Noncompliant Failure

[Colonel-Cactus]

I am trying to turn off my ramp up time.

I am still in the "clinical menu" and is showing an unlocked symbol

...but the ramp up is grayed out and doesn't seem to be able to adjust?

Worst of all I got up to get a drink of water and now it is back down to 4

uuuggghhhh ...

I hate 4

I have been trying to hold my breath but it doesn't seem to work and increase the number.

4 is awful.

This can't be healthy.

It is WAAAAY less air than if the mask was off.

[big_dave]

Holding your breath only increases the pressure if your airway closes up (called an obstructive event). The machine does not increase the pressure for clear airway events (also called centrals).

Another way to make the machine increase the pressure is by making snoring sounds. It may take a minute or so of snoring sounds for the higher pressure to kick in. Also, the pressure won't increase if the machine is ramping.

[Colonel-Cactus]

Even alone here in this room at 3 am I felt ridiculous making fake snoring sounds. LOL

But you are a genius. I got it all the way up to 8.5 which feels great.
I think it actually makes breathing easier?

All I've ever experienced is harder to breath.

Thanks Big Dave.

Kinda wish I was sleeping and snoring for real.

[RogerSC]

If the ramp is grayed out in the settings on the cpap, that may well be because it's turned off. So you may just think that it's turned on, but it really isn't, it may be on apap with the low pressure set at 4cm H2O. Raising the low part of the range to 6cm may give you more comfort, and 6cm is still low. It may not feel like it now, but it is low.

Can't offer much more advice than you've already gotten...just hang in there, keep your sense of humor (sounds like that's happening *smile*), and keep reading and learning. There's lots to learn, and this is a good place to read.

[zoocrewphoto]

If the ramp is grayed out in the settings on the cpap, that may well be because it's turned off. So you may just think that it's turned on, but it really isn't, it may be on apap with the low pressure set at 4cm H2O. Raising the low part of the range to 6cm may give you more comfort, and 6cm is still low. It may not feel like it now, but it is low.

Can't offer much more advice than you've already gotten...just hang in there, keep your sense of humor (sounds like that's happening *smile*), and keep reading and learning. There's lots to learn, and this is a good place to read.

I agree. It is probabaly set wide open at 4-20. You will be more comfortable if you increase the minimum pressure to at least 7. Sounds like you were comfortable at 8, so 8 would be a good minimum. Using it while awake (and set at something comfortable) will help you get used to it and able to sleep with it, If you are comfortable at 8, and you know it can't go lower than 8, you won't have to worry about it having that suffocating feeling. That will help you fall asleep and stay asleep.

[Julie]

But remember that the machine reacts to breathing patterns and responds to sleeping ones, not awake breathing, so anything you try to replicate - sleep behaviours - when awake won't result in the machine behaving as if you were asleep... won't work. Good luck though, you'll get it, just be a bit patient (something I'm not! ).

[Hopeful50]

I am trying to turn off my ramp up time.

I am still in the "clinical menu" and is showing an unlocked symbol

...but the ramp up is grayed out and doesn't seem to be able to adjust.

The machine won't let you adjust ramp settings while it is running. With your machine off, you can adjust ramp settings in either the clinical or user menu.

[chunkyfrog]

I am the least patient when I am the most tired.
Once you get over the hump, it gets easier.

[Colonel-Cactus]

Success! (albeit a rather small success)

I was able to turn off "ramp time". Poster "Hopeful" is another genius here at this VERY HELPFUL place.

I can NOT understand how the medical professionals would be so lackadaisical? Is this considered quack medicine or something? Why would people/patients be forced to go out and ask for help from other users and not from a professional? I am shocked, really.

...but I am grateful to all who have helped me. THANK YOU.

Now the question remains if this thing will make any difference for me.
My circumstances are (fortunately for most others) ... rare.

It may not have sounded like it but I really am completely open minded.
I need every fraction of a percentage point that I can get, and if sleeping with a machine helps.

I can do it.


ChunkyFrog ... thanks for your compassion.

I like your name a LOT.
If I make an ID of my own it will probably include "frog".
(I have a long and loving history with frogs)

My cousin will probably have to give up his Colonel-Cactus ID as I have now no doubt embarrassed him with my ramblings.

You know?
I think I am actually looking forward to trying this again with the new settings.

Thank You so MUCH!!
Grace

[dhoppe]

Keep up the positive attitude and you'll do great! It would be totally worth the effort if you were able to download and use the Sleepyhead software that is mentioned though out the board here. These fine people will be able to help direct you to the most comfortable and efficient settings if they can get a look at the data.

Good Luck!

[Colonel-Cactus]

I seem positive?

YAY! I always feel like I am complaining. Thank you for saying that, dhoppe!
I had PERFECT HEALTH for 47 years and had never really experienced sickness with others.
(I never had children)

So... while I *used* to be positive ... I recently hate myself and all the suffering and complaining.
All the "failed tests". (I had NEVER failed anything before. Stupid scans and blood tests. )

anyway ... I couldn't wait for tonight and I am typing with this thing between my eyes.
...and BEST OF ALL? Huffing spearmint oil on a cotton ball near what I think is the "intake"!

AWESOME.

I think I want to learn everything about aromatherapy!

My cousin downloaded sleepyhead and taught me about the little switch that has to be LOCKED in the computer
and unlocked in the cpap machine.

So I can see a bunch of things that I don't understand. I ADORE the icon of the sheep with a mask!
(I'm Aries and so like sheep)

~~~I am guessing all those lines and words will "dawn on me" and then I can go back in time and catch up with things that mean
nothing to me right now. (Plus I know I am not reading this right)

I guess I don't really know what any of those things mean. AHI, obstruction, etc.

I really don't want to learn.
I want John to learn it for me. :p
(I am dependent on John like a seeing eye dog for my brain)

I will see him again tomorrow night and we can talk "Sleepyhead".
He is going to be SHOCKED at how much I know since yesterday... and that I changed my settings. LOL
(I am such a rule breaker!)

I looooooove this spearmint. WOW.

6.9 seems to be my number.

OH no ... I should lie about that, huh?
people will think I am desperate flirting or something.

I will say 6.8.

Grace.

~~~positivegrace

[Colonel-Cactus]

ohhhh maybe I am a 8.8?

it moved up while I was posting.

[Julie]

You can go to the lightbulb, top of the pg, and start reading about apnea and the acronyms, etc... use the links.

[LSAT]

ohhhh maybe I am a 8.8?

it moved up while I was posting.

The number means nothing if you are awake.....even when you are sleeping it will continually change if your machine is set to auto.
Sleepyhead will tell what your correct numbers are.

[IDontSnoreISwear]

I wash my mask cushion in Dr Bronner's bar soap -- lavender or tea tree, whichever I have on hand. It's a very pure, simple soap and doesn't leave a smell on the mask. Your mileage may vary. I have not tried the peppermint.