Got my CPAP today - question

[BonnieB]

I just got my CPAP machine! I thought I wouldn’t have any surprises with the DME because my doctor asked for a specific CPAP (Respironics Pro M 450 DS Series with Smart Card) and a specific mask. I went to the DME and this very nice young, young woman presented me with a REM Star Auto A-Flex with Smart Card. I asked her about the differences between this machine and my prescribed one, and she said that she was giving me the latest model. And it was the only [cpap] model that they carried. The only thing I’m worried about at this point is whether I can access key data from the screen (AHI, leak rate). She said I could not (and I confirmed this). But in reading the instruction book it says this feature is available if the provider enables it (which she failed to mention). What’s the best way to approach the DME to get access to these on-screen features or should I just ask the doctor at my next appointment?

FYI on the rest of my visit --- she didn’t have the mask the doctor put in the prescription. She basically offered me only one to try. But I liked it, so I guess it’s okay. She thought that my doctor might not have the latest software to read the card, but I called and they had it. The DME has people available 24/7 to answer questions about the machine, mask, etc. This should be helpful, especially at 3:00 a.m

I’m going to try it tonight. I really appreciate all your posts. By reading about your experiences, I feel very comfortable starting this journey.

[pdean44]

Good luck on your journey. I have been on the machine for a little over 2 weeks. It definitely seems to be helping.

[cpapernewbie]

In the Respironics family, an Auto is always better than a Pro (the naming is to confuse us )

With your auto CPAP, all the effectiveness and leakage data are available - what you do is just google for the clinician manual for that device. You can then make sure that your treatment results are displayed on the small screen

The latest model is the PR System One. If they give you the M series Auto, then this is the previous model. DME frequently has the habit on giving you the "cadillac" and the latest model. whatever they give you (even when they give you the basic model.

[sleep lover]

cpapernewbie,
keep in mind this comes from a newbie... from what i've gathered so far, is that we need to advocate for ourselves. My DME guy did the same thing two days ago, he delivered the wrong mask that was ordered. 4 days before that, my first day using CPAP he left me with only one size nasal pillow, and he should've left me with all three! They come in the package with all three sizes, we've paid for them, and they should be left that way. It surprised me but I thought that was the norm. Perhaps these companies have learned to scale back.
I feel more comfortable now asking for the correct mask should the one he left not be right for me. This is not an easy process and "whatever it takes to make it go smoothly" should be ours, and their motto, don't you think? My advice is to give it a day or two and, though people say it can take weeks to adjust to wearing something on your face, and if you should want the original mask your doctor prescribed, then by all means, call the DME back and make sure you get it, and/or call the doctor. If you've had one great night's sleep wearing a mask, as I did at the sleep center, the search for the right equipment is worth pursuing. We need to do it. Good luck tonight. I have gotten so much help from folks on this site, I am most appreciative. Should you need more, let me know and I'll be happy to go through it with you. off for a nap... sleep lover

[film-freak]

I would ask around for a new DME supplier. It may not help you with what you have (I don't know if you can switch suppliers on the current machine, especially if you are on medicare.) I help with my mother's care, and we were having trouble with our supplier. They wouldn't work with us and were not knowledgeable. We came across another supplier by accident when our original supplier couldn't get us something, and the 2nd supplier was like a dream. They are very knowledgeable, and always get the products we want, even if they have to special order it.

[el_zorro]

BonnieB,

To turn on the AHI/Periodic Breathing/Leak% stats, just hold the big round button and the smaller arrow button (ramp)down at the same time for 5 seconds to enter the clinical menu, then under setup scroll down and click on SHOW AHI/Leak/PB to turn on these stats, then scroll back to BACK and then exit the clinical menu. From the user menu under INFO you should now see AHI, Leak% and Periodic Breathing 7 day and 30 day averages.

Good Luck,
Z

[pzac]

I found this informative link/site from one of the discussions right here on cpaptalk.com.
The link provides info on how you have the legal right to adjust your c-pap machine, clinical manuals for most machines and how to get into the clinical setup menus to make these adjustments.
Here is the link: http://www.apneaboard.com/CPAP%20Adjustment.htm
I have found this link very helpful to me and I hope it helps others.

[Guest]

the Aflex is the way to go. great machine. check your software often at the beginning to see what your doing. good luck

[rested gal]

Welcome to the message board, Bonnie.

Which of these machine cases most resembles your machine? The first one or the second one?

1st - Philips Respironics System One machine:




2nd - Respironics M series machine:

[contctbin]

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[sleepmba]

When it comes to your DME... stick to your guns. They owe it to you to get what you want, especially when it comes to masks. If the DME doesn't want to work with you, see if you can change DME's.

Check out my blog http://sleepandcpap.blogspot.com feel free to bring up a new topic

[Janknitz]

You got the state of the art Respironics machine, newer than the series M your doctor requested (s/he may not be "up" on the fact that there is a newer version) and a very good mask. So your DME is actually upgrading from what your doctor ordered.

So how did it go last night?