New user needs advice

[jnk]

. . . one of only two countries in the world (the other being New Zealand) that allows pharmaceutical companies to advertise directly to the consumer . . .

Interesting point, though technically speaking, I believe those are the two INDUSTRIALIZED countries that allow PRESCRIPTION drugs to be advertised directly to the public. And it must be remembered that there is little reason to advertise prescription drugs to the public in countries with socialized medicine, since the governments have there become the de facto "consumers," the ones making the purchasing decisions. In that sense, the drug companies are advertising to the actual buyers.

[GumbyCT]

I do wonder why you don't get to pick and choose your equipment. I can't complain, the stuff they gave me does the job, but it begs the question nonetheless. It probably has something to do with insurance and new users knowing next to nothing about quality in the CPAP world. Anyone know for sure?

Ya think? Ever wonder why the doc doesn't let YOU choose which medicine you need?

To be clear - I do NOT disagree we should be able to choose which brand of equipment we purchase. But I must say, when I began cpap, I had NO clue about anything. Unfortunately, when we chose an insurance provider and policy many of us gave up any choices after that, is what I was trying to say.

When it comes to medicines, requesting a generic brand would not have the same meaning as choosing which medicine, to me anyway.

I tend to think we choose the doc because s/he has training and has kept up on the new meds on the market. We rely on their wisdom AND experience. Plus to know which meds will interact with others meds we are taking, right off the top of their heads.

Ever notice that people with OSA don't make good choices?

[OmniMarconi67]

Ever notice that people with OSA don't make good choices?

You mean eating pizza and Chinese takeout every day for five years wasn't a good choice?

[jnk]

Ever notice that people with OSA don't make good choices?

You mean eating pizza and Chinese takeout every day for five years wasn't a good choice?

Wait! Is someone here insinuating that my daily General Tso's for lunch and Pepperoni for supper is a less-than-optimal choice?

[gadaisy]

The used machine I have is a Respironics BIPAP PRO w/BIFLEX and features Digital Auto Trak sensitivity. It has a "smart card" that goes into the left side of it. It is model 1007216. Pressure is set for 12 which I guess is what it was set at for original user. I have three masks . Mask is a Resmed ultra mirage Full face mask size small. The humidifier is a Respironics Heated humidifier model 1009491.
I went to the class because that is where my HMO (I Know, I know) sent me and this place is the DME provider for my Kaiser HMO. It is the same center where I saw the doctor and had my sleep study done.
New machine is Respironics REMSTAR M series model 1051158 and a respironics heated humidifier model 1009491. Pressure is set at 19. They also told me I have 30 days to return the machine but no returns on the humidifier. Why is that? I have tried three masks on the new machine and the noise was consistent with each mask. No noise with each mask on the used machine ( BIPAP). I seem to do best with the ultra mirage FFM.
You ask if the cflex was enabled on the new machine. I do not know what that is. Can you give me info on where to check for that. I am going back to the sleep center Tuesday and I will ask for a copy of my prescription and of my study. I did hear someone else ask for just that during my class. That should have clued me in to ask for it also but I didn't. Someone that my husband works with who also is a CPAP user was surprised to hear my pressure was 19 and said that maybe I will need a bipap. Am I within my rights to have the used machine's pressure settings set for me or will they refuse because the machine didn't come from them? I want to go in there fully informed. Right now I am clueless. I want to thank you for all the responses I received from everyone.

[jules]

What is the model number of the new cpap - that m series --- those numbers are for humidifiers it appears - it will be DS100, DS200, DS400 and I think that is on the bottom. There is some wording on the top too - are there 2 or 3 buttons - I am talking the m series machine (if 2 then there isn't cflex - machine is called basic - DS100)

Humidifiers are "personal" at some DME's - like underwear and swimsuits - no exchanges - machines they can allegedly clean.

The bipap won't be just 12 - no problem - that machine if it isn't a bipap pro 2 won't have good data - but it is a GOOD machine - if you need 19, 12 isn't going to be enough - people here can tell you how to change the pressure to 19

As has been suggested the noise can be a badly seated humidifier, cflex (cflex is a kind of exhale relief where the motor does change sounds), or just a bad motor. Many have said the m series is noisier than the tank - that bipap is a tank if it is this one (tank is the model type before m series)

[Wulfman]

Your Bi-PAP Pro probably looks like this Bi-PAP Pro 2 (below).
Only difference is that the Pro was not data capable and the Pro 2 is.
Both machines use "Bi-Flex" technology......."C-Flex" is for CPAPs......"Bi-Flex" is for Bi-PAPs.

To access the clinical/Setup menu on that machine, try the following......then write down all the settings and options that you see.

When in the Setup Menu, the humidifier ^ and ramp v buttons operate as up and down keys to change the settings, the left/right user buttons < > allow you to go to the previous/next question or setting, and the pressure start/stop button is used to exit the Setup Menu. Holding the humidifier or ramp buttons down will cause the values to change more quickly.

To enter the Therapy Setup Menu, hold the two top user buttons < > down while plugging in the power cord.
Continue holding the buttons down until you hear two beeps.

Note: The word "setup" will appear on all of the screens indicating that you are in the Therapy Setup Menu.
If you press the Pressure start/stop button, you will exit the Setup Menu.






Den

[gadaisy]

The new Remstar M series is a S100. I am trying to troubleshoot this thing and I would like to disconnect the humidifier unit from the CPAP so I can test it without the humidifier. It seems to me that when I was ion class and it was not yet connected to a humidifier, I don't remember the noise, because I surely would have complained about it right then. They showed me in class how to slide the two units together and for the life of me I can't figure out how to get them apart. I am not talking about the water chamber, but the entire unit.

[jules]

that m series doesn't have cflex - just 2 buttons I bet - called basic - bottom of the line cpap

there is a piece you need if you are going to test the cpap w/o the humidifier attached - some kind of gasket or ring - I don't have a m - series so I will see if I can get Gumby to post how it works if no one else posts on it

it might be once the bipap is set to your pressure, it might be NOISY too

[GumbyCT]

OK place your right hand on top of the blower unit and your left hand under the Humidifier. Pull up with the left hand while holding right hand down. Don't worry you won't break it. Just be firm and steady. It kinda just snaps out and in. Of course, reverse to assemble

I guess this is why they have a class?

They did show you the other piece you need to put on the blower right?

[gadaisy]

Thank you GumbyCT! I have disconnected it and used it without the humidifier. I have found that at full 19 setting it makes the noise but when I turn on the ramp at 6 no noise upon exhale. I am now wearing it and waiting to see at what setting does the noise kick in. I'll get back to you with my results.

[gadaisy]

OK, noise kicks in at 8.1. I am so discouraged already. I think tonight I may try to sleep with my MP3 to see if I can drown it out.

[GumbyCT]

If it bothers you at 8 I can't imagine what 19 will do to you. Time for you to whine to your doc and dme.

[jules]

some say the m series is noisy - set the bipap for your pressure (wulfman posted directions above) and see how noisy that is

[gadaisy]

Bi Pap is now set for my specifications. It is working great! I sure do appreciate everyone taking the time to help me. Thanks so much.