How to get from CPap to Apap??
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sarkel
HI Fred
You comments pretty much sum up what I was trying to say (actually much better than I did). A couple of weeks ago, I was given a machine and basically told that "All CPAPs are the same". I asked about the software and was told "Only the doctors offices use them". After reading the boards though, I have gotten some great information, which has helped me get through this. I was also fortunate enough to get a good mask from the start.
Right now, I have insurance and it is paying for the machine. Perhaps in two years, this machine will be obsolete. Perhaps in two years, I wont have insurance. Why shouldnt I get the best machine available now. Maybe I dont need the AUTO features now, but maybe I do. Now correct me if I am wrong here, but I dont see BC/BS buying me a new machine every two years just because of technology changes. I also want the software so I can see for myself if I can diagnose why I am having trouble (like waking up) and hopefully solve these problems.
While i'm aware that its somewhat normal to not be able to sleep all night for awhile until you get used to this, but at what point should i be looking for something else, like pressure, mask problems, etc.???
You comments pretty much sum up what I was trying to say (actually much better than I did). A couple of weeks ago, I was given a machine and basically told that "All CPAPs are the same". I asked about the software and was told "Only the doctors offices use them". After reading the boards though, I have gotten some great information, which has helped me get through this. I was also fortunate enough to get a good mask from the start.
Right now, I have insurance and it is paying for the machine. Perhaps in two years, this machine will be obsolete. Perhaps in two years, I wont have insurance. Why shouldnt I get the best machine available now. Maybe I dont need the AUTO features now, but maybe I do. Now correct me if I am wrong here, but I dont see BC/BS buying me a new machine every two years just because of technology changes. I also want the software so I can see for myself if I can diagnose why I am having trouble (like waking up) and hopefully solve these problems.
While i'm aware that its somewhat normal to not be able to sleep all night for awhile until you get used to this, but at what point should i be looking for something else, like pressure, mask problems, etc.???
I had a quick look at Remstar Plus on the Respironics site, and correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks like It does not have a card slot and Encore Pro data card. If this is the case, we need to get you a new machine. If it does have the card, I'll give you my thoughts on how to proceed. Get back to me. Also, what mask do you use and do you know what is the cpap pressure setting?
Fred Stanmyre
For Sarkel
Here's the link that describes the hardware and software we are talking about.
viewArticle/Encore-Pro-Respironics-CPAP ... Derek.html
viewArticle/Encore-Pro-Respironics-CPAP ... Derek.html
Fred Stanmyre
I got my machine thorough BC/BS, which is the remstar auto with c-flex. I bought it online and then submitted forms for re-emburshment. I did the math and it saved me lots since I have a deductable. Just make sure you get written consent and keep all paperwork. I was using the pro and my sleep doc wouldn't prescribe a auto so I went to my reg doc who consented. But I did my homework, explaining the advantages, that I was fighting the constant high pressures, had leaks, nose rubbing from tight straps. BC/BS won't pay for software. So give it a try, you never know. Explain to your doc the auto can always be set to the cpap mode if need be. As I have said constantly; we wear these machines one third of our lives, we may as well have the best. And an Auto isn't that much more expensive when you look at it in the long run.
Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever. Lance Armstrong
Basically agree with loonlvr, however point is if Sarkel's Remstar is a straight cpap machine, and has the encore capability, and he has a good mask, a lot can be accomplished without immediately swapping out machines. If his Remstar Plus does not have the Encore capability however it's my view that neither he or his "doctor" have any idea what is happening. Btw, any doctor says that all cpap machines are the same better get up to speed on the subject or try some other line of work.
Fred Stanmyre
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sarkel
OK, here is what i have:
Remstar PLus w/cflex and heated humidifier
Mirage Swift nasal pillows
AHI 33
Pressure 9, Ramp 5
I believe that the Plus does NOT smart card capabililty. I believe that this is the reason I originally tried to get a different machine at the onset of this. I even called Respironics directly during my initial searching and I believe thats what they told me.
What I was actually referring in my original obtuse post, was an AutoPap w/Encore Pro, not a Pro2. But it sounds like both of these machines have the smart cards and software.
Can I assume they use the same smartcard & software????
Both of you seem to have this setup already.
Remstar PLus w/cflex and heated humidifier
Mirage Swift nasal pillows
AHI 33
Pressure 9, Ramp 5
I believe that the Plus does NOT smart card capabililty. I believe that this is the reason I originally tried to get a different machine at the onset of this. I even called Respironics directly during my initial searching and I believe thats what they told me.
What I was actually referring in my original obtuse post, was an AutoPap w/Encore Pro, not a Pro2. But it sounds like both of these machines have the smart cards and software.
Can I assume they use the same smartcard & software????
Both of you seem to have this setup already.
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sarkel
Well, the sleep lab gave me a copy of a one page report the night i had my sleep study. I have yet to see the full sleep study results, which I will assume I will get when I go back to doctor next month. They are mostly from hypoapneas, only a couple of apneas.
Most of the, shall I say, lack of information has been coming from the DME and sleep lab techs. The pulmonary doctor told me that an APAP is preferable, but that insurance companies are the problem.
Most of the, shall I say, lack of information has been coming from the DME and sleep lab techs. The pulmonary doctor told me that an APAP is preferable, but that insurance companies are the problem.
Without the Encore package, you are entirely at the mercy of the doctor and sleep lab. For most of us in this forum this is not good enough. Many of us, me included, monitor sleep results on a daily basis. Derek's My Encore addon really makes the Encore software user friendly so you don't have to be a lab technician to figure out what it says. The autopap and cflex features on the respironics machine is nice but the benefits may be marginal. I, and others in fact are getting the best results running straight cpap, but the only way to know that is with the Encore package. I think your sleep doctor was absolutely derelict in not getting you the machine with the Encore package. I'd fire the bugger. This forum can't even offer a lot of help without the feedback from the monitoring software. There are other machines out there other than Respironics that have apap and monitoring software, they may even do it better, but most everyone in this forum is pretty familiar and satisfied with the Respironics offering. I think your gut feel and the comments of others was right. You need to get your Lexus, namely the Remstar Auto with CFLEX and the sooner the better if your AHI is really as high as you say. Btw, I doubt it. Suggest you first get a hold of whoever supplied you with the your Remstar Plus and try to negotiate an exchange for the Remstar Auto CLEX. I'm guessing that they will do it but it will cost you. You may need a new prescription from your doctor. Get that then give him the sack. Another approach is buy the new machine and flog the old one on ebay. Cpap.com and Ebay sell the Encore package for $200. Anybody else in the fourm want to comment pls do. I don't particularly want Sarkel to go out spending all this money just on my sayso.
Fred Stanmyre
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sarkel
Well, the reason i am pushing this now is that the machine is only rented for 3 months. More info -- when i was fighting with the DME, they claimed to know nothing about Pro2's, but after 5 or 6 phone calls, they told me they had a Pro, not a Pro2, in the warehouse that I could have. I refused this, since is is discontinued. Or I could wait another month until I got another prescription, another insurance review, etc. I chose to get a machine right away and continue to research. I do believe that the pulmonary doctor will prescribe at least at Pro2 for me, which as you said is the minimum necessary to see whats going on.
On the AHI index, you comment concerns me. Here's what the paper says:
Non-Supine Supine Total
A+H Index, Total 33.3 33.8 33.7
Maybe I am looking at the wrong thing. Here is the part, I defintely know isnt real good. SaO2 Range 69 to 96
On the AHI index, you comment concerns me. Here's what the paper says:
Non-Supine Supine Total
A+H Index, Total 33.3 33.8 33.7
Maybe I am looking at the wrong thing. Here is the part, I defintely know isnt real good. SaO2 Range 69 to 96
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WillSucceed
- Posts: 1031
- Joined: Sun Nov 07, 2004 7:52 am
- Location: Toronto, Ontario
fstanmyer wrote:
Given that you are renting equipment now, would it be possible for you to rent the different auto machines (ResMed Spirit / Puritan-Bennett 420E / de Vilbiss auto / Respironics RemStar Auto) BEFORE you commit to any one machine based solely on the advice of others?
I know that not thinking that RemStar auto with C-FLEX is the answer to all one's OSA prayers is blasphemous on this fourm but, do yourself a huge favour and trial as many machines as possible BEFORE you spend your hard-earned coin on one. The bit of money that you spend renting will really pay off when you are able to compare how YOU felt using the different machines for at least a week per machine so that you can purchase with confidence. Your sleep is important -->don't rush the process if at all possible and, don't rely on the advice of others moreso than the advice of your own experience.
Oh no they arn't. There are users on the forum that don't benefit from C-FLEX and others that did not get best treatment from the Respironics Auto algorithm.but most everyone in this forum is pretty familiar and satisfied with the Respironics offering
Given that you are renting equipment now, would it be possible for you to rent the different auto machines (ResMed Spirit / Puritan-Bennett 420E / de Vilbiss auto / Respironics RemStar Auto) BEFORE you commit to any one machine based solely on the advice of others?
I know that not thinking that RemStar auto with C-FLEX is the answer to all one's OSA prayers is blasphemous on this fourm but, do yourself a huge favour and trial as many machines as possible BEFORE you spend your hard-earned coin on one. The bit of money that you spend renting will really pay off when you are able to compare how YOU felt using the different machines for at least a week per machine so that you can purchase with confidence. Your sleep is important -->don't rush the process if at all possible and, don't rely on the advice of others moreso than the advice of your own experience.
Buy a new hat, drink a good wine, treat yourself, and someone you love, to a new bauble, live while you are alive... you never know when the mid-town bus is going to have your name written across its front bumper!
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rested gal
- Posts: 12881
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
I've used all three of the major manufacturer's autopaps.
All three gave me excellent treatment. Each one had a feature about it
(or its software) that I liked better than the others,but any of the three
can do a great job for most people. Occasionally, as WillSucceed said, one
will be better suited for some people, or not suited at allfor some.
Not many have the luxury of getting their DME to let them try out all three
(or even more...there are other good manufacturers of autopaps that we
don't hear about as much.) Or the person doesn't have the resources to buy
even a used one to try. But if you can find a way to "try before you buy",
you might find you like certain features about one over the others, or even
that one gives you better treatment for one reason or another.
The three autopaps I've used and liked equally well, but each for different
"features" reasons are:
Puritan Bennett Goodknight 420E autopap
Silverlining software/cable
I liked the small size, the "advanced" settings, and preferred the Silverlining
software to any of the others' software.
The IFL1 setting on the 420E can be just as problematic for some people as C-Flex
on another machine can be for some.
Respironics REMstar Auto with C-flex
Encore Pro software/smart card/card reader
I liked C-flex and the ability to run this machine in any of 4 modes: cpap with
or without C-Flex, or autopap with or without C-Flex.
Actually, the C-Flex feature is the one and only thing that makes me
recommend this particular machine to most people -- if they can't try out
several machines and have to pick just one machine. C-flex is a
welcome exhalation relief that works well for many. It can be turned off if
it isn't wanted.
ResMed Autoset Spirit
Autoscan software/cable
I liked being able to punch a few buttons and see AHI info directly from the
panel on top of the machine the next morning, without downloading the data
through software. (Does require software to view graphs and charts.)
Did not like anything about the Humidaire II integrated humidifier - personally
I would use a separate humidifier with the Spirit.
I didn't like having to punch in the mask type being used. But the performance of
the machine itself was excellent.
I didn't have the extra ResLink attachment for the Spirit. That's a nice but expensive
extra that records info about oxygen levels throughout the night. It's an optional
piece of equipment that could be very important to some people. I wish all three
manufacturers had built in recording pulse oximetry for their machines.
All three of those autopaps will probably work well for most people.
A few find that one particular autopap can't do a good job for them. And a few
will find that no autopap is right for them. Some do better on a single straight
pressure. But I do think the majority probably can use any of those
autopaps (and other brands too!) to receive very good, comfortable treatment.
_____________________________________
My disclaimer: I'm not a doctor, nor have I ever worked in the health
care field.
Those are just my personal opinions. A mask or machine I love/hate could be
completely the opposite for others. Finding suitable equipment can be an expensive
trial and error experience.
All three gave me excellent treatment. Each one had a feature about it
(or its software) that I liked better than the others,but any of the three
can do a great job for most people. Occasionally, as WillSucceed said, one
will be better suited for some people, or not suited at allfor some.
Not many have the luxury of getting their DME to let them try out all three
(or even more...there are other good manufacturers of autopaps that we
don't hear about as much.) Or the person doesn't have the resources to buy
even a used one to try. But if you can find a way to "try before you buy",
you might find you like certain features about one over the others, or even
that one gives you better treatment for one reason or another.
The three autopaps I've used and liked equally well, but each for different
"features" reasons are:
Puritan Bennett Goodknight 420E autopap
Silverlining software/cable
I liked the small size, the "advanced" settings, and preferred the Silverlining
software to any of the others' software.
The IFL1 setting on the 420E can be just as problematic for some people as C-Flex
on another machine can be for some.
Respironics REMstar Auto with C-flex
Encore Pro software/smart card/card reader
I liked C-flex and the ability to run this machine in any of 4 modes: cpap with
or without C-Flex, or autopap with or without C-Flex.
Actually, the C-Flex feature is the one and only thing that makes me
recommend this particular machine to most people -- if they can't try out
several machines and have to pick just one machine. C-flex is a
welcome exhalation relief that works well for many. It can be turned off if
it isn't wanted.
ResMed Autoset Spirit
Autoscan software/cable
I liked being able to punch a few buttons and see AHI info directly from the
panel on top of the machine the next morning, without downloading the data
through software. (Does require software to view graphs and charts.)
Did not like anything about the Humidaire II integrated humidifier - personally
I would use a separate humidifier with the Spirit.
I didn't like having to punch in the mask type being used. But the performance of
the machine itself was excellent.
I didn't have the extra ResLink attachment for the Spirit. That's a nice but expensive
extra that records info about oxygen levels throughout the night. It's an optional
piece of equipment that could be very important to some people. I wish all three
manufacturers had built in recording pulse oximetry for their machines.
All three of those autopaps will probably work well for most people.
A few find that one particular autopap can't do a good job for them. And a few
will find that no autopap is right for them. Some do better on a single straight
pressure. But I do think the majority probably can use any of those
autopaps (and other brands too!) to receive very good, comfortable treatment.
_____________________________________
My disclaimer: I'm not a doctor, nor have I ever worked in the health
care field.
Those are just my personal opinions. A mask or machine I love/hate could be
completely the opposite for others. Finding suitable equipment can be an expensive
trial and error experience.
Last edited by rested gal on Wed Jul 13, 2005 4:40 pm, edited 2 times in total.