I'm so glad I've found this forum - what a tremendous wealth of knowledge! I'm on my third night with my CPAP and just beginning to learn more about alternatives. I'm hoping you can help me with a couple of questions to help me get started.
1. AFter a lousy experience with the sleep lab, my Dr. is having me use an Auto-CPAP (ResMed AutoSet Spirit) at home for two weeks and will use the data from that to determine what pressure I eventually need. When I put the mask (Respironics Simplicity) on fully awake, sitting upright watching television it went up to a 12 making it difficult to exhale and causing ear pain. Does this sound normal? It scares me to think the machine could malfunction!! I haven't tried it awake again, but when I've looked in the mornings it seems to be pretty consistently between 9 - 9.5. It's set to go between 5 and 20. The ear pain has subsided somewhat, but there's still a bit of pressure.
2. My Dr. said that it was possible to request a permanent Auto-CPAP machine. Since I feel that my sleep apnea is far worse on some nights than others, I believe that this is something I should look into. Are there any other factors I should be considering?
Thanks for being patient with a novice!
Questions from a novice
Yes, a Remstar APAP/ C-Flex, it will allow you the lowest needed pressures, while allowing you relief on exhaling. much more comfortable to use.
The Resmed APAP, does NOT provide exhale relief in the APAP Mode. Jim
Also the wide pressure setting your Dr. is using is not the best treatment pressures, I understand he is trying to find your pressure, and if he doesn't have time for better control, that's his way. It would be better done in steps of narrower ranges.
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): resmed, C-FLEX, APAP
The Resmed APAP, does NOT provide exhale relief in the APAP Mode. Jim
Also the wide pressure setting your Dr. is using is not the best treatment pressures, I understand he is trying to find your pressure, and if he doesn't have time for better control, that's his way. It would be better done in steps of narrower ranges.
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): resmed, C-FLEX, APAP
Use data to optimize your xPAP treatment!
"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease." Voltaire
"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease." Voltaire
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Mike2000
With the Resmed Auto devices you can set a "settling time" so during this time the machine will not react to any apneas. This means that if you start at 5cm then it will stay at 5cm during this time. When you are awake your breathing isn't as constant so the machine may think you are having apneas when you are not etc.
Try setting up the settling time to how long you think it will take you to get to sleep and give it a go.
Try setting up the settling time to how long you think it will take you to get to sleep and give it a go.
I totally agree with Jim. I have the Respironics Auto and it is great. CFLEX works in auto mode. If you doc is willing to prescribe auto go for it. Even if you find (as some do) that you like straight cpap better you can always use the APAP as CPAP. AND, you have the ability to easily get data as time goes on and you think your needs may have changed without a new sleep study.
I definately agree that my requirements are very different due to a number of things, position I sleep in, what I drank, weight, etc. APAP will allow you to use what you need not the highest pressure all night.
BUT when you are done titrating, and you have an APAP, don't leave the range as wide open as yours is now +/- 2 or 3 from your 9.0 or 9.5 titrated pressure.
I definately agree that my requirements are very different due to a number of things, position I sleep in, what I drank, weight, etc. APAP will allow you to use what you need not the highest pressure all night.
BUT when you are done titrating, and you have an APAP, don't leave the range as wide open as yours is now +/- 2 or 3 from your 9.0 or 9.5 titrated pressure.
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Mike2000
It's also worth noting that the ResMed Autoset algorithm is the only auto algorithm that has been clinically proven in terms of it's effectiveness.
Some people like the comfort of C-Flex though so it's up to you. You have the ResMed one now so give it a go. As others have pointed out, it helps to have a narrower range.
Some people like the comfort of C-Flex though so it's up to you. You have the ResMed one now so give it a go. As others have pointed out, it helps to have a narrower range.
[quote="Mike2000"]It's also worth noting that the ResMed Autoset algorithm is the only auto algorithm that has been clinically proven in terms of it's effectiveness.
Some people like the comfort of C-Flex though so it's up to you. You have the ResMed one now so give it a go. As others have pointed out, it helps to have a narrower range.
Some people like the comfort of C-Flex though so it's up to you. You have the ResMed one now so give it a go. As others have pointed out, it helps to have a narrower range.
Use data to optimize your xPAP treatment!
"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease." Voltaire
"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease." Voltaire
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Mike2000
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Guest
It is worth noting that the Respironics Auto also has a "settling time" but it is built right into the algorithm and does not require choosing a time frame for how long you guess it will take you to fall asleep.
As mentioned previously, the Respironics Auto also has the added advantage of providing exhalation relief in Auto mode, which you can adjust for varying levels of relief, or turn off completely if you don't want to use it. The Resmed machines are not capable of providing exhalation relief in auto mode.
Additionally, if you are interested in examining your nightly data to evaluate the detailed information regarding the effectiveness of your treatment (e.g. how much time you spent at each pressure, how many apneas you had and when they occurred, their duration, the pressure at which they occurred, etc.) you can purchase the software for the Respironics Auto. Resmed doesn't allow you to buy their software.
Another factor you may wish to consider is that Resmed has increased the price of all their machines and mask by over 40% specifically for patients purchasing via the internet. So if you plan to buy any equipment over the internet, Respironics is the way to go.
The Respironics Auto is quite popular with many people here because it provides very effective treatment. If you have the opportunity to trial both machines for at least a couple weeks each, that would be ideal.
As mentioned previously, the Respironics Auto also has the added advantage of providing exhalation relief in Auto mode, which you can adjust for varying levels of relief, or turn off completely if you don't want to use it. The Resmed machines are not capable of providing exhalation relief in auto mode.
Additionally, if you are interested in examining your nightly data to evaluate the detailed information regarding the effectiveness of your treatment (e.g. how much time you spent at each pressure, how many apneas you had and when they occurred, their duration, the pressure at which they occurred, etc.) you can purchase the software for the Respironics Auto. Resmed doesn't allow you to buy their software.
Another factor you may wish to consider is that Resmed has increased the price of all their machines and mask by over 40% specifically for patients purchasing via the internet. So if you plan to buy any equipment over the internet, Respironics is the way to go.
The Respironics Auto is quite popular with many people here because it provides very effective treatment. If you have the opportunity to trial both machines for at least a couple weeks each, that would be ideal.
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Mike2000
Looks like Respironics have expanded their internet selling to help overcome their decline in growth.
All in all, if you can try as many different units/masks as you can then do so. If you are interested in data then get one that allows you to view your data, if all you want is a good night's sleep and don't care what your numbers are then don't waste your money on extra's that you don't need.
Plenty of people are happy on straight CPAP without data because they feel great each day.
Pick the things that are right for you is the best advice.
All in all, if you can try as many different units/masks as you can then do so. If you are interested in data then get one that allows you to view your data, if all you want is a good night's sleep and don't care what your numbers are then don't waste your money on extra's that you don't need.
Plenty of people are happy on straight CPAP without data because they feel great each day.
Pick the things that are right for you is the best advice.
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Offerocker
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My 2 cents: I chose an Auto, with C-Flex, and would not be without the C-Flex feature!
While you're at it, look into different humidifiers also, as this is the best time. Some are 'integrated' - made to fit as an 'attachment' to the xpap machine. Others are completely separate. It is also a personal choice, with pros and cons - as YOU see them.
I chose the Fisher & Paykel HC150 heated humidifier because it has a feature that allows it to be turned on & off at any time. This means that I can preheat the water for a longer period than most xpap machines allow, which is usually 15-20 minutes. I also feel that it is easier and safer to add water to this heated humidifier. Others have no problem. I'm just letting you know there are also choices in humidifiers.
Good luck; you are fortunate that your dr. is starting you with an 'auto'!
Your next hurdle could be with the supplier or the insurance company; some don't want to pay for a slightly more expensive APAP. Again, not everyone wants or needs an 'auto'.
While you're at it, look into different humidifiers also, as this is the best time. Some are 'integrated' - made to fit as an 'attachment' to the xpap machine. Others are completely separate. It is also a personal choice, with pros and cons - as YOU see them.
I chose the Fisher & Paykel HC150 heated humidifier because it has a feature that allows it to be turned on & off at any time. This means that I can preheat the water for a longer period than most xpap machines allow, which is usually 15-20 minutes. I also feel that it is easier and safer to add water to this heated humidifier. Others have no problem. I'm just letting you know there are also choices in humidifiers.
Good luck; you are fortunate that your dr. is starting you with an 'auto'!
Your next hurdle could be with the supplier or the insurance company; some don't want to pay for a slightly more expensive APAP. Again, not everyone wants or needs an 'auto'.
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| Humidifier: HC150 Heated Humidifier With Hose, 2 Chambers and Stand |
| Additional Comments: Comfort Sleeve |
Respironics Auto C-Flex, HC-150, Activa, CL2 Simple Cushion, ComfortSleeve, Saline Snorter.
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Hi, mj! Welcome to the club!
Every now and then some of the people here enjoy getting into little tit-for-tat contests, some of which is really funny, some of it just sad... Just ignore the silliness (my occasional outbursts as well). You are correct - the wealth of information provided here is priceless. There are many wonderful, caring individuals here who are always willing to help as best they can, it is up to you to sort thru it all to find what works best for you.
I am glad to see that you are taking an active role in your treatment. You will have your ups and downs like the rest of us but your attitude shows that you will make this work for you.
Tricia: who believes laughter is food for the soul, perhaps that is why we were blessed with so many clowns!
Hi, mj! Welcome to the club!
Every now and then some of the people here enjoy getting into little tit-for-tat contests, some of which is really funny, some of it just sad... Just ignore the silliness (my occasional outbursts as well). You are correct - the wealth of information provided here is priceless. There are many wonderful, caring individuals here who are always willing to help as best they can, it is up to you to sort thru it all to find what works best for you.
I am glad to see that you are taking an active role in your treatment. You will have your ups and downs like the rest of us but your attitude shows that you will make this work for you.
Tricia: who believes laughter is food for the soul, perhaps that is why we were blessed with so many clowns!