CPAP is not working

[JaBee]

I have been using a full face mask since the end of October.

I still wake up a couple of times during the night.
I am not getting a full nights sleep.
Sometimes when I take the mask off at 2am, I fall back asleep
BETTER and EASIER without the mask.

I had some real battles with my asthma, and kept have to get the
alburteral when I laid down at night. Just putting the mask on set
it off.

I really feel like the settings not right, but only the Dr. can do anything'
about them, and I am NOT going to go back for another sleep study.

At least, I found a solution to my "raining" issue a few months back. I
bought some "pipe insulation" and put over the hose, and then set
the unit so it was almost on the floor. That proved a lot cheaper
than buying the "warming hose."

thanks for letting me vent.

[Julie]

Why do you say only the doctor can do anything? If you have a data capable machine, one that lets you stick it's smart card (must be a special one tho') in a special card reader hooked up to your computer, and have the matching software, you can look at all the parameters that make up the results and gauge whether e.g. you're having large leaks, whether your pressure is in fact appropriate to your needs (and then tweak it), and much, much more. Most of us haven't seen MD's in ages, and certainly don't go by what DME's say. You would need the 'right' kind of machine, and above equipment, but once you're set up, you'll be all set to go. Look on Cpap.com under Apap machines, particularly the Respironics M Series Pro (NOT the Plus), and you'll also see 'bundles' (optional equipment & software) that will let you take over your own therapy. I just realized you do have a good machine and its software is called 'Silverlight", so go check out that package on Cpap.com and see if you're on the right track.

[Sleeprider]

Your S8 Elite II machine settings can be changed by you, but its a bit hard to know what the problem is. Do you feel air-starved? I'm sure someone will post a link to how to access the clinician menu on that machine.

As far as using pipe insulation, that is an innovative approach, but can't be too comfortable. A fleece cover would be softer and should provide enough insulation to prevent condensation. Some members are using a reptile aquarium heater to add a heat-trace to the hose. viewtopic.php?t=27579. That works out to be very inexpensive but effective.

[JaBee]

My hose goes from the machine to the top of my headboard, and then come down. Only the part from the machine to the top of the headboard has the insulation.

The remainder I have wrapped in cotton strips.

The only problem I have is if I need to move the machine (which I normally do every weekend.) I have to carry the hose seperate from the machine.

Yes, I have a data capable machine but I do not want to change the settings. I would not have a clue WHAT to change them to. IF I can remeber the name of the Dr., I just might have to try and set up an appointment with him. Maybe I will feel like I can get something.

I am not being facetious. I met the Dr when I went in for my pre- screening. Have not seen or heard from the man since.
I had his nurse call to say, yes, you have sleep apnea and need to go to the Pharmacy and get a machine. Wow..how professional is that!!

[BlackSpinner]

Yes, I have a data capable machine but I do not want to change the settings. I would not have a clue WHAT to change them to. IF I can remeber the name of the Dr., I just might have to try and set up an appointment with him. Maybe I will feel like I can get something.
!

First of all since you have a data capable machine you can check every morning and see your leak rate, how many apneas (AI) and hypoapneas (wannabe apneas) HI. You want your AHI (combined) to be below 5 and as close to zero as possible. To do this you can play with the pressure. increasing it a little every few days to see what happens - the same way a diabetic adjusts their insulin depending on there glucose readings.

It is your body and your health - take charge!

[sleepycarol]

Get the data off from the LCD screen. Pretty simple -- just do it before 12 noon. You might want to write it down and keep a copy. I don't do excel made a simple chart on word.

If you have asthma what is your humidifier set on? I found I can't tolerate much humidity or it will trigger mine. Try lowering yours and see if that helps.

[Wulfman]

Yes, I have a data capable machine but I do not want to change the settings. I would not have a clue WHAT to change them to.

Why not?
No time like the present to learn.

I am not being facetious. I met the Dr when I went in for my pre- screening. Have not seen or heard from the man since.

With a doctor like that, you REALLY need to take charge of your own therapy........like most of the rest of us.
You found this forum.......you have the opportunity to learn.......take advantage of it.

Start here. The instructions on how to get into your machine, make the settings to see the data and find out more about your machine......are available to download.

http://www.apneaboard.com/CPAP%20Adjustment.htm


Den

[Wulfman]

Read this, too.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=49560&p=454440#p454440


Den