Got my machine today...

[EricT]

...and I'm looking forward to a good night's sleep. My machine information should be in my profile now.

After setting up the machine and trying it out, I have a couple concerns.

First, the mask is different than the one that I used during my test, and it doesn't seem to fit quite as well. This was the best one they had, and I have 30 days to exchange it, so we'll see how it goes.

Second, they have it set to CPAP mode with no exhalation relief. The option to change it is disabled. When I tried it at the full 11 pressure, I could feel pressure in my ears and air was going down my throat when I exhaled. I am worried this might cause me a problem tonight, but I will try it and see.

If I have any problems tonight, I'll call the doc in the morning to get an adjustment. Worst case...they left the clinical setup manual with the machine, so now I know how to access all the settings, hehe. But I don't want to start screwing with it just yet.

Wish me luck!

[danw61]

Hi Eric,
I'm amazed that they gave you an APAP when it's not required. Most people have to beg to get an APAP. In my case begging did no good. Hold onto it tightly. Don't let them swap it out for something cheaper if you can help it.

I use nasal pillows myself. I don't know how anyone can stand using the masks, but some people prefer them.

I also don't understand why they would disable exhalation relief, it's especially helpfull for new users such as yourself. I would be tempted to enable it. Something else that helped me get used to air blowing up my nose is to wear it as much as you can 'till you feel comfortable sleeping all night with it. Wear it every night while watching tv, reading, or whatever.

Dan

[DreamStalker]

As Den always says ... "IT'S YOUR THERAPY!".

After spending a few months reading this forum, you will know more about YOUR OSA treatment than your doc or anyone else.

Being sheepish and depending only on the health professional system generally leads to prolonged optimization of your treatment if not complete failure.

[carbonman]

As Den always says ... "IT'S YOUR THERAPY!".

Being sheepish and depending only on the health professional system generally leads to prolonged optimization of your treatment if not complete failure.

WOW! I totally agree w/this. Not only for CPAP, but everytime you
are involved w/the health care industry, and it is an industry.
You need to do the research, get your records and tell them what you want
and expect. Be your own advocate.

[EricT]

Well, after two nights with the machine, I can definitely say that I'm sleeping better. My wife said no snoring. It is taking me a while to get to sleep though. I imagine that will improve as I get more used to the machine.

I checked my results, the first night AHI was 15.5, last night was 12.3 (3.3 AI and 9.0 HI). Pressure was 9.x both nights, my prescription was for 11.0. Not sure what this means, as I thought pressure was supposed to be at the level prescribed?

So, sleeping better, but still not great. During my titration study, AHI was 5.5, and I felt better the next day than I do now. Also, my mask it hurting the bridge of my nose, I think I need to get another one. I may ask to try the nostril-type mask as well.

[rested gal]

they have it set to CPAP mode with no exhalation relief.

----

If I have any problems tonight, I'll call the doc in the morning to get an adjustment. Worst case...they left the clinical setup manual with the machine, so now I know how to access all the settings, hehe. But I don't want to start screwing with it just yet.

Pressure was 9.x both nights, my prescription was for 11.0. Not sure what this means, as I thought pressure was supposed to be at the level prescribed?

Eric, I'm a little confused. The DME should have set the machine for the pressure the doctor prescribed -- 11. If the machine really is set for CPAP mode, and if you are seeing a pressure of 9.x each morning when you look at the Efficacy data, it sounds like it might be one of these things:

1. Machine is, indeed, set for CPAP 11, but does have EPR turned on.

or

2. If machine is set for CPAP mode and EPR is not turned on, the DME apparently did not set the machine according to the doctor's orders. DME set the machine for CPAP pressure of 9.x instead of 11.

Since you have the clinical manual (good for you! ) have you had a chance yet to walk through all the clinical settings, just to see exactly what settings the DME put in?

[EricT]

Eric, I'm a little confused. The DME should have set the machine for the pressure the doctor prescribed -- 11. If the machine really is set for CPAP mode, and if you are seeing a pressure of 9.x each morning when you look at the Efficacy data, it sounds like it might be one of these things:

1. Machine is, indeed, set for CPAP 11, but does have EPR turned on.

or

2. If machine is set for CPAP mode and EPR is not turned on, the DME apparently did not set the machine according to the doctor's orders. DME set the machine for CPAP pressure of 9.x instead of 11.

Since you have the clinical manual (good for you! ) have you had a chance yet to walk through all the clinical settings, just to see exactly what settings the DME put in?

Rested gal,
You are indeed correct, EPR is turned on. At first I thought it was not, but it was just that the user adjustment was disabled. But EPR is turned to its maximum setting (3), and the CPAP pressure is set to 11.0.

How does the EPR reduce the max pressure? I thought it only worked on the exhale? Or is the machine reporting the average pressure?

[Goofproof]

The machine is "Cooking the Books", giving you a avg that includes the lower exhale relief. Jim