Newbie: Respironics BiPap Pro Biflex need help!

[Kathy G]

How do I get an operator's manual, clinician's manual, software, whatever I need to get started to understand my machine, its data and what I can learn from it? DME was all smiles when she brought equipment out, left no manuals or instructions for machine and now is MIA. I have had it for two weeks and am having a lot of noisy leaks from mask, so noisy they wake me up with all the farting and squealing. It is set at 18 pressure, with a ramp up from 12. That is all I know. How can I learn about all the data my machine can give me?

[Pugsy]

Read here for software options on the PR System One data capable machines
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=64906&st=0&sk=t&sd= ... re+options

Go here and scroll down to the info about requesting clinician manuals.
Follow the directions and make sure you request it as the PR System One BiPap Pro so there will be no confusion as to which you want.http://www.apneaboard.com/CPAP%20Adjustment.htm

I am assuming this is the machine that you were recently given.
https://www.cpap.com/cpap-machine/respi ... iflex.html

If you will add your equipment in text please to your profile (user control/profile/equipment) we can see it more easily and offer mask help. I don't use your type of mask, so I can't offer ideas there but I can help with software questions.
In the drop down menu for equipment choices scroll till you see PR listings as that is how the new Remstar machines are offered.

[Slinky]

First we will need to know what brand and model CPAP you have before we can offer you any of the information you are asking for.

Given the manner in which your CPAP and mask were provided to you and the lack of any response to your attempts to contact this person my guess is that there is NO data for you to get from your CPAP because you were given a very basic CPAP capable of reporting ONLY compliance data. i.e. the number of hours and nights you use this CPAP which THEY need in order to receive any payment for your insurance.

Second we need to know if you have private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid buying your CPAP and accessories or if you are buying them out of pocket. Based on that information we MIGHT be able to tell you how to exchange that CPAP for a fully data capable CPAP or to purchase one much more cheaply.

[Vader]

I have had much success with the Quattro FX mask. I'm not experiencing any of the mask flatulence (leakage) as I used to with other full face masks. Nasal masks and chin straps don't work well for me, (and taping of the mouth is just plain nutty!)
It seems that like many masks, you would either love or hate the Quattro FX, but I think it's definitely worth a try.

[Pugsy]

Hey everyone... OP equipment is in her signature line.
Sort of not in plain sight.

[Slinky]

Ooops!!! Color me red-faced! I didn't see your BPAP listed in your sig! Duh.

I just went and read your profile when I saw Pugsy's reply to you. I bred and showed Collies for some 20 plus years. What breed are you showing??

[BleepingBeauty]

How do I get an operator's manual, clinician's manual, software, whatever I need to get started to understand my machine, its data and what I can learn from it? DME was all smiles when she brought equipment out, and now is MIA. I have had it for two weeks and am having a lot of noisy leaks from mask, so noisy they wake me up with all the farting and squealing. It is set at 18 pressure, with a ramp up from 12. That is all I know. How can I learn about all the data my machine can give me?

Many clinician's manuals are available here: http://www.apneaboard.com/CPAP%20Adjustment.htm. Unfortunately, your machine isn't listed. I suggest you change the title of your thread to include the specific machine model, with hopes that someone here with the same machine can provide the manual and/or guide you on how to get the data from the machine (either from the LCD screen or from software).

[Pugsy]

Many clinician's manuals are available here: http://www.apneaboard.com/CPAP%20Adjustment.htm. Unfortunately, your machine isn't listed.

Oops it sure isn't but the PR System One Bipap Auto is and it should be very close until someone comes up with the Pro manual.
I am assuming the Auto part could be turned off making it like a straight pressure Pro??
Worth a shot as it will have instructions on how to get into the menu as well as common explanations to the features.

[archangle]

Welcome Kathy.

I believe the correct Respironics User manual is here: http://bipaps.respironics.com/PDF/BIPAP ... Manual.pdf

It's good to have that manual, but it's not really enough to do CPAP therapy on your own. There's a lot more to learn. Your DME or doctor should help, but often they don't. The Respironics manual will not help with mask fitting.

The mask manual is here:
http://www.resmed.com/us/assets/documen ... er_mul.pdf
http://www.resmed.com/us/products/ultra ... c=patients

You've already paid your DME to help you with this, but they're often reluctant to actually do much work. They also suffer from the "mushroom theory" and "keep you in the dark, feed you manure, and when you pop your head up, they chop it off." You'll probably have to learn a lot about your therapy on your own.

Usually, your DME will swap masks for you within 30 days if you ask. They can return it for credit to the manufacturer within 30 days. Some of the slimier DMEs will try to con you into using a bad mask for more than 30 days so they don't have to bother with returning the bad mask and can bill you for a new one. If you've got two weeks usage, get on them now and demand to try a different mask before your 30 days are up if you need to change masks.

I do not like full face masks like you have. They're very often hard to fit. You might want to try a nasal mask, which fits over your nose or a nasal pillow mask which sticks onto the tip of your nostrils. With any nasal mask, you may have to deal with air coming out of your mouth, but the mask is often easier to handle than a full face mask. You may need a chin strap to help keep you from mouth breathing. Some people can never make a nasal mask work because of mouth breathing.

Mask fitting and leaks for any type of mask is a big problem for CPAP users. There are no magic solutions, but lots of things to try. One of the biggest hints is that tightening the straps sometimes makes leaks worse, not better.

The "clinician's manual" people talk about gives you the info to get into the secret "professionals only" menus to do things like change pressure. Patients aren't supposed to have access to that menu but many of us do. You can screw up your therapy by messing with the settings if you do it wrong.

[Kathy G]

Thank you everyone.

We show Cardigan Welsh Corgis. We have a Grand Champion, a Champion and three pet quality. We hope to breed the Grand Champion to the Champion next time she cycles, which probably won't be until the fall. The last litter he threw had 12 puppies and they all lived! He thought he was quite a stud!

[Slinky]

Typical male attitude. The truth is that the FEMALE determines the number of puppies, NOT the male. But I suppose its wisest you don't tell him and crush his overblown ego. I never had any experience w/the Cardis but LOVED the Pembrokes. I put one up at a match that went on to Group 1 and BIM. She was a real doll and went on to finish at just barely over a year of age.

[Kathy G]

Pugsy, that is the right machine. Where does everyone get the pictures to post? Looks like I have some reading to do.

[archangle]

Pugsy, that is the right machine. Where does everyone get the pictures to post? Looks like I have some reading to do.

Click on "User Control Panel" near the top of most pages. Then click on "Profile". Then Edit Equipment. Or just click this link: https://www.cpaptalk.com/ucp.php?i=prof ... pment_info

Choose the equipment from the list and it will show up at the bottom of your posts. We suggest you use the "Text" option for "How would you like your equipment displayed:" because a lot of the machines look the same in the pictures.

As to where I got the picture I posted, go to "cpap.com" and look at the listings of their machines. I got the picture there.

[Kathy G]

Thanks. Yesterday the DME dropped off a nasal mask and chin strap. About half way thru the night I realized I did not need that chin strap because if I attempted to breath through my mouth it was like some giant pressure differential and I gasped and woke up. So I spent the last few hours without the chin strap (which may be more torture than the full face mask) and did pretty well.