Dream Station Cpap machine

[macewa]

I'm posting for a friend. He just got his Dream Station. Even though I've learned how to do all kinds of things with my machine, what he's telling me makes no sense. He was tested for sleep apnea and the factory? set his machine for him. He talks about starting at 4 and it going up to 7. And that it can't be changed. I asked if he had the results of his test and he said no. I told him to request them as his machine could be set improperly - that his results should have the doctors recommendation for settings.

He has been using it for about 4 weeks and says he only feels worse. And of course he has the problem with his mask not fitting properly. He tells me he is a mouth breather, but that he doesn't have to use the full face mask.??

Wondering if people who have this machine can give me any info to pass on to him. I'm afraid to just do something with it because it doesn't belong to me and I certainly don't want to mess it up. He will not come here for help. I've told him how helpful all of you were to me as I had a horrid time, taking over a year to find a mask that worked. I've told him to go to the people who sell him product but he doesn't want to do that, even though I told him I'd go with him since I knew the questions to ask. But no. I'm doing this because I want to help his wife out. My hour talking about this with him exhausted me. So, any info I can pass along would be helpful. Many thanks in advance.

[LSAT]

He can go here to get the Clinical Manual for the machine. Instructions for changing pressure etc.
http://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-p ... tup-manual

[D.H.]

There are stats that be seen from the machine (on the "info" screen) without going into clinical mode or using an external device. I would start by going over those with him.

You can see number of hours used (on the previous night), AHI, 90% pressure, mask fit, and periodic breathing. You will be able to see if there are excessive leaks (which include leaks through an open mouth). If the 90% is 7, then you can guess he needs to set it higher.

Please advise him that the settings are done by the DME not the manufacturer (it's done at the equivalent of a car dealership not the equivalent of an assembly plant).

[Pugsy]

ou can see number of hours used (on the previous night), AHI, 90% pressure, mask fit, and periodic breathing. You will be able to see if there are excessive leaks (which include leaks through an open mouth). If the 90% is 7, then you can guess he needs to set it higher.

What may or may not be seen on the LCD screen is going to be determined by the model machine being used.
The DreamStation CPAP model is not a full efficacy data model.
All the stuff you mentioned is what is available on the apap capable model....not all those items are available on the half assed brick model "CPAP" model number DSX200xxx
and BTW the 90% pressure number of 7 doesn't necessarily mean that it needs to be set higher. It might not need to be changed at all.
Since the "CPAP" model doesn't do auto adjusting pressures then only the fixed pressure will be reported and if it is set to ramp up to 7 then it is going to stay at 7 which may or may not be effective.

Everyone remember that the OP here is talking about a machine that a friend is using...OP is NOT talking about the machine he/she uses.

[macewa]

thanks all, that is a starting point. I have a feeling he has one that is a constant pressure one. He has no idea what the results were of his test. He starts out at a low ramp of 4 and then goes up to a higher number that doesn't change. I just remember that when I got my machine they had it at a constant level or 25 and I ended up with wind burn in my nose. So, I know the setting they come with is not necessarily the setting they should be at.

I spent over a year finding my mask that would work for me. I had to have all my teeth removed and now have full mouth of dentures. That part is good, BUT now with the teeth my face has a different shape and without them my face has a different shape so am having more leaks. Concerned I will have to do another mask search Ouch! wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.

again thanks for the info for my friend's husband. I forgot there was constant pressure ones. LOL