Got Dr Report - need some help

SandyW · Post by **SandyW** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 2:06 pm

I finally got the Sleep Apnea report from my hubby's Dr. The first page say:
Diagnosis: Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Comments: Patient will require CPAP for the duration of his lifetime
Prescription for CPAP: 8-14 cm H20
Starting pressure: 8 cm H20, titrated as necessary
Humidifier: heated, as required

The second page is full of data I don't understand. I scanned it into the computer and saved it as a JPG. Is there any way I can post it so someone can tell me what on earth it means?

We have sort of settled on the REMstar Auto C-Flex CPAP, Heated Humidifier, Encore Pro Software, USB Card Reader machine. This is the one he has been trying and it seems to work well for him. Any comments?

As for the masks, there are two we think will work. The first is the Mirage Swift Nasal Pillow System which he has been using and likes better than the over the nose ones. BUT, he still would like something better. I came across this other one I think might be good too. It's the CPAP PRO, it utilizes an easy to prepare boil 'n bite dental mouthpiece that can be formed at home in minutes. I found it at cpappro.com. Has anyone used it or knows anything about it?

Also I am ordering from BC, Canada and hope this will not be a problem as he really need this machine as he is back to using his 9 year old machine which really is bad! Any advice or comments are much appreciated.

Cheers Sandy W (A confused wife)

jackr · Post by **jackr** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 2:40 pm

Sandy,
You can upload jpgs here. There are plenty of people here that will understand the numbers. I am a newbie but I ordered the same machine you mentioned and so far I really love it.

I think that the mask is the tough part.

SandyW · Post by **SandyW** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 3:48 pm

Ok, I figured out how to post the CPAP report

Hopefully someone can tell me what this all means.
I agree jackr, I think the mask is the toughest thing to decide one too. My hubby has a problem keeping his mouth closed during sleep, I gather that is a common problem. That is why I thought maybe the mask that goes into your mouth would be helpfull. Hope someone on the board can comment.
Cheers Sandy W

jackr wrote:Sandy,
You can upload jpgs here. There are plenty of people here that will understand the numbers. I am a newbie but I ordered the same machine you mentioned and so far I really love it.

I think that the mask is the tough part.

GaryA · Post by **GaryA** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 4:09 pm

I'm also very new at this, I've been on a machine for less than 1 week. I'm using the Resperonics M series BiPap and a Resparonics Comfort Lite 2 mask. The BiPap machine seem to work just fine and the mask is usable, but the mask is definitely the weak point in the system. I've been alternating the nasal pillows and the "over the nose" attachment to see which is preferable. So far, both have their plusses. If you read all the forums, the subject is very heavily mask related, and very useful.

I saw the same ad about the CPAP Pro. I asked 2 different DME's about it and neither had any experience. However, I can see why that mask can eliminate quite a few problems, but it might create a problem if it keeps his mouth open.

One other thing, and just a warning. The vent from the mask blows cold air and is disturbing my wife. I have to sleep facing away from her. Good luck to your husband.

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 4:19 pm

You can do a search for CpapPro, but I've never seen anything good written about it.

The machine you wrote about is an excellent one -- whether you get the original Remstar Auto with cflex, or the M series Auto. You would be happy with either one.

Insurance will not reimburse you for software, but most of us feel that it is absolutely necessary to help manage your therapy. Most DMEs and Doctors don't know much about the reports that can be obtained from the software. So educate yourself and be healthier in the long run.

Masks -- That's the tough part of therapy. Especially for mouth breathers. Mouth breathers must either use a full face mask or a nasal interface (mask or pillows). If you choose nasal interface - then you must tape your lips shut. Many choose to tape (or use poligrip strips).

You can do a search for full face masks, taping, etc. And always, you can post more questions here.

NightHawkeye · Post by **NightHawkeye** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 4:29 pm

Sandy,

The report you posted is oximetry, presumably while using CPAP, and indicates that his blood oxygen saturation looked quite good.

To understand the extent of his apnea condition you should have gotten, or you will need to get, a copy of the sleep study report. That's where all the dirty details pertaining to the condition are.

Regards,
Bill

SandyW · Post by **SandyW** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 4:57 pm

Hi GaryA,

I don't understand what the difference is between the Auto CPAP machines and the BiPap machines, can you explain? I've read some stuff, but really don't understand the difference, must be my slow brain...

GaryA wrote:I'm also very new at this, I've been on a machine for less than 1 week. I'm using the Resperonics M series BiPap and a Resparonics Comfort Lite 2 mask. The BiPap machine seem to work just fine and the mask is usable, but the mask is definitely the weak point in the system. I've been alternating the nasal pillows and the "over the nose" attachment to see which is preferable. So far, both have their plusses. If you read all the forums, the subject is very heavily mask related, and very useful.

According to the CPAP PRO web site, you can use a strap if necessary to hold your mouth shut. BUT because the mask attaches to the teeth, it won't fall out. I wish he could try one before putting out the money to see if it would work...

GaryA wrote:I saw the same ad about the CPAP Pro. I asked 2 different DME's about it and neither had any experience. However, I can see why that mask can eliminate quite a few problems, but it might create a problem if it keeps his mouth open.

I'm the one that sleeps faceing away from my hubby, but even then I get the cold air blowing on the back of my neck! Yes it is bothersome...

GaryA wrote:One other thing, and just a warning. The vent from the mask blows cold air and is disturbing my wife. I have to sleep facing away from her. Good luck to your husband.[.quote]

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 5:01 pm

cpappro discussion links:

Nov 27, 2006 subject: CPAP-PRO aka "NO-MASK" - My experience therewith

Sep 07, 2006 subject: nofacemask PCAPPRO

Jan 31, 2006 subject: Cpap Pro

Dec 02, 2005 subject: No-Mask

Apr 18, 2005 subject: Sleepgear? CPAPPro?

Apr 02, 2005 subject: "No-Mask"

SandyW · Post by **SandyW** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 5:07 pm

I'm disappointed, we were hoping the CPAP Pro was a good alternative for him to use. I'll kept it on the back burner and see what comes up....

Linda3032 wrote:You can do a search for CpapPro, but I've never seen anything good written about it.

He's already used one for a test run, and was pretty happy with it.

The machine you wrote about is an excellent one -- whether you get the original Remstar Auto with cflex, or the M series Auto. You would be happy with either one.

Even if insurance does not cover the software and reader, we both think it is a necessary item and will be getting it.

Insurance will not reimburse you for software, but most of us feel that it is absolutely necessary to help manage your therapy. Most DMEs and Doctors don't know much about the reports that can be obtained from the software. So educate yourself and be healthier in the long run.

He only seems to breath through his mouth sometimes. He hasen't been using the mask long enough to get comfortable with it yet, so I guess we'll just have to see. He did try a face mask, but could not stand it and just kept yanking it off in the middle of the night. So for him it's either an pillow mask or the dental thing. I have a very had time seeing him tape his mouth shut...

Masks -- That's the tough part of therapy. Especially for mouth breathers. Mouth breathers must either use a full face mask or a nasal interface (mask or pillows). If you choose nasal interface - then you must tape your lips shut. Many choose to tape (or use poligrip strips).

You can do a search for full face masks, taping, etc. And always, you can post more questions here.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 5:12 pm

SandyW wrote:I finally got the Sleep Apnea report from my hubby's Dr. The first page say:
Diagnosis: Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Comments: Patient will require CPAP for the duration of his lifetime
Prescription for CPAP: 8-14 cm H20
Starting pressure: 8 cm H20, titrated as necessary
Humidifier: heated, as required

The second page is full of data I don't understand. I scanned it into the computer and saved it as a JPG. Is there any way I can post it so someone can tell me what on earth it means?

We have sort of settled on the REMstar Auto C-Flex CPAP, Heated Humidifier, Encore Pro Software, USB Card Reader machine. This is the one he has been trying and it seems to work well for him. Any comments?

That would be my choice for an autopap, either the older slightly larger one, or the new M series REMstar Auto (which has C-flex too.)

Sandy, did your husband recently have a full PSG sleep study...spending the night at a sleep lab with wires glued to his head, face, chest, and legs?

The picture you posted of the report's second page looks like it was an overnight recording pulse oximetry test, while he was using his old cpap set at 9 cm H20. Was he spending the night at home with just one sensor clipped or taped on his finger, while using his old cpap machine?

SandyW · Post by **SandyW** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 5:15 pm

Hi NighHawkeye,
That report was what our doctor got from the temp machine muy hubby was trying out. He had the sleep study done about 9 years ago and only used the orginal machine for maybe a year at most. He lost a lot of weight and the sleep apnea seemed to subside so he quit using the machine. However several years later the sleep apnea was back along with the weight and he's done nothing about it until now because I REALLY pushed him to do something as I don't want to be a widow!

Would it be a good idea to get him in for another sleep study? Also will I be able to set up the machine by myself? Is the manual that comes with it and the software well documented? Thanks for the info, much appreciated.
Cheers Sandy W

[quote="NightHawkeye"]Sandy,

The report you posted is oximetry, presumably while using CPAP, and indicates that his blood oxygen saturation looked quite good.

To understand the extent of his apnea condition you should have gotten, or you will need to get, a copy of the sleep study report. That's where all the dirty details pertaining to the condition are.

Regards,
Bill

NightHawkeye · Post by **NightHawkeye** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 5:43 pm

SandyW wrote:Would it be a good idea to get him in for another sleep study? Also will I be able to set up the machine by myself? Is the manual that comes with it and the software well documented? Thanks for the info, much appreciated.
Cheers Sandy W

The oximetry looks quite good, Sandy. I can't imagine your physician would recommend another overnight sleep study for anything other than setting the machine pressure. If you decide that you want an APAP, then there would be no need for a study just to set pressure. As for setting the machine up, if you're talking about an APAP, then yes that should not be an issue. Many folks here have set up their own APAP machines. One of the advantages of an APAP is that there is no real need to adjust much of anything. Most folks do find an advantage to limiting the pressure range though, but only do that after they've used the machine for a while.

Just my recommendation as someone who uses the equipment myself; not intended as a substitute for your own good personal judgement.

Regards,
Bill

SandyW · Post by **SandyW** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 5:48 pm

Thanks for the links, I don't think we'll be trying out the CPAP Pro since reading through the discussions. I guess he'll be sticking with the pillow mask after all...
Cheers Sandy W

rested gal wrote:cpappro discussion links:

Nov 27, 2006 subject: CPAP-PRO aka "NO-MASK" - My experience therewith

Sep 07, 2006 subject: nofacemask PCAPPRO

Jan 31, 2006 subject: Cpap Pro

Dec 02, 2005 subject: No-Mask

Apr 18, 2005 subject: Sleepgear? CPAPPro?

Apr 02, 2005 subject: "No-Mask"

SandyW · Post by **SandyW** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 6:09 pm

Hi rested gal,

rested gal wrote:That would be my choice for an autopap, either the older slightly larger one, or the new M series REMstar Auto (which has C-flex too.)

Sandy, did your husband recently have a full PSG sleep study...spending the night at a sleep lab with wires glued to his head, face, chest, and legs?

Actually his sleep lab was at the hospital over 9 years ago! Yes, he was hooked up with wires on head etc.

rested gal wrote:The picture you posted of the report's second page looks like it was an overnight recording pulse oximetry test, while he was using his old cpap set at 9 cm H20. Was he spending the night at home with just one sensor clipped or taped on his finger, while using his old cpap machine?

The report was taken from him using the loaner machine he was given and yes he had a sensor clipped to his finger. He didn't like the machine and was finally given the REMstar Auto C-Flex CPAP, Heated Humidifier to try. He like it much better, but wants to be able to adjust the pressure. The guy that brought the equipment out, really did not seem to know much about adjusting it and was only interested in sell it to us at 3 times the price. Hubby sent him packing! So here I am...

I guess I opened "Pandora's Box" whenI pushed him to get a new machine he could use...
Thanks much, Cheers Sandy W

SandyW · Post by **SandyW** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 6:12 pm

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated. Sounds like they are way better machines than his orginal one, so maybe he'll use it for a change.
Cheers Sandy W

NightHawkeye wrote:
SandyW wrote:Would it be a good idea to get him in for another sleep study? Also will I be able to set up the machine by myself? Is the manual that comes with it and the software well documented? Thanks for the info, much appreciated.
Cheers Sandy W
The oximetry looks quite good, Sandy. I can't imagine your physician would recommend another overnight sleep study for anything other than setting the machine pressure. If you decide that you want an APAP, then there would be no need for a study just to set pressure. As for setting the machine up, if you're talking about an APAP, then yes that should not be an issue. Many folks here have set up their own APAP machines. One of the advantages of an APAP is that there is no real need to adjust much of anything. Most folks do find an advantage to limiting the pressure range though, but only do that after they've used the machine for a while.

Just my recommendation as someone who uses the equipment myself; not intended as a substitute for your own good personal judgement.

Regards,
Bill

Got Dr Report - need some help

Got Dr Report - need some help

Re: Got Dr Report - need some help

Re: Got Dr Report - need some help