How do I read my own card?

datasmom · Post by **datasmom** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 5:25 pm

I've been on cpap for several months now. At first it worked great, my pain level dropped, my depression disappeared and I felt rested. About two weeks ago, the pain started up again, plus depression, choking sensations, and feeling worn out all the time.
I've not been able to get any help from my sleep doc, the sleep ctr or the DME company. My insurance says I have to see a "specialist" for them to pay for my equipment (when I asked what kind of specialist thinking I could possibly switch doctors, they said a "DME specialist".... not quite sure what that means but my pcp has said he will help me in any way possible although he doesn't know a lot about sleep disorders.)

Anyway, I've got to become more proactive re my own medical care.... how do I get the software that will read my card? Also, can I re-set the pressure on my machine?

I think the pictures of my equipment will show up when I post... any and all suggestions welcome.

Thank you in advance,
Lorrie

cflame1 · Post by **cflame1** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 5:37 pm

you have to have encore pro and a card reader... cpap.com sells them for less than $200 in a bundle. Once you get the software and get it installed on your computer, then you can run the reports.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 7:50 pm

You can set the machine pressure from the software or by using the buttons on the machine after you get to the chlinical screen.

The software and reader cost, $170 at cpap.com.

What pressure is your APAP set to now? Maybe you are feeling worst because it's set up 4 to 20 cm. That is the DME's failure setting (the DME doesn't have a clue setting) Jim

datasmom · Post by **datasmom** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 1:29 pm

My pressure's set from 6 to 10. I can only see the the amount of hours on my screen and if the heat is on or not. My ramp buttons don't work, at least nothing happens if I push them.

I'm the first to admit that I'm not inclined to understand anything electronic... my husband is the expert at these things. He's read the manual and tried to work with it but even he can't get anything changed on it.

Lorrie

Moogy · Post by **Moogy** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 2:15 pm

Unplug your machine, then hold down the two arrow-looking buttons while you plug it back in. After a couple of seconds, the clinical menu will come up. That is the menu that allows you to change the pressure and/or turn on the ramp feature.

However, if you are set at 6-10, I don't think you would really need a ramp, since it will start at 6 anyway. If you were set at 10-15, then a ramp starting at 6 or 8 might be helpful.

Anyway, it does sound likely that you have had a change in the amount of pressure you need. Automatic machines like yours are a great help when this happens. Since you don't have the software yet, you could increase the pressure slightly, maybe to 6-12, and see if you feel better. If you DON'T need a pressure of 12, then the APAP won't raise the pressure that high.

Lots of people need a change in pressure, and the APAPs can save you from having another titration study.

Moogy

datasmom · Post by **datasmom** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 2:41 pm

Wow... I just did that and I set it to 12. Thanks so much, my appointment with my dr wasn't for another two weeks and I was to see him just so he could write a prescription to change the pressure! And then I would have to take the entire machine to my DME.... you've saved me both money and time.

A great big thank you... And an even bigger one if I feel better with the change!

Lorrie

BTW, I was born in Midland, Texas.

datasmom · Post by **datasmom** » Sun Sep 10, 2006 11:00 am

Update.... I changed the setting to the range of 6 to 12 last night. I either had a lot of leaks or there was more air coming through as it seems to me that I spent the majority of the night feeling for leaks due to the increased sound of airflow. I never did feel any leaks but the difference in sound was enough to wake me up several times. My husband said that when he came to bed the sound of the air flow was much louder than in the past, enough for him to notice it.

I do have a marked decrease in pain this morning so I'm optimistic that increasing the flow might just be the answer. I would prefer not to go back to my sleep doc any more than I have to as he never knows anything when I do go see him.

If it were not for this list I would have just given up, put the machine in the closet and called it a no go. If I only judged by the actions of my doctor, his all knowing nurse and the dme company I would have long ago decided this sleep apnea thing is nothing but a scam.

Lorrie

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Sun Sep 10, 2006 11:31 am

Since you have an AUTO (my machine) you need to make sure that your ramp is set at zero or you will be in split night mode.

I repeat. If you are changing settings, DO NOT PUT RAMP AT ANYTHING BUT ZERO.

If you need a ramp, push the ramp button and it will kick the machine back to the minimum pressure and the auto function will start all over moving up if you need it. This is useful if you wake in the night to adjust for leaks or just wake enough that increased pressure bothers you.

datasmom · Post by **datasmom** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 5:19 pm

Thanks... I just checked the settings again and the ramp is at 0. The odd thing is that when I went to bed last night the setting in the little window (could they make the thing any smaller? Not so handy for my nearsighted eyes.) was at 6. However, it sounded like there was a leak somewhere. I did the checking thing, hands all over the mask, the connections, the hose... no leaks.
About this time my husband came in and asked how come it sounded so much louder .... so I check it all out again. Setting is at 6, no leaks. It did feel like more air was coming through, a lot more but I figured it was my imagination. Then it suddenly just stopped, the louder noise and the feeling that more air was pushing through... the amount of air definitely reduced and the sound did as well. I turned on the light and looked at the little window again, still shows "6".

So, I turn off the light and the air flow and noise level remained about the same until I fell asleep. I don't know what it did the rest of the night but I sure didn't feel good today.

Lorrie

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 7:30 pm

Make sure your HH is sealed good against the machine. Jim

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