Newb here

[Crazy Eddie]

I was just diagnosed with severe OSA (72 stops per hour--apparently I suffocate every night). They actually had the machine and everything there for me the day they told me. Is this pretty normal? Does this mean that my doctor and DME are the same if I just go with them?

It's a PR 60 (560P seems to be the model number) with humidifier, heated hose and all that. I was told, end generally I've found the secretaries and such for doctors well versed at finding this information, that they charge $1500 for the machine and my insurance would tell them, "No, $800," or there abouts and that's the amount I'd pay my copay on. First I'm required to rent for 3 months though, with rent toward purchase.

Does this sound right? I saw another A-Flex model on the web for $700 but I think it's a PR 50. Is the 60 worth the extra? I can't find the same model with humidifier attachment on the same site (cpap.com), others seem to charge $1000-$1500.

I was told I should use distilled water instead of tap. Should I refrigerate the water after opening it?

I found some software called SleepyHead but I note that it may not be compatible with my machine? There's a patch linked on this forum but the post is from October of last year and the latest release (0.9.1 beta) seems to be a whole lot newer. Is a patch still needed? Where would that be had? Or, I'm no slouch when it comes to coding (and C++ is my thing)...what branch would be right to pull? I'm really curious to look at the data though I've only been using the device for two nights now.

When should I expect to feel different? I seem to still be tired, in fact maybe more so. I'm falling asleep OK but today I woke a good 3 hours earlier than normal (woke at noon ) and couldn't go back to sleep. I didn't have to drag myself out of bed, though I did yesterday..it was hard, but I'm still feeling tired and yawning all the time. I was told I could expect to feel really horrible for a while but that's not really happening so far. I do feel different but can't put a finger on exactly how.

I've been waking up to consciousness about 3x a night so far. When I do the auto output is around 12-14 and it's pretty hard to get back to sleep with that pressure on the exhale. The ramp up feature dials down to 5 though and then I feel like I'm suffocating. I've been able to trick it into bumping up a bit by mouth breathing and artificially snoring and holding my breath

Anyway, hi.

[caffeinatedcfo]

I was just diagnosed with severe OSA (72 stops per hour--apparently I suffocate every night). They actually had the machine and everything there for me the day they told me. Is this pretty normal? Does this mean that my doctor and DME are the same if I just go with them?

No but common. If all else seems on the up and up and they are agreeable to work with I see no issues. Some people have reported issues when their doc also owns the DME.

It's a PR 60 (560P seems to be the model number) with humidifier, heated hose and all that. I was told, end generally I've found the secretaries and such for doctors well versed at finding this information, that they charge $1500 for the machine and my insurance would tell them, "No, $800," or there abouts and that's the amount I'd pay my copay on. First I'm required to rent for 3 months though, with rent toward purchase. Does this sound right?

This is what I am doing and is very common. Depends on insurance coverage.

I was told I should use distilled water instead of tap. Should I refrigerate the water after opening it?

No. Distilled water resists bacteria better and will not stagnate.

I found some software called SleepyHead but I note that it may not be compatible with my machine? There's a patch linked on this forum but the post is from October of last year and the latest release (0.9.1 beta) seems to be a whole lot newer. Is a patch still needed? Where would that be had? Or, I'm no slouch when it comes to coding (and C++ is my thing)...what branch would be right to pull? I'm really curious to look at the data though I've only been using the device for two nights now.

I'll defer to other PR system users here as I have the ResMed S9. However, SH v.9.3 beta is the latest release. There is a post somewhere recent on this forum regarding SH installation for PR systems.

When should I expect to feel different?

Everyone is different on this. Some are lucky and take to therapy like ducks to water. Some of us suffered so long we have huge "sleep debt" to repay and feel better incrementally as time goes on. Many common symptoms seem to resolve quickly though, including blood pressure, nocturia, morning headaches, daytime fatigue, etc. Not every suffered from these but it is a good sign that you're seeing some differences already.

I've been waking up to consciousness about 3x a night so far. When I do the auto output is around 12-14 and it's pretty hard to get back to sleep with that pressure on the exhale. The ramp up feature dials down to 5 though and then I feel like I'm suffocating. I've been able to trick it into bumping up a bit by mouth breathing and artificially snoring and holding my breath

Again I will defer to PR system users, but does the machine have exhale relief (Resmed's is called the EPR setting)? Many users (myself included) feel suffocated at lower pressures. Heck, anything below 8 is intolerable to me. It's common to wake until your brain and body acclimate to therapy and pressure changes. Last night was the first night I slept all the way through (about 1-1/2 mos on the hose). I do not use the ramp feature and have my machine set to auto adjusting pressure with a range of 10-12cm. But again, these are comfort settings and different for everyone.

Anyway, hi.[/quote]

Welcome and also, once you are familiar with your equipment please post it in your profile. Sounds overall like you are doing well.

[Crazy Eddie]

I found some software called SleepyHead but I note that it may not be compatible with my machine?

The answer to this is that it definitely appears to be. Downloaded 0.9.3 (oddly SF's front says 0.9.1 is latest) and just tried it out.

Now to learn what all this means

[simplyme]

Hello, and welcome.
I too wouldn't bother putting the water in the refrigerator, just keep the lid on and don't drink out of the bottle that is the only way bacteria would be introduce.

I do recommend you use the distilled water whenever possible because tap water will cause more buildup of minerals, calciumddeposits mostly, you can use white vinegar in the cleaning water if you do use tap and get buildup.
Just make sure not to mix up a bottle of distilled water with a bottle of spring water or purified water. I did that one night and the purified water left worse mineral buildup in one night than when I had to use tap water several days.

I found I woke up in the night more at first too, probably because it is odd to have a mask on and a hose laying over you… it hapens less now.
Hope you find lots of good advice from everyone else here. I have gotten a lot of help from everyone here.

Simplyme