I have been on cpap for two weeks. The machine I was given was the basic Respironics M Series set at 16. I am having difficulty getting used to the pressure especially when exhaling. I have been reading about the Respironics M Series Auto with Aflex. I am almost 62 years of age and have probably had sleep apnea for a number of years. I also have Fibromyalgia. Was wondering if you have to be technically efficient to operate this machine.
Thanks for your help.
new to cpap
15 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Re: new to cpap
Welcome to the forum.
Since you've been "reading" about that machine, that gives you an advantage over a good percentage of the DMEs out there that don't even know (or will acknowledge) that that machine even exists. (apparently they either can't "read" or are unwilling to keep up with other machines/technology)
It doesn't take a lot of technical know-how to program or operate these machines. However, having the software to see what's happening during your sleep is a "must", in my opinion.
The good thing about that machine you're considering is that it is a data-capable, multi-mode machine. So, you would have lots of options to pick and choose from to find the best configuration and pressure(s) that work for you.
Were you thinking about trying to get your existing machine exchanged for the A-Flex machine.....or, were you thinking of purchasing out-of-pocket? You're early into your use of the machine they stuck you with that you may be able to twist their arm to exchange......although you would probably need a different prescription from the doctor before they would give you an APAP.
A pressure of 16 is a lot to start out with when there's no exhale relief.
Den
Since you've been "reading" about that machine, that gives you an advantage over a good percentage of the DMEs out there that don't even know (or will acknowledge) that that machine even exists. (apparently they either can't "read" or are unwilling to keep up with other machines/technology)
It doesn't take a lot of technical know-how to program or operate these machines. However, having the software to see what's happening during your sleep is a "must", in my opinion.
The good thing about that machine you're considering is that it is a data-capable, multi-mode machine. So, you would have lots of options to pick and choose from to find the best configuration and pressure(s) that work for you.
Were you thinking about trying to get your existing machine exchanged for the A-Flex machine.....or, were you thinking of purchasing out-of-pocket? You're early into your use of the machine they stuck you with that you may be able to twist their arm to exchange......although you would probably need a different prescription from the doctor before they would give you an APAP.
A pressure of 16 is a lot to start out with when there's no exhale relief.
Den
(5) REMstar Autos w/C-Flex & (6) REMstar Pro 2 CPAPs w/C-Flex - Pressure Setting = 14 cm.
"Passover" Humidification - ResMed Ultra Mirage FF - Encore Pro w/Card Reader & MyEncore software - Chiroflow pillow
User since 05/14/05
"Passover" Humidification - ResMed Ultra Mirage FF - Encore Pro w/Card Reader & MyEncore software - Chiroflow pillow
User since 05/14/05
Re: new to cpap
Hello,
I am even newer to CPAP. I just finished my third night. The machine you describe and are inquiring about is probably the one that I have. It has a humidifier and settings for adjusting the exhale pressure. You do not have to be technically savvy to operate it. Distilled water is used in the humidification tank. I felt some dryness during the second night therefore I increased the heat almost to maximum. It used almost the entire tank. I have scaled that back to a 3 setting. It used very little water that time. I like the feature of once the tube is in place it comes on automatically. The buttons that you'll use our liked it and it will be easy to find. The settings, readouts for the buttons that you may not even need to use at night are not illuminated. This is probably just a minor issue.
Technical aspects aside, I would like to compare experiences with the new machine. On my first night I woke up after about two hours and simply could not go back to sleep. It is a shame you can't will leave yourself to sleep. After about three hours of being awake and general discomfort I removed the mask. On the second night I woke up after 2 1/2 hours or so but fell in and out of sleep, that I was aware of fearing the remainder of the night. Last night, I believe I slept longer for the first time and was awake for shorter periods thereafter. I probably contribute to the length of these wakeful periods by listening to a radio talk show. If nothing interesting is going on there and I switch to music and readily, I think, went back to sleep without problems.
As to whether or not I am feeling better and rested: I really can't be sure. Yesterday, I was in a particularly boring meeting and experienced my usual difficulty in staying awake and alert. I can only assume, that this will get better.
Let me know your thoughts and experiences.
Larryjay
I am even newer to CPAP. I just finished my third night. The machine you describe and are inquiring about is probably the one that I have. It has a humidifier and settings for adjusting the exhale pressure. You do not have to be technically savvy to operate it. Distilled water is used in the humidification tank. I felt some dryness during the second night therefore I increased the heat almost to maximum. It used almost the entire tank. I have scaled that back to a 3 setting. It used very little water that time. I like the feature of once the tube is in place it comes on automatically. The buttons that you'll use our liked it and it will be easy to find. The settings, readouts for the buttons that you may not even need to use at night are not illuminated. This is probably just a minor issue.
Technical aspects aside, I would like to compare experiences with the new machine. On my first night I woke up after about two hours and simply could not go back to sleep. It is a shame you can't will leave yourself to sleep. After about three hours of being awake and general discomfort I removed the mask. On the second night I woke up after 2 1/2 hours or so but fell in and out of sleep, that I was aware of fearing the remainder of the night. Last night, I believe I slept longer for the first time and was awake for shorter periods thereafter. I probably contribute to the length of these wakeful periods by listening to a radio talk show. If nothing interesting is going on there and I switch to music and readily, I think, went back to sleep without problems.
As to whether or not I am feeling better and rested: I really can't be sure. Yesterday, I was in a particularly boring meeting and experienced my usual difficulty in staying awake and alert. I can only assume, that this will get better.
Let me know your thoughts and experiences.
Larryjay
Re: new to cpap
Welcome to the forum!
This is your treatment, NOT theirs. These DME's are only out to make money so they do give out the cheapest machines they can. The insurance codes are the same no matter what machine you get so they will indeed give out the cheapest in order to make more money. Some will even lie straight to your face about the machines they give you. The sleep doc who gave me my prescription owned the sleep lab and there was no way I was going to get what I wanted from them. The good news is that any doc can write a script for a machine. I ended up getting a script from my family doctor stating exactly what machine I wanted. I took back my reg ole cpap and fired the first place. I then took my new script to another DME and got what I wanted. The A/flex machine and haven't looked back. IF you decide to go this route, do it before your first month is over with. It gets a lot harder to do if you have the orginal machine over 30days.
Good luck and get the machine YOU want and go for it!
Brooke
This is your treatment, NOT theirs. These DME's are only out to make money so they do give out the cheapest machines they can. The insurance codes are the same no matter what machine you get so they will indeed give out the cheapest in order to make more money. Some will even lie straight to your face about the machines they give you. The sleep doc who gave me my prescription owned the sleep lab and there was no way I was going to get what I wanted from them. The good news is that any doc can write a script for a machine. I ended up getting a script from my family doctor stating exactly what machine I wanted. I took back my reg ole cpap and fired the first place. I then took my new script to another DME and got what I wanted. The A/flex machine and haven't looked back. IF you decide to go this route, do it before your first month is over with. It gets a lot harder to do if you have the orginal machine over 30days.
Good luck and get the machine YOU want and go for it!
Brooke
Brooke
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PAPalogical
- Posts: 38
- Joined: Tue Dec 30, 2008 7:42 am
- Location: Silicon Valley, CA
Re: new to cpap
Pastorj -
Do try to get a machine w/ exhalation relief. I'm also @ a pressure of 16 - started ~3 months ago now. I flippped my machine and got some water back up into the blower unit, wiped out the sensors, and the C-Flex on my machine stopped working. I thought I noticed some difference, and it was at the same time I was trying to find the right mask. After getting the machine replaced, the next night was so much better - I had never tried w/o C-Flex, so didn't realize then how much C-Flex helped out.
And as Wulfman says, you're already starting out the right way - thinking on your own, trying to understand what's going on.
Do try to get a machine w/ exhalation relief. I'm also @ a pressure of 16 - started ~3 months ago now. I flippped my machine and got some water back up into the blower unit, wiped out the sensors, and the C-Flex on my machine stopped working. I thought I noticed some difference, and it was at the same time I was trying to find the right mask. After getting the machine replaced, the next night was so much better - I had never tried w/o C-Flex, so didn't realize then how much C-Flex helped out.
And as Wulfman says, you're already starting out the right way - thinking on your own, trying to understand what's going on.
Newbie
Re: new to cpap
I use the AFlex machine you refer to and can recommend it. You don't need good technical skills to operate it and besides members here can help you. To get the best help here, eventually you need to register and fill out your equipment profile.pastorj wrote:I have been on cpap for two weeks. The machine I was given was the basic Respironics M Series set at 16. I am having difficulty getting used to the pressure especially when exhaling. I have been reading about the Respironics M Series Auto with Aflex. I am almost 62 years of age and have probably had sleep apnea for a number of years. I also have Fibromyalgia. Was wondering if you have to be technically efficient to operate this machine.
Thanks for your help.
Most regular members here would not be without monitoring software and a card reader to check our apneas, hypopneas, and mask leak. Sleep labs often have difficulty getting the pressure correct. Part of the reason is you are sleeping in an environment that is very different from your home environment. Also, the labs usually have only one night to get the pressure right. Mask leaks are also critical to the therapy and monitoring them with software lets you know how well the mask is working.
As far as having sleep apnea for a number of years, this is typical. Many of us suffered for decades before we figured out what was wrong. The medical profession is finally at the beginning of an awakening to the wide prevalence and deadly effects of sleep apnea.
Rooster
I have a vision that we will figure out an easy way to ensure that children develop wide, deep, healthy and attractive jaws and then obstructive sleep apnea becomes an obscure bit of history.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ycw4uaX ... re=related
I have a vision that we will figure out an easy way to ensure that children develop wide, deep, healthy and attractive jaws and then obstructive sleep apnea becomes an obscure bit of history.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ycw4uaX ... re=related
Re: new to cpap
If you can't tolerate a pressure of 16, there's a good chance that when you complain about that to the doctor you will be give a bi-level machine - that is one distinctly lower pressure on exhale. paid by your insurance. Sometimes insurance wants proof of failure at the simple machine before it will OK a bi-level one. Respironics makes an automatic bi-level machine the mamy people here find excelent.
As the others said, don't worry about running the machine. Many here will help you.
O.
As the others said, don't worry about running the machine. Many here will help you.
O.
_________________
| Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: Machine: Resmed AirSense10 for Her with Climateline heated hose ; alternating masks. |
And now here is my secret, a very simple secret; it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Good advice is compromised by missing data
Forum member Dog Slobber Nov. 2023
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Good advice is compromised by missing data
Forum member Dog Slobber Nov. 2023
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pastorj
Re: new to cpap
Thanks so much for all the replies...I only wish that I had found this forum before receiving the machine. The clinic where the sleep study provided the machine. I was never asked about what I might want...was given the basic machine with very few instructions.
Thanks again for the responses.
Thanks again for the responses.
Re: new to cpap
At a pressure of 16 cm, you may well be a candidate for a Bipap.
If you do get the Remstar M Series with A-Flex, there are several levels of exhalation relief and it also can run in cpap mode -with C-Flex exhalation relief - 3 levels). In the auto mode you will have 3 levels of C-Flex exhalation relief AND 3 levels of A-Flex - a little different that C-Flex). While, not as good as a Bipap for some people, the machines with exhalation relief does help somewhat.
It's a very good machine and lots of people on the forum will help you with set up and adaptations.
Running the Remstar A-Flex in auto mode with a narrow range of pressure, will also help since you may not need to be at 16 cm all night (or at all, sleep studies being what they are - one night) and the auto can adjust pressure as needed within a range you set.
If you have insurance I would try , through your doctor, to get a new prescription for the Remstar Auto M-Series with A-Flex and exchange the one you have. While you are talking to your doctor, you should raise the possibility of a Bipap. It would probably mean another sleep study to set pressures on the Bipap. by the way, an auto in the case of a Bipap is also a better way to go if you can.
If none of that goes well, you can buy an auto with your prescription for an straight cpap online from cpap.com at a very good price. You should be sure to have a copy at least of your prescription in your hands. Insurance will probably not help pay for an online purchase but the cost is much lower. Some do so you can check it out with your insurance.
If you go the online route be sure to ask for their lower price and not the Manufaturers' Suggested Retail price, which is the price listed there.
Good luck!
If you do get the Remstar M Series with A-Flex, there are several levels of exhalation relief and it also can run in cpap mode -with C-Flex exhalation relief - 3 levels). In the auto mode you will have 3 levels of C-Flex exhalation relief AND 3 levels of A-Flex - a little different that C-Flex). While, not as good as a Bipap for some people, the machines with exhalation relief does help somewhat.
It's a very good machine and lots of people on the forum will help you with set up and adaptations.
Running the Remstar A-Flex in auto mode with a narrow range of pressure, will also help since you may not need to be at 16 cm all night (or at all, sleep studies being what they are - one night) and the auto can adjust pressure as needed within a range you set.
If you have insurance I would try , through your doctor, to get a new prescription for the Remstar Auto M-Series with A-Flex and exchange the one you have. While you are talking to your doctor, you should raise the possibility of a Bipap. It would probably mean another sleep study to set pressures on the Bipap. by the way, an auto in the case of a Bipap is also a better way to go if you can.
If none of that goes well, you can buy an auto with your prescription for an straight cpap online from cpap.com at a very good price. You should be sure to have a copy at least of your prescription in your hands. Insurance will probably not help pay for an online purchase but the cost is much lower. Some do so you can check it out with your insurance.
If you go the online route be sure to ask for their lower price and not the Manufaturers' Suggested Retail price, which is the price listed there.
Good luck!
_________________
| Machine: DreamStation Auto CPAP Machine |
| Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Humidifier: DreamStation Heated Humidifier |
| Additional Comments: Backups- FX Nano masks. Backup machine- Airmini auto travel cpap |
Re: new to cpap
From reading the replies here and reading elsewhere, it looks like a got a good deal in the machine my provider set me up with. I also got more than enough instruction on it's use. All in All; guess I got a good deal. I don't have reader for my card, though.
LarryJay
LarryJay
Re: new to cpap
Does your machine actually LOOK like the one in your profile? Because it doesn't match with the humidifier listed. The REMstar Pro 2 (listed) is also several years old.....and would not be one of the current models being handed out by the DMEs.....unless you got it "used". You may want to re-check it to see if it's actually the M Series Pro.....and change your profile.larryjay wrote:From reading the replies here and reading elsewhere, it looks like a got a good deal in the machine my provider set me up with. I also got more than enough instruction on it's use. All in All; guess I got a good deal. I don't have reader for my card, though.
LarryJay
Den
(5) REMstar Autos w/C-Flex & (6) REMstar Pro 2 CPAPs w/C-Flex - Pressure Setting = 14 cm.
"Passover" Humidification - ResMed Ultra Mirage FF - Encore Pro w/Card Reader & MyEncore software - Chiroflow pillow
User since 05/14/05
"Passover" Humidification - ResMed Ultra Mirage FF - Encore Pro w/Card Reader & MyEncore software - Chiroflow pillow
User since 05/14/05
Re: new to cpap
Age has nothing to do with it, but you will find all ages here and many that were 62 a long time ago! If you have to pay for the machine yourself, do a lot of asking, because the advertised price is considerably above the real price for Respironics machines. The Aflex on the Auto works quite well and you will hardly notice the higher pressure.pastorj wrote:I have been on cpap for two weeks. The machine I was given was the basic Respironics M Series set at 16. I am having difficulty getting used to the pressure especially when exhaling. I have been reading about the Respironics M Series Auto with Aflex. I am almost 62 years of age and have probably had sleep apnea for a number of years. I also have Fibromyalgia. Was wondering if you have to be technically efficient to operate this machine.
Thanks for your help.
_________________
| Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier |
| Mask: Fisher & Paykel Vitera Full Face Mask with Headgear - Fit Pack (All Sizes Included) |
| Additional Comments: Titrated on Auto CPAP at 7/14 cm: Only licensed medical professionals can give medical advice or write prescriptions |
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rested gal
- Posts: 12881
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
Re: new to cpap
ww is right. I'm 64 now. It was no problem for me to learn how to "setup" (adjust the pressure, etc.) my machine when I got started five years ago treating the OSA I've had probably all my life. I had no doctor, no DME, no sleep study. Just bought an autopap online and did it on my own... through reading, and the help of wonderful people who post on the message board.ww wrote:Age has nothing to do with it, but you will find all ages here and many that were 62 a long time ago!
I can't program a VCR. Going through an autopap menu is a piece of cake to me, compared to a VCR, or even compared to trying to change the time on some clocks!
You'll find all the step-by-step help you need right here.
ResMed S9 VPAP Auto (ASV)
Humidifier: Integrated + Climate Control hose
Mask: Aeiomed Headrest (deconstructed, with homemade straps
3M painters tape over mouth
ALL LINKS by rested gal:
viewtopic.php?t=17435
Humidifier: Integrated + Climate Control hose
Mask: Aeiomed Headrest (deconstructed, with homemade straps
3M painters tape over mouth
ALL LINKS by rested gal:
viewtopic.php?t=17435
Re: new to cpap
When you mention your age being 62, I wonder if you mean - because you are 62 you may have had sleep apnea a long time before you were diagnosed. If you have been feeling overly fatigued for years - possibly. You also have Fibromyalgia though ( fatigue is a factor in that). I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and fatiuge is also a factor with that condition. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea when I was 63 and have been on cpap for 6+ years now. Doing the math tells you I am 69 now! I have had RA for 19+ years. I don't know if I had it a while before diagnosis but I am doing well on cpap and getting good therapy (thanks to the people on this forum!) The sleep study tells us that it is more than our other conditions that are causing a fatigue problem.
If you mention your age because you think it might be difficult to set up an auto machine at your age - don't worry about that! Rested Gal and ww have told you it is not a problem - especially with help from the forum!
I just got my auto last year, when I was 68 (after being on a straight cpap machine before that), and had it set up at a good (for me) therapy pressure in no time! As I have said, the people on this forum really helped me do that. Setting up the machine is not that hard but getting the right pressure setting(s) for each individual takes a little time and experimentation -- but the people here come through for you in that area.
Having the software and card reader makes it much easier to get the right (for you) setting(s) as well. With conditions like Fibromyalgia and RA, I think the software and reader, or at least a data capable machine (software and reader is better) are extra important because we need to see what is happening while we sleep. Basing the effectiveness of therapy on our fatigue level is more difficult for people with a condition with a high fatigue component.
Good luck!
If you mention your age because you think it might be difficult to set up an auto machine at your age - don't worry about that! Rested Gal and ww have told you it is not a problem - especially with help from the forum!
I just got my auto last year, when I was 68 (after being on a straight cpap machine before that), and had it set up at a good (for me) therapy pressure in no time! As I have said, the people on this forum really helped me do that. Setting up the machine is not that hard but getting the right pressure setting(s) for each individual takes a little time and experimentation -- but the people here come through for you in that area.
Having the software and card reader makes it much easier to get the right (for you) setting(s) as well. With conditions like Fibromyalgia and RA, I think the software and reader, or at least a data capable machine (software and reader is better) are extra important because we need to see what is happening while we sleep. Basing the effectiveness of therapy on our fatigue level is more difficult for people with a condition with a high fatigue component.
Good luck!
_________________
| Machine: DreamStation Auto CPAP Machine |
| Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Humidifier: DreamStation Heated Humidifier |
| Additional Comments: Backups- FX Nano masks. Backup machine- Airmini auto travel cpap |
Re: new to cpap
On closer inspection, it doesn't look like that. Don't have time at the moment, I will update later. Thanks.Wulfman wrote:Does your machine actually LOOK like the one in your profile? Because it doesn't match with the humidifier listed. The REMstar Pro 2 (listed) is also several years old.....and would not be one of the current models being handed out by the DMEs.....unless you got it "used". You may want to re-check it to see if it's actually the M Series Pro.....and change your profile.larryjay wrote:From reading the replies here and reading elsewhere, it looks like a got a good deal in the machine my provider set me up with. I also got more than enough instruction on it's use. All in All; guess I got a good deal. I don't have reader for my card, though.
LarryJay
Den
Larry
15 posts
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