was setup with humidification and the heated tubing on "Auto", which would probably be the default setting for me. However, there are many nights that I don't want/need humidification (summertime, out of distilled water, too tired/lazy to add water- just want to go to sleep, etc.). With my good old S8, I just turned the dial on the top of the humidifier to "0". With the Airsense 10 it looks like I will have to go into the settings, change "auto" to "manual", then go to the next setting screen to turn the humidifier to off, then go to a third setting screen to turn off the heated tube. Unless I'm missing something, this is more of a minor complaint than a question. Although I would like to know from any Dreamstation owner if the process of going from "Auto" to "Off" for the humidifier and heated tubing is similar, worse or better.

Since you want to control the humidity setting manually, I'd suggest using the manual settings on the heated hose all the time. Alternatively, get yourself a non-heated hose for the summer. Then the humidifier will be as easy to turn on and off as it is on your old S8.

3) I have never used software to monitor my therapy, but I realize that I should. I plan on setting up the ResMed "myAir" account, but would it be better to use SleepyHead (I think that's what it's called)? I've read many posts here referring to different sleep therapy data that I honestly don't understand, so I'm not sure if I need lots of info or just the basics. If SleepyHead is the way to go, would anyone mind pointing me to a link? And for the Dreamstation people, how does the DreamMapper app compare to the ResMed myAir?

It's your choice. Many of us prefer SleepyHead because you can see all the data when you want or need to. But it's just as easy to load the data into SH and scan for the important summary numbers. It's your choice. The better you feel, the less important it is to pour over all the data every day.

4) Saved the most important for last...Can anyone tell me how to get into the therarpy menu on the Airsense (or a link to a manual that would provide this info)?

You can request a copy of the clinical manual from http://apneaboard.com/. You'll need to register over there to request the clinical manual. I'd recommend getting the clinical manual so that you have written instructions for everything that is controlled through the clinical manual. Your question about the Auto setting on the heated hose and how to manually control the humidifier while using the heated hose would be in the clinical manual.

Yesterday, when I explained to the therapist that I didn't think the 5 to 15 pressure range was going to work for me, I was told that in order to change it, the therapist would need a new prescription for the doc. I had a very heavy workday today, so by the time I got home, the sleep doc's office was closed (my bad). So now I'm dreading the thought of spending the weekend with this new therapy. Should I bite the bullet, and stick with it for a few nights to see if I can get used to it or should I find out how to change the setting (to maybe 7 to 15) myself?

Since you're an experience PAPer, I would recommend that you request the clinical manual from apneaboard and then change the pressure yourself.

[bcab17]

Big Dave and Robysue...thank you so much for the info.

I guess I'm wondering if it makes any sense to give the 5 to 15 range another night. Am I giving up too soon? I just don't know if you're supposed to give new therapy some time. After one rough night, is that all it takes to know that a "5" is too low, or is it possible I will become more accustomed to it?

[big_dave]

Most people are uncomfortable with a pressure of 5 and need at least 6. You won't get used to it. I'm uncomfortable with anything lower than 8. I would suggest increasing the minimum pressure right away.

[archangle]

Please tell me you got the AutoSet or at least the Elite and didn't get screwed with the AirSense 10 "CPAP" model. (And put it in your profile.)

To get to the menu, press and hold the dial and home button for 3 seconds. Exit the same way.

Yes, there is SmartStart function.

Get SleepyHead. End of story. https://www.jedimark.net Much superior to DreamMapper and MyAir.

[bcab17]

Please tell me you got the AutoSet or at least the Elite and didn't get screwed with the AirSense 10 "CPAP" model. (And put it in your profile.)

To get to the menu, press and hold the dial and home button for 3 seconds. Exit the same way.

Yes, there is SmartStart function.

Get SleepyHead. End of story. https://www.jedimark.net Much superior to DreamMapper and MyAir.

Yes, I got the AutoSet. Thanks.

[Cavalier]

https://sleep.tnet.com/home/files/resme ... -guide.pdf

Link for the clinical manual. Instructions are towards the end of the manual.

[bcab17]

https://sleep.tnet.com/home/files/resme ... -guide.pdf

Link for the clinical manual. Instructions are towards the end of the manual.

THANK YOU!