Newbie with a few questions

[caedenspa]

I just picked up my machine/mask etc. yesterday. My machine is a REMSTAR Auto A-Flex, mask is Resmed Mirage Quattro.

First night sleeping with it and ran into a few questions/issues that you veteran users can surely help with.

1. I had to go to the bathroom. I know the tech guy went over it with me, but at 2:30 AM in a groggy state I couldn't remember what I was supposed to do. I disconnected the hose from the mask, and had a fire-hose air-gun thing flopping around. Shoved it under the pillow. Didn't want to wake the wife, so I ended up turning the machine off. Is that what I'm supposed to do?

2. My AHI going in was 48.8. I checked the data this morning, and it said 12.0. I know it's only one night, and it's obviously a LOT better, but what does this really mean? How long until I see the REALLY low numbers?

3. I'm a mouth breather (thus the full-face), and a side sleeper. I woke up twice having pushed the mask sideways enough to have a blast of air going across my face. Guess I just need to keep experimenting with straps? I have ordered a CPAP pillow with the cutouts.

4. Is it possible to order accessories like a DC adapter or a battery pack without going through the folks who provided the machine? Insurance is goofy about stuff, and I don't mind paying out of pocket since I'm never going to get near my deductible anyway.

5. What am I not asking about that I should be?

Thanks in advance.

[Pugsy]

Welcome to the forum.

Let's figure out exactly which machine model you are using and have you add it to your equipment profile.
REMSTAR Auto A-Flex
The Remstar part of the model name is useless. Respironics has used that word in pretty much all their machine models.
Since it mentions AFlex that tells me that most likely you have the PR System One Auto CPAP...and most likely the latest 60 series model but let's make sure.
Look on the bottom of the blower unit for a 3 digit number..may have DS, REF or P in front or behind the 3 digits.
I suspect it will have either 560 or 561
If so then the correct equipment choice in the profile equipment menu would be
PR System One 60 Series Auto CPAP
PR System One 60 Series heated tube humidifier with heated tube (even if you aren't using the optional heated hose at this time)...the 60 series words are important.
So please verify and then add your equipment to your profile as having the equipment there at glance helps us help you better and faster
wiki/index.php/Registering_Equipment_in_User_Profile
You can see my equipment profile to get an idea.

If you have a 550 machine...that link is broken...tell us and then we can advise what to do but it's unlikely that a DME would have supplied this model because it was replaced by the 560 model over 2 years ago.

For your questions.

1. I suggest just turning the machine off when you need to get up to go to the bathroom during the night.
You can leave the mask on if you wish. Even with the Auto Off feature on the machine will run for 60 seconds after it no longer senses your breathing on the other end and the blowing might disturb your bed partner.

2. AHI of 12 is still fairly high. We need to see what the machine is reporting before we start worrying about why is it high and what to do about it. We use the software available to see what is going on. SleepyHead (links in my signature line) will work with this machine. You can also use Encore (but it is Windows only software) if you wish..just send me a PM if you want to try it.
If the AHI is primarily Clear Airway (Centrals) we won't do anything right now...first night usually has a lot of awake/semi awake centrals muddying up the reports.
Will explain more when we see the report itself. That 12 may not mean anything or it may mean sub optimal therapy but really need to see what's going on first before commenting further.

3. Mask fit and straps and leaks...the hardest part to this therapy and just takes some work to find the right mask and fit.

4. Yes...you can order the accessories for battery use elsewhere and likely save some money in the process.
Your insurance won't pay for it anyway. Before you order anything make sure your model number. The 560 has some different needs than the 550. Cpap.com is a good place to order from. Good prices and good people and they pay the bills so we can have this forum.
https://www.cpap.com/cpap-power.php

[caedenspa]

I think I chose the right stuff from the dropdowns... the machine is DS560HS, the humidifier is DS6HFLG. Those numbers are from the service agreement, which I happen to have in the office with me.

[wilsonintexas]

I am going to take a quick stab, I am sure others wil chime it. I will try to answer below eadch question..... OK while I was working on a reply Pugsy got in an a reply.... take her advice...

I just picked up my machine/mask etc. yesterday. My machine is a REMSTAR Auto A-Flex, mask is Resmed Mirage Quattro.

First night sleeping with it and ran into a few questions/issues that you veteran users can surely help with.

1. I had to go to the bathroom. I know the tech guy went over it with me, but at 2:30 AM in a groggy state I couldn't remember what I was supposed to do. I disconnected the hose from the mask, and had a fire-hose air-gun thing flopping around. Shoved it under the pillow. Didn't want to wake the wife, so I ended up turning the machine off. Is that what I'm supposed to do?


TED: What ever works for you..... no real right or wrong way...... I tend to take off the mask. others disconnect the hose...... no wrong answer here. Actually I take that back..... the one that disturbes your wife the least is probably best....... We have a white noise generator, so when I get up she does not hear the machine running until it auto shuts down...

2. My AHI going in was 48.8. I checked the data this morning, and it said 12.0. I know it's only one night, and it's obviously a LOT better, but what does this really mean? How long until I see the REALLY low numbers?

TED: it may take some time, and some adjustments to the pressure. "Controlled" us anything below 5, so ther is still some room for improvement. There is a pole out ther on AHI, it will be interesting to see what the average numbers are...... I will not mention mine, but they ar every good.

3. I'm a mouth breather (thus the full-face), and a side sleeper. I woke up twice having pushed the mask sideways enough to have a blast of air going across my face. Guess I just need to keep experimenting with straps? I have ordered a CPAP pillow with the cutouts.

TED: Welcome to the mask fit challange. There are all sorts of threads out there on selecting a mask, search for what mask and read away. The pillow helps many. Personally I ended up with a cloth mask (check out sleep weaver on cpap.com). Recommend you get a script from you DR for supplies and get it to someone like CPAP.com (or others). 2 reasons: 1- they have some masks with free fit insurance.... so you can return it.... your DME may let you try 2 or maybe 3...... the 2n reason..... insurance only lets you replace something every 3-6 months. There will come a time whtn the dog, cat, vacuum cleaner.... gets hold of your mask and you have to replace it.... If you have to pay out of pocket you might as well go online and save money.

4. Is it possible to order accessories like a DC adapter or a battery pack without going through the folks who provided the machine? Insurance is goofy about stuff, and I don't mind paying out of pocket since I'm never going to get near my deductible anyway.

Ted: Insurance will not cover those things and they are all available online. Spares like the baattery pack do not need a perscription. Masks (at least full ones do). mask parts do not..... so sometimes you can buy just the replacement liner for the mask.



5. What am I not asking about that I should be?


Ted: 1) you did not ask what sleepy head is, or how to look at your data in more detail that the summary on the machine..... If you really want to get things under control, and it sounds like you do. Then something like sleepy head is a must. My DR was impressed that I was looking at my data and answered wuestions..... Others think that you are stepppiong on their toes and get upset...... If yours gets upset..... find a new one...

- NOTE- read the threads on the top of the forum on sleepy head. Then when you ask about lowering your AHI... you can include the correct screen shots..... and the very good people here will have detailed recommendations.....


but read up first... see what screen shots they need, and learn a little about the software....It is a learnign curve, but if I can do it anyone can.


2) Check with your DME and be sure you know what schedule you are allowed parts. My first DME did not make noney and replacement parts, and never told me that some were covered. Get the first set of replacements on schedule (spare hunidifier, hose, mask pad, get the first replacement headband as soon as possible....) THEN FIND A DME THAT WILL PUT YOU ON AUTO ORDER... AT least for the first few cycles.... You can cut back when you have a few spares.... There is nothing like waking up to find that your humidifier tank sprang a leak and you do not have one....

3rd look into the proper cleaning and care of the equipment.... I am not good at it, but if you clean your mask regurarly it may last longer. Cleaning your hose can stop gunk. Remember ypou are blowing warm moist air into the thing....

Good luck and welcome to the forum.

Thanks in advance.

I am sure others will chime in.... but welcome to the group.

Get sleepy head and learn how to download you datra..... then you will have the information you need to get those really low numbers.

[Starlette]

Welcome to the forum, I have prepared a welcome wagon just for you: Hot chocolate milk and chocolate chip cookies, and peppermint schnaaps for flavoring. NOTE: You will be carded since alcohol is provided. When you arrive, please sign in (your login name) so we'll know you stopped by. Then my post will return back to the top of posts for other newbies to stop by for a treat.

Newbie Welcome Wagon



Enjoy!

Starlette

[TowneSA]

I've been on the machine for about a month now and I still struggle with fit. Some nights I have no issues but most nights I have leaks that wake me. I just ordered a large vs a medium to try out. As everyone is saying it takes a while to get used to. One complaint my wife has for sure about the Fisher & Paykel Simplus Full Face Mask is how it vents. When I roll onto my side the venting air wakes her up because it shoots straight out.

[caedenspa]

Okay, night two is in the books. AHI came down a little versus first night. Having a lot of centrals, but my understanding is those are likely "false" flags due to me just getting used to it. I am far more rested than before the machine.

Still trying to find a comfortable fit with the mask. To get it so it won't leak I have to pull it tight. But tight isn't comfortable. No major leaks, just annoying ones.

The best part... I realized when I got up that last night was the first night I can remember EVER not having to get up to go to the bathroom in the night!

Lots to learn still obviously. But Pugsy's sticky on this page is INCREDIBLY helpful, and seemingly answers questions before I even realize I have the question!

[palerider]

One complaint my wife has for sure about the Fisher & Paykel Simplus Full Face Mask is how it vents.

bummer that f&p hasn't put a diffuser on that one yet, they have little filter pads for many of their other masks that clip over the holes and turn the cold blast into a gentle wafting breeze.