New to this...What changes should I notice?

RickinNH · Post by **RickinNH** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 10:06 am

Been on CPAP for a week or so and I was interested in knowing what positive effects are usually noticed when starting the therapy. I ask this question because I have immediately noticed that I am not as tired in the middle of the afternoon, yet I still find myself yawning but not falling asleep... still many posts on these forums suggest that the full benefits may not be noticed for months.

I must have been suffering from OSA for several years before I finally went to the doctor questioning why I was tired, even though I slept 9 hrs/ night. My sleep study indicated o ver 85 arousals/hr with O2 saturation falling off to a low of 48% during one event.

Also, I do not think I have the software to collect the data mentioned. There is a card in my machine but I am not sure if this REM STAR captures the level of detail you all mention. All I have found in this machine is some rather minimal compliance data.

Appreciate any comments/advice regarding expectations of CPAP therapy. Thanks in advance.

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 11:17 am

First off welcome to our gang!

What to expect? ... if your health pros did a good job getting you titrated correctly and getting your equipment set up correctly and you are lucky enough to get the right mask interface that is both comfortable and leak-free for your unique face ... then you should see quick results such as: less frequent visits to the john at night, lowered BP, more restful sleep, possibly some night-time dreaming, more energy during the day, increased libido, potential for weightloss, and just an overall better quality of health and well being.

If you were not titrated correctly or are having difficulty with mask interface, you will have to work at it to get to the part of better quality of health and well being. Not fear though as this forum has some great members to help you get there.

From the looks of it though, you are off to a good start by finding this forum and having a good machine with the software ... take care!

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 1:16 pm

Rick, if you have the correct machine listed in your profile, then you have a very good machine. Your profile says you have the M Series auto -- is that correct?

You can purchase a card reader and software to obtain very important data. You can also access some limited data without the software. Here's some info you might not know:

How to access M series LCD data: You just need to press either of the arrows on the control panel to scroll through the LCD data. It will show average pressure, AHI, leaks, hours of use, etc.

To Access the Setup Mode: Hold down the <- -> buttons while plugging in the little power cord in the back, wait for 2 beeps release buttons. Then press the + key to enter setup mode, use the <- -> buttons to move to the next field, use the -/+ keys to decrease/increase values, when set press the On/Off button to exit Setup.

It is strongly suggested going through your existing settings and writing them down in case you have to reset them to their previous values.

There is a feature called:
Show AHI/Leak=On (enables logging to display, leave On).

You might want to access the info and post again.

RickinNH · Post by **RickinNH** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 2:21 pm

I think I have a Remstar Plus, and I am not sure if I have the software you mention. CPAP has this description "The REMstar Plus M Series with C-Flex offers optional integrated humidification, optional Encore Pro SmartCard capability for basic compliance reporting, lighted controls, an easy-to-read display and the comfort of C-Flex."

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 2:41 pm

The Remstar Plus, doesn't capture the needed data, no need to buy the software, it will only show compliance data. Jim

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 10:02 pm

Your profile is still showing the wrong equipment - which is really no biggie.

I think you should go back to the DME and ask for a better machine. At least try to get an M Series Pro or Auto. Many have been able to switch their machines for better ones. It's your therapy, and more info will help you succeed.

alpha1340 · Post by **alpha1340** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 12:22 am

RickinNH wrote: Also, I do not think I have the software to collect the data mentioned. There is a card in my machine but I am not sure if this REM STAR captures the level of detail you all mention. All I have found in this machine is some rather minimal compliance data.

If there is a card in the machine then doesn't he have either the Pro or the Auto. I thought those were the only two MSeries with a card other than the bipap

RickinNH · Post by **RickinNH** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 11:22 am

Well I don't have the sleep data indexes provided by the better machines. My insurance won't order anything unless the doctor prescribes it, and they only prescribe the basic machine(cost savings).

Without the software all I know is that I only get up once per night, my mouth is no longer dry from breathing through it, and I don't fall asleep at my desk or meetings. I guess that is all I can monitor for now. Oh, I also stiill yawn occasionally.

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 11:27 am

alpha1340 wrote:
RickinNH wrote: Also, I do not think I have the software to collect the data mentioned. There is a card in my machine but I am not sure if this REM STAR captures the level of detail you all mention. All I have found in this machine is some rather minimal compliance data.

If there is a card in the machine then doesn't he have either the Pro or the Auto. I thought those were the only two MSeries with a card other than the bipap

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 11:38 am

RickinNH wrote:Well I don't have the sleep data indexes provided by the better machines. My insurance won't order anything unless the doctor prescribes it, and they only prescribe the basic machine(cost savings).

Without the software all I know is that I only get up once per night, my mouth is no longer dry from breathing through it, and I don't fall asleep at my desk or meetings. I guess that is all I can monitor for now. Oh, I also stiill yawn occasionally.

Time to "kick butt"!
Your doctor, DME or insurance people aren't the ones who have to sleep with the machine every night......YOU do.
You deserve a better machine.....one with which you can monitor your own therapy. If you've been paying insurance premiums, then you should be getting some return on that, too.

Sic 'em!

Den

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 4:50 pm

Rick, here is another current thread that you should be following -- involves this same subject.

viewtopic/t18549/Advice-on-Getting-a-Be ... y-DME.html

New to this...What changes should I notice?

New to this...What changes should I notice?

Re: New to this...What changes should I notice?

Re: New to this...What changes should I notice?